Apple's iPhone 17e launch appears imminent. The new budget iPhone could potentially arrive as early as Feb. 19, exactly one year after the iPhone 16e debuted. Industry sources, including reports from Macworld, have zeroed in on the date. Apple will likely announce the device via a simple press release rather than a major event — as it did with the inaugural iPhone 16e.
However, Feb. 19 is a Thursday, which looks unusual going by Apple's history. The Cupertino major typically unveils new products on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays. Having said that, since there is no launch event, the date can't be completely ruled out. The iPhone 17e is expected to come with the following features and upgrades.
Camera Enhancements
The most notable upgrade is tipped for the front camera, which is expected to jump to an 18MP sensor equipped with Center Stage for improved video framing and selfies. This aligns it more closely with standard iPhone 17 models and marks a step up from the 12MP unit on the iPhone 16e. The rear setup should stay unchanged, featuring a single camera lens similar to its predecessor.
Advanced Chips And Connectivity
Under the hood, the iPhone 17e is anticipated to house the A19 chip, delivering near-flagship performance with potential minor variations in GPU cores compared to higher-end models. It will retain Apple's custom C1 modem from the prior generation, though some reports suggest an upgraded next-gen version like the C1X for faster and more efficient connectivity. Connectivity features may include an N1 chip for enhanced Wi-Fi, Thread, and Bluetooth support. The recent AirTag launch raises possibilities for ultra-wideband chips like U1 or U2 for Precision Finding.
No Design Revamp, But Dynamic Island Possible
Design-wise, the iPhone 17e should mirror the iPhone 16e, retaining a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate with no upshift to 120Hz ProMotion. While some earlier leaks pointed to a transition from the notch to Dynamic Island, recent sources indicate it will likely keep the notch instead.
Battery And Charging
Faster wired charging speeds and a larger battery capacity are rumoured, alongside the addition of MagSafe support for magnetic wireless charging up to around 25W — addressing a key omission from the iPhone 16e.
Unchanged Pricing
The iPhone 17e will be the most affordable entry into Apple's ecosystem. It is expected to start at approximately $600, in line with the iPhone 16e without major increases.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.