iPhone 17e Launch Expected to Coincide with One-Year Anniversary of iPhone 16e Release: Report
Recent reports suggest that the iPhone 17e might be launched in February 2026. This new model is expected to follow the recent release of the iPhone 16e, which was introduced with a design similar to that of the iPhone 14, featuring the advanced A18 chipset and Apple Intelligence support. The iPhone 16e was designed to be a more affordable option within the iPhone 16 series, taking the place of the iPhone SE series which last saw a model released in 2022.
Analysts from CIRP have indicated that the iPhone 17e could launch a year after the iPhone 16e, potentially around February 2026. This release would come after the unveiling of the standard iPhone 17 models later this year, likely during Apple’s annual event in September. There’s also speculation that Apple may introduce additional models in the ‘e’ series in the future, possibly establishing an annual launch schedule for these devices. This strategy parallels Google’s approach with their Pixel ‘A’ models, which launch several months after the release of their main Pixel phone series.
It is anticipated that the iPhone 17e may share some hardware features with the standard iPhone 17, similar to how the iPhone 16e borrowed from its mainline counterpart. There’s hope that the iPhone 17e will perform well in terms of sales, especially given the attractive features offered. The base model of the iPhone 16e is priced at Rs 59,900, which is notably more expensive than the last iPhone SE model that started at Rs 43,900. This change in naming from iPhone SE to iPhone 16e likely reflects Apple’s efforts to boost the model’s popularity, as the iPhone SE accounted for only 5% of iPhone sales in 2024.
Apple seems to be aiming for a successful launch akin to the iPhone 5c, which debuted in 2013 as a version of the iPhone 5 and captured a significant share of the market at that time. The iPhone 5c reportedly made up nearly 25% of total iPhone sales during its initial selling quarters. The iPhone 16e offers a way for new users to access iPhones equipped with the latest technology at a more accessible price point.
The iPhone 16e is available in different storage options: the 128GB model for Rs 59,900, the 256GB version for Rs 69,900, and the 512GB model priced at Rs 89,900. Sales in India are set to begin on February 28th.
In summary, the iPhone 17e could make its debut in early 2026, continuing Apple’s strategy of providing new options to customers at various price points and enhancing the overall appeal of the iPhone lineup. There’s excitement around how this new model will build on the features of the iPhone 16e while potentially attracting a broader audience of users looking for an affordable entry point to the latest iPhone technology.
