First leaks about the iPhone 17e - an affordable next-generation iPhone

The iPhone 16e was released in February of this year and became the ideological descendant of the SE line. Most likely, Apple changed the name of its most budgetary line due to the transition to an annual update cycle. Accordingly, in early 2026, we can expect the iPhone 17e. In fact, the first leaks have already confirmed this.

Thus, the Digital Chat Station informant claims that the new product will have a 6.1-inch display with a fixed refresh rate of 60 Hz and Dynamic Island (the 16e has bangs). The new device will also have an Apple A19 processor (the 16e has an A18). But the cameras will not change - we will have the same lonely 48MP main module and 12MP front-facing one.

Context.

Apple began to develop its budget lineup more actively for a reason. The iPhone 16e has become a successful affordable model: in the second quarter of 2025, it accounted for 11% of all iPhone sales in the US - more than the previous SE (5%). If Apple can keep the price at $599, the smartphone will have good sales as a simple phone for the elderly or children.