Earlier this year, Apple launched the iPhone 16e. While in many ways it was iPhone SE Successor, the naming system changes things a bit compared to iPhone SE. Now that it’s part of the main iPhone lineup, many have wondered – will this be an annual update? Today we will recap the rumors.
iPhone 17e: annual update?
According to leaker Instant Digital on Weibo, Apple is already preparing for trial production of the iPhone 17e, indicating that it is almost certainly on the way:
Planning is underway to set up production line 17e. This answers the question: there will be a 17e next year, and it is now almost in beta production.
It is unclear what will change in the iPhone 17e. Dynamic Island would certainly be a welcome upgrade. It is also likely to adopt the A19 chipset found in the upcoming iPhone 17 models. A C2 modem may also make its debut, although this is just a personal guess.
Somehow, it seems entirely plausible that the new iPhone ‘e’ will be an annual refresh, unlike the iPhone SE that came before it.
Reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also expected iPhone 17e will be launched in the first half of 2026.
Beyond the iPhone 17e
Earlier this month, The Information reported that Apple would move to a split iPhone launch strategy, with the iPhone 18 Air, Pro, Pro Max, and foldable launching in the fall of 2026, and the iPhone 18 and 18e launching in the spring of 2027.
While these details in themselves do not confirm an annual update for the iPhone ‘e’, they do at least indicate that new entry-level iPhones will be launched more regularly than iPhone SE Models launched in 2016, 2020 and 2022, leaving an average refresh cycle of 3 years.
conclude
In general, it is too early to say for sure. However, I’m inclined to say yes: Apple will likely launch the iPhone 17e in early 2026.
Personally, I hope Apple diversifies its offerings a bit. With the entry-level iPhone priced at $599 now, I think it would probably be really great if we saw the iPhone mini renaissance. Its price will likely start at $499, making it a more attractive purchase than the stock one iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini Priced at $699. This is more than just a pipe dream.
What do you think of the iPhone 16e and the possibility of iPhone launches on a more regular basis? Let us know in the comments.
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