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Leaker Hints at iPhone 17e Next Year as Report Predicts Annual Cycle

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Apple will very likely launch an iPhone 17e next year around the same February window, claims a new consumer report, coinciding with a claim by a proven leaker that references to the device have already been spotted in the Chinese supply chain.

iPhone-16e-Feature-1.jpg

According to a new report by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), Apple's iPhone 16e is just the first in an annual cycle of more affordable "e" models in Apple's flagship lineup, and Apple plans to follow it up in February 2026 with an iPhone 17e. From the report:
It appears that "e" phones may be part of the program going forward. Following the core iPhone 17 model launches in September, we expect Apple to announce an iPhone 17e around this time next year. That would mimic Google's introduction of "a" models in its Pixel line months after the annual Spring launch of their flagship and Pro models in recent years.
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In a related development this morning, WeChat-based leaker Fixed Focus Digital claimed to have learned of the existence of a "new project codename" in Apple's supply chain, and suggested there is a "high chance" it relates to next year's iPhone 17e. It's worth noting that 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.

Before these rumors emerged, we speculated last week about the possibility of an iPhone 17e launching in early 2026, around the same February timeframe. 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 seemingly followed.

Of course, this is assuming the iPhone 16e sells well. If it doesn't, the "e" could suffer the same fate as the iPhone "mini" series, much like we are expecting a "Plus" model to be absent in Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. In that sense, reports outlining iPhone 16e sales figures may give us the best idea of the device's long-term future.
The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a notch, Face ID, an A18 chip, Apple Intelligence support, a USB-C port, an Action button, and a single 48-megapixel rear camera that offers 2x zoom with optical-like quality. The device is also equipped with Apple's first custom-designed 5G "C1" modem. The iPhone 16e launches on Friday, February 28, when it will be available to buy in Apple retail stores as pre-orders are delivered to customers.

Article Link: Leaker Hints at iPhone 17e Next Year as Report Predicts Annual Cycle
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/02/27/leaker-hints-at-iphone-17e-next-year/
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The key difference between Google's A series and Apple's E series is that Google actually provides a better phone and at a cheaper price.

Heck you can get a Pixel 9 for £400 brand new these days which is basically an iPhone 16 Pro at half the price.

Again, the 16e has one purpose, to increase profit margins when grandma and grandpa realise the only "cheap" iPhone they can get is $599 so they say yes to daddy Tim.
 
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I dunno if the gamble pays of to copy the Pixel a series pays off. Especially since the Pixel a series seems to offer a bit more.

With 7 years of promised OS upgrades the Pixel a series seems to be bound to entice more people that are not beholden to one or the other ecosystem of products.

The a series can also do colors instead of the boring 16e offer.

Heck, even I think about switching back to an Android phone, if my 13 minis bites the dust.
 
Hopefully, Apple puts in the critical parts this time, like the iPhone 16 main camera and Dynamic Island.
 
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Nixing last years models works very well for Apple in the pro line - it lets them hobble features they don't want people having access to for a discount :confused:

The spring release will also help them reinvigorate sales for half the year more than a new mid-year colour does.
 
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I was kind of impressed they had a phone without a yearly update cycle.

But a yearly update cycle as with the rest of the lineup means more products to support with components etc which adds to additional costs of different parts and storage.

This also goes against environmentals. But I guess this is the direction things are heading in again anyhow.

Have they dropped Mother Nature?
 
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I predict it will be iPhone 17e

And this years model becomes the iPhone 16e lym

The iPhone 16e last years model
 
I wonder how he came to this conclusion.

"leaker claims next year iPhone will be iPhone 17e"

"It appears that "e" phones may be part of the program going forward"

no way. how genius!
 
applyr said:
Like I said, the new "e" variant is the equivalent "a" of the Pixels and "FE" of Galaxies.
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Apple rarely has a consistent numbering or lettering system for their products.

It’s one of the biggest ironies

For a company that has so much attention to detail, they just have never been able to decide and stick to a model numbering system or lettering system

I find it an abomination compared to the consistency and thought they usually put into everything else in their products
 
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chars1ub0w said:
I miss the 12 Mini. That size was so pocketable. Bring back a 17 Mini at 16e price!
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platinumaqua said:
Same. Even if it only has one lens, as long as it has a magsafe ring
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My suspicion is that if the 16e doesn't sell well, Apple will use the Mini casings to add a 16e mini (or 17e mini) to the lineup at the $499 price point. If the 16e does sell well, then we will stay as we are, holding $599 as the iPhone entry price.
 
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The 16 naming has given this away. They clearly want a phone to launch in Q1, helping to give a bump in iPhone sales as they start to decline until the main launch in Q3
 
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ThailandToo said:
This is how they will get an e series to $499. Next February the 17e is released at $599, and the 16e moves to $499.
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e-xactly

people complain the price went up.
it's just for a year.

new model next year, same price.

keep this years around and you have a more affordable option for people and another income stream.

now will they keep it going for a third year or only keep two E's?
with no marketing or manufacturing cost increases it could be very tempting to hold onto it for $399... and test the waters
 
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