Leaker Suggests iPhone 17e Arrival Next Year Amid Annual Cycle Forecast

Apple is expected to introduce a new iPhone model, the iPhone 17e, next year around February. This prediction comes from a consumer report that aligns with information shared by a reliable source who has seen mentions of this device in the Chinese supply chain.

A research group called Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) recently published a report suggesting that the iPhone 16e is just the beginning of a new series of more affordable “e” versions of Apple’s flagship phones. According to their findings, Apple intends to follow up the iPhone 16e with an iPhone 17e in February 2026. This pattern is similar to how Google releases its “a” models of Pixel phones a few months after their main flagship launches each year.

Adding to this development, a leaker known as Fixed Focus Digital shared on WeChat that they have heard about a new project name in Apple’s supply chain. They mentioned a “high chance” this could be linked to the upcoming iPhone 17e. It’s interesting to note that Fixed Focus Digital was the first to talk about the iPhone 16e back in December, before many others had acknowledged the name.

Just last week, there was some speculation about the potential launch of the iPhone 17e in early 2026, around February. Offering a more affordable mid-cycle model like the “e” versions could effectively boost consumer interest in Apple’s product lineup. In previous years, when Apple simply released new colors of existing models, there wasn’t always a clear expectation for when a new entry-level device would come out. A well-timed release of the iPhone 17e would provide buyers with a better sense of this schedule.

Of course, this all hinges on the success of the iPhone 16e. If it doesn’t sell well, Apple might reconsider the future of the “e” line, similar to how the iPhone “mini” series was phased out. Sales figures for the iPhone 16e will be essential in determining the long-term prospects for the “e” models moving forward.

The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a notch, the Face ID technology, and is powered by the A18 chip with enhanced AI capabilities. It also has a USB-C port, a new Action button, and a single 48-megapixel camera that includes a 2x optical zoom feature. Moreover, it comes with Apple’s specially designed 5G “C1” modem. The iPhone 16e is set to hit stores on Friday, February 28, and pre-orders will be delivered to customers on that same day.

In conclusion, Apple is likely following a new strategy by developing more affordable “e” models to attract more buyers, ensuring that their flagship lineup remains fresh and appealing. The performance of the current iPhone 16e will be a key indicator of how successful this new approach will be for Apple in the years to come.