Apple is preparing to expand its mid-range smartphone portfolio next year with the launch of a second-generation iPhone 17e, as per a report by Korean tech website The Elec. The phone should maintain some cost-saving features of earlier versions, marking Apple’s ongoing efforts to provide more affordable iPhones without sacrificing core features.
iPhone 17e to feature familiar OLED display
The Elec reports, citing supply chain sources, that Apple will use the same OLED panel from the current iPhone 16e in the upcoming iPhone 17e. Apple first introduced the 6.1-inch display with Face ID in the iPhone 14. Reusing the panel is part of Apple’s approach to minimize production expenses by leveraging mature production lines.
Display suppliers of the iPhone 17e will likely be BOE and Samsung, both of which supplied panels for the iPhone 16e. LG Display may also be part of the supply chain, though Apple has not confirmed this involvement.
Built on the foundation of the iPhone 16e
Released in February 2025, the iPhone 16e came with a starting price of $599 and was soon known to be a reliable mid-segment option compared to Apple’s top-end devices. It had the A18 processor, USB-C charging interface, and the same Face ID-equipped OLED display found on its predecessors.
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The new iPhone 17e is likely to use the same approach, balancing performance and affordability. Moreover, the device will probably to retain much of the same functionality as its successor to make development easier and keep production costs down, The Elec reports.
Production timeline and launch window
Rumors surrounding the iPhone 17e first emerged this year. A leaker in April predicted the device was close to trial production and may go on sale as soon as May 2026. More recently, respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimated the device would release in the first half of 2026.
This follows Apple’s reported move towards a split iPhone release schedule. The company might launch cheaper versions such as the iPhone “e” lineup in the spring, and reserve leading iPhone Pro models for the usual fall launch period.
Future of the “e” Series
iPhone 17e won’t be the last in this series. Ming-Chi Kuo has also forecast the arrival of a third-gen “e” device, which might release in line with the regular iPhone 18 during the first half of 2027. This would be a drastic departure from Apple’s standard release cycle, adding more credence to rumors of a staggered launch plan.
Apple has not officially announced the presence or release date of the iPhone 17e, and the company is infamous for holding secrets about unlaunched devices. However, repeated reporting by several reputable sources indicates the mid-tier “e” line is establishing a position as a standard feature within Apple’s product portfolio.