Gone are the days of truly budget iPhones. Since Apple introduced the “lower-cost” iPhone 16e last year at $599 (around Rs 59,900 in India), the entry-level option has shifted upwards in price. The iPhone 16e replaced the $429 iPhone SE but came in $170 higher, moving beyond what most would call budget territory.
Come February 2026, the iPhone 17e is expected to step in as its successor. Amid chatter about rising RAM costs, we'll be lucky to get the newer device at the same price. Leaks, however, point to the iPhone 17e debuting at around $599 — matching the iPhone 16e's starting price, even with anticipated upgrades.
Which begets the question: What are the expected improvements?
Upgrades To Expect In iPhone 17e
Rumours suggest an 18MP front camera, though the rear setup is likely to stay similar. Apple's A19 chip is said to deliver a 5-10% performance boost over the A18. The design and display are expected to largely carry over from the 16e, but with one notable change: switching the outdated notch with a Dynamic Island. It's unlikely to upgrade from 60Hz to 120Hz refresh rate like the flagship iPhone 17 lineup.
Another expected highlight is support for magnetic wireless charging (MagSafe compatibility), addressing a key omission from the iPhone 16e.
But potential tech upgrades aren't the reasons to wait for the iPhone 17e.
iPhone 17e May Be The Only Entry-Level iPhone This Year
Beyond these enhancements, if you're looking for an affordable iPhone and want the easiest entry into Apple's universe, the iPhone 17e stands out for a bigger-picture reason: It might be the only new entry-level iPhone available this year.
Reports indicate Apple is overhauling its traditional annual release cycle. There may be no standard base iPhone 18 launching in the fall of 2026 (instead slipping to spring 2027), potentially leaving the iPhone 17e as the only “non-Pro” option for budget-conscious buyers. Of course, premium models like the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and possibly an iPhone Fold will still release in fall, but those come with significantly higher price tags.
The year 2026 will be when Apple's lineup might look top-heavy and premium-leaning, and the iPhone 17e could well serve as the most pocket-friendly path to the latest Apple ecosystem without breaking the bank.
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