iPhone 17e Nears Trial Production, Launch Tipped for Late May 2026

[MacRumors]

Apple's next-generation iPhone 17e is nearing the trial production stage, with the mid-range device tentatively scheduled for a May release, according to a proven leaker with sources in Apple's Chinese supply chain.

WeChat-based leaker Fixed Focus Digital shared the claims on Tuesday, adding that the iPhone 17e release date is currently understood to be late May 2026, although the exact date is unconfirmed.

The leaker also suggested that the iPhone 17e could go head-to-head for market share with another mid-range device from a rival smartphone vendor that typically releases new models around the same time. Possible rivals in China include Xiaomi, Redmi, and vivo.

Starting at $599, the iPhone 16e was released in late February. The iPhone 16e offers a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, an A18 chip, and a USB-C port, positioning it as a more affordable alternative within the iPhone 16 family.

A day before the iPhone 16e was launched, Fixed Focus Digital claimed to have learned of the existence of a "new project codename" in Apple's supply chain, and suggested there was a "high chance" it related to next year's iPhone 17e. Fixed Focus Digital was the first leaker to mention the "iPhone 16e" nomenclature back in December, when everyone else still assumed Apple would simply release a new device in its established entry-level "iPhone SE" series.

A February report by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) said Apple was expected to release an iPhone 17e next year, but the report suggested another February launch window for the device.

Introducing a more affordable mid-cycle "e" model could help Apple refresh its flagship lineup and generate more consumer interest than simply re-releasing the standard iPhone in a new color – a strategy the company has used in the past. Buyers would also have a better idea of when to expect the next entry-level device, in contrast to the non-linear roadmap that succeeding iPhone SE models followed.

According to recent data from Counterpoint Research, Apple took the number one position in global smartphone sales during the first quarter of 2025, with Apple benefiting from the iPhone 16e launch and strong performance in emerging markets. It's the first time Apple has taken the top spot during a first quarter, capturing 19% of the global market.

Article Link: iPhone 17e Nears Trial Production, Launch Tipped for Late May 2026

 

[Le0M]

Does it mean Apple is beginning to update the iPhone (s)e on a yearly basis?

 

[orbital~debris]

with the mid-range device tentatively scheduled for a May release

Although the title mentions 2026, this sentence – which omits '2026' – gives the impression of May this year (as we're still in April).

 

[thiscatisfat]

Imagine if Apple released an iPhone 5 sized phone with Pro features, edge to edge display, no camera bump, great battery life, no "island" or notch (sensors hidden under the display). Like literally an iPhone 5 but with edge to edge screen. Now that would get me excited.

This news, or any news about the upcoming models certainly doesn't do it for me.

 

[PsykX]

Does it mean Apple is beginning to update the iPhone (s)e on a yearly basis?

It would make sense. I hope this is the case.

Nothing worst than having to buy a new phone and buying a 2-3 years old phone, just before it's getting updated.

 

[antonrg]

You gotta love how they are trying to make this phone successful. I have yet to see it anywhere on the streets. iPhone 16 just recently started to pop up a little here and there in Paris. 16e, nothing yet. Majority devices you see are either Android or older iPhones (particularly 13, 14 and 15)

 

[Dj64Mk7]

The leaker also suggested that the iPhone 17e could go head-to-head for market share with another mid-range device from a rival smartphone vendor that typically releases new models around the same time. Possible rivals in China include Xiaomi, Redmi, and vivo.

Pixel 10a, maybe? That’s the obvious one at least…

 

[iGüey]

Does it mean Apple is beginning to update the iPhone (s)e on a yearly basis?

That way, Apple commits to a yearly update for this model, which supposes a justification to constantly ask a full price for it year to year.

 

[dandyryan]

Imagine if Apple released an iPhone 5 sized phone with Pro features, edge to edge display, no camera bump, great battery life, no "island" or notch (sensors hidden under the display). Like literally an iPhone 5 but with edge to edge screen. Now that would get me excited.

This news, or any news about the upcoming models certainly doesn't do it for me.

the iphone 12/13mini flopped into oblivion

 

[foobarbaz]

Imagine if Apple released an iPhone 5 sized phone with Pro features, edge to edge display, no camera bump, great battery life, no "island" or notch (sensors hidden under the display). Like literally an iPhone 5 but with edge to edge screen. Now that would get me excited.

You're not demanding enough. Nothing short of cold fusion getting me excited …

 

[kiranmk2]

You gotta love how they are trying to make this phone successful. I have yet to see it anywhere on the streets. iPhone 16 just recently started to pop up a little here and there in Paris. 16e, nothing yet. Majority devices you see are either Android or older iPhones (particularly 13, 14 and 15)

I think there will have been a lot of internal analysis at Apple on the trade-off - the "e" models are likely to sell more units but, obviously will generate less revenue (and profit?) per device sold. However, this reduced revenue may be be worth it if it gets people into the iOS ecosystem (higher change of sales of services and other devices). It may well be that Apple decides to update the "e" model to yearly updates if it is seen as a key driver of maintaining market share (devices & services). Alternatively, if Apple wants to chase revenues, then updating every 2-3 years to drive people towards the more expensive models would make more sense .

 

[iGüey]

Imagine if Apple released an iPhone 5 sized phone with Pro features, edge to edge display, no camera bump, great battery life, no "island" or notch (sensors hidden under the display). Like literally an iPhone 5 but with edge to edge screen. Now that would get me excited.

This news, or any news about the upcoming models certainly doesn't do it for me.

I don’t see it happening… Actually I don’t see any mobile brand getting back to launch small screen smartphones again. The way they are going to fulfill that market are the foldables. Maybe you and lots of people don’t like them and don’t agree with that, however that’s the way they have taken anyway.

 

[MRSugarD]

Interesting strategy from Apple to release a budget version during mid-cicle of the current generation. Looking at the market share it seems to pay off. Maybe more features will trickle down to the e in the future? Dynamic Island comes to mind.

 

[klasma]

Does it mean Apple is beginning to update the iPhone (s)e on a yearly basis?

The "e" is really a different line than the SE, although succeeding it. It directly competes with the Pixel "a" and Samsung FE lines now. And yes, it will update yearly, hence why they went with the "16" designation.

 

[thiscatisfat]

the iphone 12/13mini flopped into oblivion

It did, but because of bad marketing strategy and the line-up options at the time, and it had almost none of the "pro" features, and was expensive compared to the SE. They still sold roughly 10 million of the 13 mini and around 15 million of the 12 mini, so the demand was and I'd say it still is there. Most of the people who bought one of the two models still use it today and many won't buy a new iPhone because the new iPhones are bricks, simply too big and uncomfortable.

It's a technical challenge to produce a Pro phone in the size of an iPhone 5 (so even smaller than 12/13 Mini), and it's a challenge that Apple would accept and deliver a successful product under Jobs. Today's Apple can't even make a brick that doesn't have a camera bump, let alone a small Pro device, not to mention the charging pad and a certain virtual assistant flop.

 

[HappyMBAowner]

I wanted to buy the 16e but dropped the idea due to magsafe charging lacking. If 17e gets magsafe, I may buy it; otherwise, I'll wait.

 

[McWetty]

the iphone 12/13mini flopped into oblivion

I would have bought a 12mini if it had more Pro features for the price. I hated the size and weight of my 12Pro (and now my 15Pro).

 

[bLackjackj]

Does it mean Apple is beginning to update the iPhone (s)e on a yearly basis?

You know your maths 😂🤦‍♂️

 

[mlody]

You gotta love how they are trying to make this phone successful. I have yet to see it anywhere on the streets. iPhone 16 just recently started to pop up a little here and there in Paris. 16e, nothing yet. Majority devices you see are either Android or older iPhones (particularly 13, 14 and 15)

This is the phone for people that you will least likely to find on the streets - that is why. My elderly mother and father are perfect candidates for 16e.

 

[f0ku5]

I wanted to buy the 16e but dropped the idea due to magsafe charging lacking. If 17e gets magsafe, I may buy it; otherwise, I'll wait.

Just buy MagSafe case.

 

[ayephoner]

Although the title mentions 2026, this sentence – which omits '2026' – gives the impression of May this year (as we're still in April).

The very next sentence also says 2026.

If someone skipped the title and read the first sentence, but not the second sentence, I guess they might be confused. But I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I think we're pretty safe from that confusion.

 

[ab2c4]

I think a new "e" model each year would be good for consumers.

 

[orbital~debris]

The very next sentence also says 2026.

If someone skipped the title and read the first sentence, but not the second sentence, I guess they might be confused. But I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I think we're pretty safe from that confusion.

It’s not confusion. It’s just poor quality journalism.

 

[bluecoast]

My guess as to the updates:

The base 17 binned processor
The base 17 main back camera
Dynamic Island and screen from the iPhone 15 (edit: maybe from the 16, as the pixel 9a is 6.3 inches)
Probably a generation behind the 17s front selfie camera.
WiFi 6 still or 6e/7 depending on the cost (and if apple produces a modem with WiFi too)
More colours than just black and white?
And gasp… MagSafe?

 

[ayephoner]

You're right. Terrible journalism. Just look at this breakdown of years by sentence.

Title: 2026
1st sentence: no year at all!?!
2nd sentence: 2026
3rd sentence: no year at all!?!
4th sentence: no year at all!?!
5th sentence: no year at all!?!
6th sentence: no year at all!?!
7th sentence: no year at all!?!
8th sentence: no year at all!?!
9th sentence: no year at all!?!
10th sentence: no year at all!?!
11th sentence: no year at all!?!
12th sentence: 2025 (really? what is going on here???)
13th sentence: no year at all!?!
Article link at the bottom of the post: 2026

Great. Now my day is ruined.