Apple may continue its lower-cost iPhone lineup with the rumored iPhone 17E, reportedly releasing early this year. If true, this follow-up to last year’s iPhone 16E could bring meaningful upgrades while keeping a budget-friendly price.
Design: Dynamic Island Returns
The iPhone 17E is expected to borrow design elements from the iPhone 15, including a smaller Dynamic Island cutout. The 6.1-inch display will show dynamically sized notifications for app alerts and timers, such as Uber pickups. Unlike the higher-end iPhone 17 and Air models, the 17E may stick with a 60Hz refresh rate, though this should be acceptable for users upgrading from older iPhones like the SE or 14.
MagSafe Wireless Charging
One of the iPhone 16E’s notable omissions was MagSafe, the magnetic wireless charging system. The 17E is rumored to reintroduce MagSafe support, allowing magnetic attachment of chargers, wallets, and other accessories. Wireless charging speeds could also increase to at least 15W, matching the iPhone 15 series.
Performance & Features
While full specs remain unconfirmed, Apple may include an A19 processor, similar to the iPhone 17, ensuring strong performance for a lower-cost model. The phone may retain a single 48MP main camera and standard wireless charging while skipping some premium features like 120Hz ProMotion displays.
Pricing & Storage
Last year, the iPhone 16E started at $599 for 128GB. Early speculation suggests the iPhone 17E could start with 256GB of storage, aligning more closely with the base iPhone 17. Apple has not confirmed pricing, but the 17E could offer a compelling value-for-money option for buyers seeking modern iPhone tech without the Pro price tag.
Expected Launch
Reports suggest the iPhone 17E may debut as early as February 2026, following the pattern set by the iPhone 16E’s February 2025 launch. This keeps Apple’s budget iPhone announcements in the winter, separate from the flagship fall launches.
Apple has yet to confirm the iPhone 17E’s existence, but rumors hint at a budget-friendly iPhone that blends design and features from higher-end models, potentially making it a top choice for first-time iPhone buyers or those upgrading from older devices.
