Highlights
- The iPhone 17e is tipped to be Apple’s most budget-friendly iPhone, entering mass production shortly after CES 2026.
- It is expected to feature a 6.1-inch Dynamic Island display, an underclocked A19 chip, MagSafe charging, slimmer bezels and an 18MP Centre Stage front camera.
- It is expected in limited colour options like black and white.
The upcoming iPhone 17e is likely to be positioned as the most affordable model in Apple’s smartphone lineup. Recent leaks suggest the launch is closer than previously anticipated.
iPhone 17e May Enter Production After CES
According to a new leak shared by tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo, the iPhone 17e is set to enter “production” shortly after CES 2026. For context, the Consumer Electronics Show is currently underway in Las Vegas and is scheduled to conclude on January 9.
Tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo. (Translated Via Google Translate)
This suggests Apple is moving closer to the manufacturing phase for its next entry-level iPhone.
Display and Performance Details tipped
The tipster claims that Apple is positioning the iPhone 17e to compete with budget flagship smartphones. The device is said to feature a 6.1-inch display with Dynamic Island support, but without a high refresh rate. While the standard iPhone 17 reportedly became the first regular iPhone to offer a 120Hz refresh rate, multiple leaks indicate that Apple may not extend this feature to the iPhone 17e.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17e is expected to be powered by the A19 processor. However, it is said to be an underclocked version compared to the chip used in the standard iPhone 17.
iPhone 17e – What Else We Know So Far?
iPhone 16e.
Earlier reports suggest that the iPhone 17e could support MagSafe charging and feature slimmer bezels. The phone is also expected to run iOS 26 out of the box, similar to the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup.
While the device has long been rumoured to retain a single rear camera sensor like its predecessor, it may see an upgrade on the front. Leaks indicate that the iPhone 17e could feature an 18MP Centre Stage front-facing camera, matching the selfie camera setup on other iPhone 17 models.
The iPhone 16e marked Apple’s first smartphone to use the company’s proprietary modem. Now, the iPhone 17e is expected to continue this approach. However, it may feature the newer C1X modem, which Apple reportedly introduced with the iPhone Air.
There is currently little information about colour options, which suggests that the iPhone 17e could be limited to black and white variants, similar to its predecessor.
In India, the iPhone 16e launched at a starting price of ₹59,900, and its successor is expected to be priced in a similar range. That said, ongoing memory chip shortages and tariff-related issues could potentially push Apple to increase prices this time around.
FAQs
Q1. When will the iPhone 17e enter production?
Answer. Leaks suggest the iPhone 17e will move into mass production shortly after CES 2026, which ends on January 9.
Q2. What are the key specifications of the iPhone 17e?
Answer. It is expected to feature a 6.1-inch Dynamic Island display (no 120Hz), an underclocked A19 chip, slimmer bezels, MagSafe charging, and an 18MP Centre Stage front camera.
Q3. How will the iPhone 17e be priced and what modem will it use?
Answer. The iPhone 17e is likely to be priced around ₹59,900 in India, though tariffs and shortages may raise costs. It will use Apple’s C1X proprietary modem.