Apple’s strategy for launching affordable smartphones continues with the introduction of the iPhone 16e, swiftly followed by the upcoming iPhone 17e. As the company seeks to mitigate production costs amid a DRAM shortfall, we anticipate minimal aesthetic alterations.
However, the internal specifications may pique your interest. Below, we delve into the pertinent details regarding the iPhone 17e’s release, features, and specifications.
Design and Display
The most noteworthy modification expected on the iPhone 17e is the transition from a notch to the Dynamic Island. The device is anticipated to feature a 60Hz OLED display, mirroring the configuration utilized in the iPhone 16e.
To ensure production efficiency with a focus on reducing the Bill of Materials (BoM), Apple has reportedly contracted the Chinese manufacturer BOE to handle all display orders, with projections indicating about 8 million units for shipment. In essence, the iPhone 17e is unlikely to be a high-demand device.
Chipset and Additional Specifications
An appealing aspect of upgrading to the iPhone 17e is its incorporation of silicon nearly identical to that of the standard iPhone 17, featuring the A19 chipset. However, this presents a slight conundrum, as the previous generation, the iPhone 16e, utilized the A18 chipset—herein lies the twist.
This system-on-chip (SoC) is equipped with a 4-core GPU rather than a 5-core version, potentially resulting in a performance dip of approximately 10 percent in benchmarks such as 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited. The A19 may also be paired with a 4-core GPU, while the iPhone 17e is expected to retain the C1 5G modem found in its predecessor, relegating the newer C2 baseband chip to the forthcoming iPhone 18 line.
Camera
It appears that Apple is unlikely to unveil any new sensors with the iPhone 17e, predicting a continuation of the 48MP primary lens previously seen in the iPhone 16e. The front camera is expected to feature a 12MP sensor.
Nevertheless, enhancements in computational photography promise to enable the iPhone 17e to capture image and video quality on par with, if not exceeding, that of the iPhone 16e.
Battery
Details regarding the battery specifications for the iPhone 17e remain elusive, yet it would not be surprising if Apple opts to reuse the 4,005mAh cell featured in the iPhone 16e.
On this occasion, however, the newer model is projected to offer enhanced longevity due to efficiency advancements in the A19 chipset, complemented by the advantages of the C1 5G modem.
Price
Given the ongoing DRAM crisis, one might anticipate a price hike for the iPhone 17e. Fortunately, rumors suggest that Apple may benefit from improved supply chain efficiencies, allowing it to maintain or potentially reduce the device’s MSRP.
Accordingly, the iPhone 17e is expected to retail for $599 in the U.S. for the 256GB variant, which bodes well for prospective buyers of the iPhone 16e, now possibly available at a discount.
Launch
Earlier reports indicated that the iPhone 17e would begin mass production following the conclusion of CES 2026, with recent updates suggesting a launch date of February 19.
Coincidentally, this aligns with the announcement date of the iPhone 16e, so a historical recurrence would not be unexpected.
The Cupertino-based company had previously expressed hesitance regarding the launch; however, analyzing current market dynamics, where prices for consumer electronics appear poised to surge, the iPhone 17e may offer consumers an opportunity to engage with Apple’s ecosystem without incurring exorbitant costs.
Source link: Wccftech.com.
