3 min read
The iPhone 17 lineup is now official, but many buyers are waiting for a cheaper option. Apple’s next entry-level device, expected to be called the iPhone 17e, is already generating buzz. Earlier this year, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e at $599 in the US, priced at PKR 245,000 in Pakistan.
That model replaced the long-running iPhone SE and became the budget-friendly addition to the iPhone 16 family. Now the big question is, when will the iPhone 17e arrive, and what will it bring?
Expected Launch Timeline
Industry reports suggest Apple will release the iPhone 17e in 2026. Analyst reports predicted a launch in the first half of the year, aligning with Apple’s new annual refresh strategy for entry-level iPhones. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has backed that timeline, saying the phone is expected early next year. However, some leaks hint at a later May 2026 launch, while trial production is already rumored to be underway.
Display Details
The iPhone 17e may reuse the same OLED panel found in the iPhone 16e, which originally appeared in the iPhone 14. This cost-saving move fits Apple’s strategy of relying on established production lines.
The iPhone 16e featured a Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 800 nits of typical brightness, and 1200 nits peak brightness for HDR content. Its resolution was 2532 by 1170 with 460 ppi, slightly lower than the 2556 by 1179 resolution on the iPhone 16.
Processor Upgrade
Leaks reported that the iPhone 17e will ship with Apple’s A19 chip, the same processor powering the iPhone 17. The A19 uses a 3-nanometer process, with a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine.
Each GPU core includes a Neural Accelerator, improving AI performance on-device, including Siri. The chip also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, enabling console-level gaming on the iPhone. Apple claims these efficiency gains will deliver better battery life.
Design and Dynamic Island
Apple plans to give the iPhone 17e a new design with the Dynamic Island. The iPhone 16e still uses a notch design similar to the iPhone 13 and 14, so the switch would bring the entry-level line closer to newer models. Some reports remain skeptical, as Apple is expected to keep using the same OLED panel as the iPhone 16e. Still, if true, the iPhone 17e could resemble the iPhone 15 with its rounded frame and Dynamic Island cutout.
Looking ahead, market analysts have predicted Apple will release a third-generation “e” model alongside the standard iPhone 18 in early 2027. This will follow Apple’s new launch cycle, where the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e debut six months after the iPhone 18 Pro models. That split strategy signals Apple’s commitment to keeping the “e” series as a yearly refresh for budget-conscious buyers.
