Apple's iPhone 17e could launch this month, bringing flagship performance to the budget segment without a price increase. The device reportedly maintains its predecessor's £599 starting price while upgrading to the A19 processor and MagSafe wireless charging.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman called the launch "imminent" in his February 8 PowerOn newsletter. Sources at case manufacturers suggest a February 19 unveiling, though Apple typically avoids Thursday announcements.
More likely dates fall between February 23-25, matching last year's Wednesday press release pattern for the iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 17e reuses the previous model's 6.1-inch OLED display with 60Hz refresh rate, according to multiple reports. Design changes appear minimal, with The Elec reporting thinner bezels as the primary cosmetic update.
Conflicting rumors exist about Dynamic Island implementation, with some sources claiming it will feature the cutout while others suggest Apple will retain the notch.
Performance upgrades center on the A19 chip, identical to the flagship iPhone 17 series. Early analysis shows 5-10 percent CPU improvements over the A18, with larger graphics gains for gaming and on-device AI features.
The device also gains MagSafe wireless charging, which could support up to 25W speeds according to some reports, a significant upgrade from the 7.5W Qi charging in the previous model.
Connectivity improvements include Apple's newer C1X modem and N1 wireless chip for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Thread. These replace the first-generation C1 modem, promising faster data speeds and better smart-home integration.
Camera hardware reportedly remains unchanged, featuring a 48-megapixel main rear camera with optical image stabilization. In September last year, Gurman said Apple was likely to retain the same rear camera.
Some analysts suggest a possible upgrade to an 18-megapixel front camera, though this remains unconfirmed. The device maintains IP68 dust and water resistance.
Pricing stability comes despite reports that the previous model hasn't sold particularly well. Apple appears focused on delivering internal upgrades rather than redesigning the entry-level model.
The strategy targets users upgrading from older SE-series or pre-USB-C iPhones who want modern features without premium pricing.
The iPhone 17e arrives alongside other early-2026 Apple products, including a rumored low-cost MacBook using A-series iPhone chips. This positions the device as Apple's primary budget option for the first half of 2026, competing against Google's Pixel 10a expected February 18.
