Apple’s February launch of the iPhone 16e, which changed the iPhone SE line, marked a strategic shift within the firm’s flagship smartphone lineup. Beginning at $599, the iPhone 16e provides a 6.1-inch OLED show, Face ID, an A18 chip, and a USB-C port, positioning it as a extra inexpensive different throughout the iPhone 16 household. Does that imply we must always anticipate an iPhone 17e to be added to the upcoming iPhone 17 sequence?
Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is predicted 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 present 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 pure to query whether or not Apple will proceed the “e” sequence with an iPhone 17e, for the reason that introduction of the iPhone 17 Air might probably signify Apple’s method to offering a mid-tier choice, changing the necessity for an “e” variant. Nonetheless, Apple is more likely to market the brand new ultra-thin Plus-replacing gadget as a fascinating premium choice regardless of its single digital camera and lack of different options, so we don’t anticipate it to promote for lower than $899, which is the present value for the iPhone 16 Plus. At $899, the iPhone 17 Air could be dearer than the iPhone 17, however inexpensive than the iPhone 17 Professional.
A stronger chance is that Apple releases an iPhone 17e subsequent yr across the similar February window, utilizing the mannequin’s launch as a option to reinvigorate its flagship lineup mid-cycle. Apple might select to do that every year. It is a extra thrilling technique than merely providing new iPhone colours within the spring, which Apple has finished up to now.
Certainly, one rumor in April instructed Apple’s next-generation iPhone 17e was already nearing the trial manufacturing stage, although the leaker behind the declare instructed a Could 2026 launch for the gadget somewhat than February. As well as, revered business analyst Ming-Chi Kuo ha since predicted that Apple will launch a second-generation iPhone 17e in the primary half of subsequent yr. And it’s not anticipated to be the final of its form.
Trying additional forward, Kuo says a third-generation “e” gadget will reportedly be launched alongside the usual iPhone 18 within the first half of 2027. That is as a result of Apple is now mentioned to be launching the usual iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e within the spring – a full six months after the iPhone 18 Professional fashions – as a part of its change to a cut up iPhone yearly launch technique.
If the claims turned out to be inaccurate, Apple might all the time decide to launch “e” sequence 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 might finally 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 one of the best gauge as to the place Apple may head subsequent. And early stories recommend the gadget is doing properly: current knowledge from Shopper Intelligence Analysis Companions (CIRP) suggests Apple’s iPhone 16e is off to a robust begin, capturing 7% of U.S. iPhone gross sales in its first partial quarter of availability.
