iPhone 17e Could Launch Next Month

Apple appears ready to refresh its most affordable iPhone far sooner than expected. The iPhone 16e is already nearly a year old, and multiple industry leaks and analyst reports suggest Apple could unveil the iPhone 17e as early as next month. While the company has not officially confirmed the launch, the rumour mill has revealed a detailed look at what this next-generation budget iPhone could offer.

From a new processor to improved design, better front camera and long-awaited MagSafe support, the iPhone 17e is shaping up to be one of the most meaningful upgrades in Apple’s entry-level lineup.

iPhone 17e Leaked Launch Timeline

Apple launched the iPhone 16e in February last year, and the iPhone 17e is expected to follow the same schedule. According to supply-chain sources and analyst notes, the phone may arrive as early as February 2026, though a slightly later spring release cannot be ruled out.

A19 Chip Could Power the iPhone 17e

TSMC’s 3nm N3P Technology

At the heart of the upgrade is the new A19 chip, which is expected to replace the A18 found in the iPhone 16e. The processor is tipped to be built on TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process called N3P.

Early benchmarks suggest performance gains of around 5 to 10 per cent, which may not drastically change daily usage but will significantly improve long-term performance, efficiency, and software longevity.

This also ensures the iPhone 17e remains compatible with future iOS versions for several years.

Thinner Bezels and Possible Dynamic Island

Modernised Front Design

A report from The Elec claims the iPhone 17e will feature thinner bezels while retaining its 6.1-inch display size. However, it will continue to miss out on premium features like ProMotion and Always-On Display.

One of the biggest changes could be the front design.

Some leaks suggest Apple could finally bring Dynamic Island to the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 16e still uses the traditional notch, making it the last iPhone with that design. If this rumour turns out to be true, the notch would be officially retired from all new iPhones.

New Selfie Camera With Center Stage

18MP Square Sensor Upgrade

According to analyst Jeff Pu, Apple has upgraded the front camera across the iPhone 17 series with a new 18MP square sensor that supports Center Stage.

This camera can:

• Automatically adjust framing

• Support both portrait and landscape selfies

• Track faces when people enter or leave the frame

The iPhone 17e is expected to receive the same front camera, bringing a premium photography feature to Apple’s most affordable model.

MagSafe Support Finally Coming

Better Wireless Charging and Accessories

One of the most practical upgrades is MagSafe support, which the iPhone 16e currently lacks.

With MagSafe, the iPhone 17e could support:

• 15W wireless charging

• Magnetic wallets

• Battery packs

• Car mounts and stands

The iPhone 16e is limited to 7.5W Qi charging, so this would be a major usability improvement.

iPhone 17e Expected India Price

Apple is unlikely to change the pricing strategy.

• US starting price: $599

• Approximate conversion: Rs 54,000

• India launch price of iPhone 16e: Rs 59,900

The iPhone 17e is expected to be priced in the same Rs 59,900 range in India, as Apple historically maintains pricing for its budget iPhone models, similar to what it did with the iPhone SE lineup.

Storage Upgrade Still Uncertain

Apple reportedly upgraded the base storage of the iPhone 17 lineup to 256GB, but it remains unclear whether the iPhone 17e will receive the same benefit.

If Apple does bring 256GB storage to the 17e at the same price, it would greatly improve the phone’s overall value.

Why iPhone 17e Could Be Apple’s Best Budget iPhone Yet

The iPhone 16e failed to impress many users due to limited upgrades and missing features. However, with:

• A19 chip

• Dynamic Island

• Thinner bezels

• 18MP selfie camera

• MagSafe support

the iPhone 17e could finally become a true flagship-grade budget iPhone, especially if Apple keeps pricing unchanged.