Apple's iPhone 17e will reportedly launch in early 2026 with a 48MP rear camera and A19 chip, maintaining the $599 starting price of its predecessor. The budget model could arrive as soon as February 19, according to multiple leaks.
The iPhone 17e is expected to feature Apple's A19 processor, the same chip that powers the standard iPhone 17 lineup. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and leaker Digital Chat Station both reported the A19 inclusion, which would deliver better speed and efficiency than the A18 chip in the iPhone 16e.
This follows Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max topping major battery life tests due to superior hardware optimization.
Camera upgrades center on a 48MP rear sensor, matching the resolution found in Apple's premium models. The phone may feature either a 12MP front-facing camera or potentially adopt the 18MP Center Stage system from the iPhone 17 series, with conflicting reports on this upgrade. This maintains cost savings while delivering improved main camera performance.
Design changes appear minimal, with the iPhone 17e expected to retain the 6.1-inch body and familiar shape of the iPhone 16e. Conflicting reports exist about the display cutout, some sources suggest Apple will keep the notch to control costs, while others indicate a Dynamic Island upgrade for a more modern appearance.
Wireless charging receives a significant upgrade with MagSafe support, enabling faster 25W wireless charging and better accessory compatibility. The iPhone 17e will also adopt Apple's C1X modem, which reportedly offers two times faster speeds while using 30% less energy than the previous C1 modem.
Display specifications remain conservative, with the iPhone 17e expected to feature the same 60Hz refresh rate panel as its predecessor. Apple appears focused on performance improvements rather than display upgrades for this budget model.
Pricing maintains the $599 starting point established by the iPhone 16e, which launched in February 2025. Storage is expected to start at 128GB for the base model, with 256GB and 512GB available as upgrade options, making the phone more competitive while staying below flagship pricing.
The iPhone 17e represents Apple's continued commitment to annual budget releases, moving away from the sporadic iPhone SE cycle toward predictable e-series updates. With internal upgrades and familiar pricing, the model targets users seeking solid iPhone performance without premium costs, similar to how Apple plans iPhone 18 Pro with under-display Face ID and variable aperture camera for its premium lineup.
