Apple’s unveiling on Wednesday of the iPhone 16e, which changed the iPhone SE line, marked a strategic shift within the firm’s flagship smartphone lineup. The iPhone 16e affords a 6.1-inch OLED show, Face ID, an A18 chip, and a USB-C port, positioning it as a extra reasonably priced different inside the iPhone 16 household. Does that imply we must always count on an iPhone 17e to be added to the upcoming iPhone 17 collection?
Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is anticipated to function 4 fashions: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Professional, iPhone 17 Professional Max, and a brand new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air that replaces the prevailing Plus mannequin. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to have a considerably thinner design with an aluminum chassis and a 6.6-inch show, aiming to supply a stability between portability and efficiency.
Given this lineup, it is unclear whether or not Apple will proceed the “e” collection with an iPhone 17e. Certainly, as of now, there are not any particular rumors or experiences suggesting that Apple will launch an iPhone 17e this 12 months or subsequent. The introduction of the iPhone 17 Air could characterize Apple’s strategy to offering a mid-tier choice, doubtlessly changing the necessity for an “e” variant. Nonetheless, with out official affirmation or credible leaks, the existence of an iPhone 17e stays speculative.
One risk is that Apple releases an iPhone 17e subsequent 12 months across the identical February window, utilizing the mannequin’s launch as a technique to reinvigorate its flagship lineup mid-cycle. Apple may select to do that annually. It is a extra thrilling technique than merely providing new iPhone colours every spring, which Apple has completed prior to now. Alternatively, it might choose to launch “e” collection iPhone fashions based mostly on a non-linear roadmap, much like the iPhone SE. The primary-generation iPhone SE was launched on March 2016, whereas the second-generation mannequin arrived in April 2020, and the third-generation iPhone SE got here in March 2022.
As Apple continues to evolve its iPhone technique, the success of the iPhone 16e within the coming months could in the end decide whether or not we’ll see future “e” variants alongside the primary iPhone lineup. In that sense, iPhone 16e gross sales figures and consumer suggestions could also be the most effective gauge as to the place Apple would possibly head subsequent.
