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iPhone 17e Looking Less Likely — Here's Why

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Earlier this year, Apple released the iPhone 16e, a more affordable iPhone 16 model that starts at $599 in the United States.

iPhone-16e-Feature-1.jpg

While the iPhone 16e effectively replaced the iPhone SE, it is also a first-of-its-kind device, so the release cadence for future models has yet to be established. In other words, it is unclear if Apple will release an iPhone 17e next year.

Apple only updated the iPhone SE once every few years, and a new report suggests that trend might continue with the "e" model.

The Information today outlined a long list of iPhone models that Apple plans to release in 2025, 2026, and 2027, including an iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027. The report made no mention of an iPhone 17e, so such a model is looking less likely.

From the report:
The iPhone 18 series will include updated versions of Apple’s thin iPhone, Pro and Pro Max, along with the new foldable device. In spring 2027, Apple plans to release the standard iPhone 18 and a successor to the more budget-friendly iPhone 16e, the people said.
Click to expand...
In his newsletter last month, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple has yet to reach a final decision on releasing an iPhone 17e.

All in all, an iPhone 17e is looking less likely as of now. But, things can change.

Article Link: iPhone 17e Looking Less Likely — Here's Why
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/05/03/iphone-17e-looking-less-likely/
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It makes sense.

The 16e is aimed at the sort of people who just need a new iPhone, who don’t care that their phone has one camera and will use it until it breaks or gets too slow.

The 16e will still feel fast in 2026 too.

So no hurry to update it.

And by 2027 with all the new models coming out, Apple can probably use the iPhone 16 (minus the camera control) as the basis for the chassis and screen with the other models feeling way more premium.
 
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matt_and_187_like_this said:
The Air should replace it. Would make a lot more sense. Nobody will remember the "E".
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The iPhone Air is going to be a totally different product. The 16e is a budget phone meant for customers that want an iPhone, but don’t want to spend as much as a regular iPhone. The Air will likely be sold for a similar price as the iPhone Pro.
 
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bluecoast said:
It makes sense.

The 16e is aimed at the sort of people who just need a new iPhone, who don’t care that their phone has one camera and will use it until it breaks or gets too slow.

The 16e will still feel fast in 2026 too.

So no hurry to update it.

And by 2027 with all the new models coming out, Apple can probably use the iPhone 16 (minus the camera control) as the basis for the chassis and screen with the other models feeling way more premium.
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Hopefully, in 2027, the 18e will get a ProMotion screen.
 
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MacRumors said:
In his newsletter last month, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple has yet to reach a final decision on releasing an iPhone 17e.

All in all, an iPhone 17e is looking less likely as of now. But, things can change.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately from what I heard from industrial chatter is that Apple may not go forward with iPhone 17e due to increase in costs. It might be revisited in summer but at this point, likely that 17e is cancelled next year.

Apple had plans to release the “essentials” (e stands for essential) annually but that is now unlikely due to costs.
 
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Doomtomb said:
16e was a flop. Spent 4 years getting everyone to buy magsafe accessories then why this?
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You know you can put a magsafe case on it, right?

It's the best phone in their lineup right now. Price isn't insane, no huge camera wart, no hideous pastel colors for somebody to make it look like barf without a case.

Now if it only came with a bigger screen. 16e+ smuggled in from Canada so it's got a SIM socket would be almost perfect.
 
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Doomtomb said:
16e was a flop
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If it's a flop, Apple would probably like more flops like it.

www.macrumors.com

iPhone 16e Helps Apple Take Q1 Top Spot in Global Smartphone Market

Apple took the number one position in global smartphone sales during the first quarter of 2025, according to new data from Counterpoint Research....
www.macrumors.com www.macrumors.com

www.macrumors.com

iPhone 16e Sales Outperform SE in First Quarter YoY, Pro Models Decline

New data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) suggests Apple's iPhone 16e is off to a strong start, capturing 7% of U.S. iPhone...
www.macrumors.com www.macrumors.com
 
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RLRabb said:
The 16e was released more than halfway through the quarter, so factor that in.
Click to expand...

It also replaced the iPhone 14 (and the SE3 was discontinued). Apple never wanted it to take sales from the more expensive iPhone 16 models. They wanted it to outsell what the iPhone 14 and SE3 would have done. That's actually the 16e's bar for success, which it clearly achieved.
 
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Not sure. Apple can go for updates in alternate years only. But it is too early. Hoping to hear more about this only towards the end of the year.
 
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The iPhone 18 series will include updated versions of Apple’s thin iPhone, Pro and Pro Max, along with the new foldable device. In spring 2027, Apple plans to release the standard iPhone 18 and a successor to the more budget-friendly iPhone 16e, the people said.

I agree with those who say the iPhone “e” will probably not be refreshed every year. In fact, every other year sounds perfect. But I have some doubts about this report in general. The quote above indicates that base iPhone 18 will be released along with the “e” in the spring of 2027 - apart from the rest of the 18 series in the fall of 2026. While not impossible, it just doesn’t sound right. In fact, I would think the new foldable device would be presented at a different time.
 
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