Apple will very doubtless launch an iPhone 17e subsequent yr across the similar February window, claims a brand new shopper report, coinciding with a declare by a confirmed leaker that references to the machine have already been noticed within the Chinese language provide chain.
In response to a brand new report by Shopper Intelligence Analysis Companions (CIRP), Apple’s iPhone 16e is simply the primary in an annual cycle of extra reasonably priced “e” fashions in Apple’s flagship lineup, and Apple plans to comply with it up in February 2026 with an iPhone 17e. From the report:
It seems that “e” telephones could also be a part of this system going ahead. Following the core iPhone 17 mannequin launches in September, we count on Apple to announce an iPhone 17e round this time subsequent yr. That might mimic Google’s introduction of “a” fashions in its Pixel line months after the annual Spring launch of their flagship and Professional fashions in recent times.
In a associated improvement this morning, WeChat-based leaker Mounted Focus Digital claimed to have discovered of the existence of a “new undertaking codename” in Apple’s provide chain, and recommended there’s a “excessive probability” it pertains to subsequent yr’s iPhone 17e. It is price noting that Mounted Focus Digital was the primary leaker to say the “iPhone 16e” nomenclature again in December, when everybody else nonetheless assumed Apple would merely launch a brand new machine in its established entry-level “iPhone SE” collection.
Earlier than these rumors emerged, we speculated final week about the potential for an iPhone 17e launching in early 2026, across the similar February timeframe. Introducing a extra reasonably priced mid-cycle “e” mannequin may assist Apple refresh its flagship lineup and generate extra shopper curiosity than merely re-releasing the usual iPhone in a brand new coloration – a method the corporate has used previously. Patrons would even have a greater concept of when to count on the following entry-level machine, in distinction to the non-linear roadmap that succeeding iPhone SE fashions seemingly adopted.
After all, that is assuming the iPhone 16e sells properly. If it would not, the “e” may endure the identical destiny because the iPhone “mini” collection, very similar to we expect a “Plus” mannequin to be absent in Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. In that sense, experiences outlining iPhone 16e gross sales figures might give us the very best concept of the machine’s long-term future.
The iPhone 16e includes a 6.1-inch OLED show with a notch, Face ID, an A18 chip, Apple Intelligence assist, a USB-C port, an Motion button, and a single 48-megapixel rear digital camera that gives 2x zoom with optical-like high quality. The machine can also be outfitted with Apple’s first custom-designed 5G “C1” modem. The iPhone 16e launches on Friday, February 28, when it will likely be available for purchase in Apple retail shops as pre-orders are delivered to clients.
