What to Expect From the iPhone 17e Launching in March 2026

[MacRumors]

We've got just over a week to go until Apple's "Special Experience" on March 4, and we're expecting to see the iPhone 17e announced during the week of the event. The iPhone 17e will be the first update to the new low-cost iPhone 16e that Apple unveiled in February 2025.

Design

The iPhone 17e will look a lot like the iPhone 16e, featuring the same 6.1-inch display size, single-lens rear camera, and black and white color options.

Display

The iPhone 17e is expected to feature the same display panel as the iPhone 16e, which means it will be limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. Apple brought 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates to the standard iPhone 17 in 2025, but the same technology is not expected for the more affordable iPhone 17e.

The iPhone 17e will continue to be Apple's only new release iPhone without 120Hz support.

120Hz refresh rates provide video improvements and smoother scrolling when viewing webpages.

The iPhone 16e does not have always-on display technology, and that's not likely to change with the iPhone 17e. To support always-on, the iPhone 17e would need an OLED display with 1-nit minimum brightness, which is limited to Apple's more expensive iPhones. HDR and brightness are also lacking compared to Apple's flagship lineup.

Dynamic Island

The iPhone 16e uses the notch that Apple has eliminated in its newer flagship iPhones, but the iPhone 17e could eliminate it. Some rumors suggest that the iPhone 17e will have a Dynamic Island instead of a notch, giving it an updated look.

The Dynamic Island is a pill-shaped cutout on the iPhone's display that houses the TrueDepth camera system and the front-facing camera. It takes up less display area than the notch, and it is better integrated into the iPhone.

While some rumors indicate we could get a Dynamic Island, other rumors suggest the iPhone 17e will continue to use a notch, so the Dynamic Island upgrade isn't a guarantee.

A19 Chip

The iPhone 17e will use Apple's A19 chip, which is the same chip that's in the iPhone 17. The A19 chip is built on an upgraded N3P 3-nanometer process, offering a 5 to 10 percent performance improvement over the A18 chip.

Apple could be planning to use a downclocked version of the A19 chip in the iPhone 17e, and if that's the case, its performance won't quite match the iPhone 17's performance.

The A18 chip that Apple used in the iPhone 16e had a 4-core GPU instead of a 5-core GPU like the version from the iPhone 16, so the iPhone 17e could get a similar GPU downgrade.

Aside from the improved CPU and GPU, the A19 has an updated display engine, image signal processor, and Neural Engine for improved AI performance. Every GPU core features a Neural Accelerator to boost the performance of local AI models.

We are expecting the iPhone 17e to continue to include 8GB RAM like the iPhone 16e. Apple's other models have 12GB.
MagSafe Compatibility

The iPhone 16e does not have a magnetic ring for MagSafe charging, but the iPhone 17e is expected to get a MagSafe upgrade.

Apple's iPhones have used MagSafe since the iPhone 12, so there are a wide array of MagSafe cases and accessories. The iPhone 16e is not compatible with these accessories, which is a major limitation.

Since it doesn't have MagSafe, the iPhone 16e is limited to 7.5W wireless charging speeds. MagSafe would upgrade that to at least 15W. The current iPhone 17 models can charge at 25W over MagSafe, though the iPhone Air is limited to 20W.

Camera

The iPhone 17e is expected to have a single 48-megapixel Wide Angle camera at the back, with no upgrade rumored. The iPhone 16e doesn't have a Camera Control button, and there's no sign that Apple plans to bring it to the iPhone 17e, either.

The iPhone 17 models got an upgraded 18-megapixel Center Stage front-facing camera, but rumors suggest the iPhone 17e will continue to use the same 12-megapixel front-facing camera as the iPhone 16e.

Modem

The iPhone 17e will adopt Apple's C1X modem, the modem chip that Apple first debuted in the iPhone Air. The C1X modem is faster and more efficient than the C1 modem that Apple used in the iPhone 16e.

Apple says the C1X modem is up to 2x faster than the C1, and it is far more energy efficient than Qualcomm modems.

N1 Chip

Apple could update the iPhone 17 models with Apple's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth "N1" networking chip, bringing speed and efficiency improvements, plus Thread support. Leaked Apple code suggests the chip will not be included in the iPhone 17e in order to keep costs down, but recent rumors indicate Apple plans to include it.

Pricing

The iPhone 16e is priced starting at $599, and no price changes are expected for the iPhone 17e.

Launch Date

Apple is holding a "Special Experience" event on March 4, and we are expecting the iPhone 17e to launch during that same week.

Article Link: What to Expect From the iPhone 17e Launching in March 2026

 

[BBCWatcher]

We are expecting the iPhone 17e to continue to include 8GB RAM like the iPhone 16e. Apple's other models have 12GB.

The base iPhone 17 has 8 GB of RAM, not 12. That's the strongest indicator the iPhone 17e will also have 8 GB of RAM.

 

[ThomasJL]

The iPhone 16e models sold in Canada have a SIM card tray. I have no idea if the iPhone 17e models sold in Canada will still have a SIM card tray or not. Due to work, I need to have a phone with a SIM card tray.

 

[JPack]

Bumping the storage up to 256GB will make the 17e more competitive. Right now, the $200 jump to the iPhone 17 (which includes 256GB base) means the 16e needs to be discounted for it to sell.

 

[Saturn1217]

Getting magsafe and the dynamic island makes this a really good small phone option (IMO).

 

[conmee]

Not to "nit" pick... lol "To support always-on, the ‌iPhone‌ 17e would need an OLED display with 1-nit minimum brightness..." The iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro had AOD but didn't have the 1-nit minimum capability.

 

[telepati]

I don't expect anything from a product that contains Liquid Glass.

 

[HiVolt]

It would be nice if they dropped the price by $100 to compete with the Pixel 10a.

Although if it gets all the rumored upgrades, it wont be so bad.

It's not a phone for me, i just need the telephoto zoom, but it will be a nice basic iPhone for those who dont care about taking many pictures.

 

[Astuces iOS]

It reminds me when nuggets could enable always on display on any iPhone, anyways still a good phone this 17e

 

[Astuces iOS]

It would be nice if they dropped the price by $100 to compete with the Pixel 10a.

Although if it gets all the rumored upgrades, it wont be so bad.

It's not a phone for me, i just need the telephoto zoom, but it will be a nice basic iPhone for those who dont care about taking many pictures.

Well well buddy, if you really need the telephoto then do like me and buy a camera with telephoto lens ! That will give you real good telephoto!! Not the one on the 17 pro, just a gadget…

 

[Abydos]

gee and I was hoping to replace my 6" cassegrain with it, no such luck

 

[rolan2q]

60 Hz damn. Wish it was 120 Hz

 

[elmaco]

Just bought another (refurbished) iPhone 13 mini. I’m not going to buy a new iPhone until they make a smaller one. If Apple wants to charge $2,000 for it, that’s fine.

I don’t want to carry around an iPad mini.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Just bought another (refurbished) iPhone 13 mini. I’m not going to buy a new iPhone until they make a smaller one. If Apple wants to charge $2,000 for it, that’s fine.

I don’t want to carry around an iPad mini.

Same.
If I want a patio paver, I'll go to Home Depot

 

[segfaultdotorg]

Meh. LMK when they bring back the Lightning connector.

 

[MNJohn]

We've got just over a week to go until Apple's "Special Experience" on March 4, and we're expecting to see the iPhone 17e announced during the week of the event. The iPhone 17e will be the first update to the new low-cost iPhone 16e that Apple unveiled in February 2025.

Design

The iPhone 17e will look a lot like the iPhone 16e, featuring the same 6.1-inch display size, single-lens rear camera, and black and white color options.

Display

The iPhone 17e is expected to feature the same display panel as the iPhone 16e, which means it will be limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. Apple brought 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates to the standard iPhone 17 in 2025, but the same technology is not expected for the more affordable iPhone 17e.

The iPhone 17e will continue to be Apple's only new release iPhone without 120Hz support.

120Hz refresh rates provide video improvements and smoother scrolling when viewing webpages.

The iPhone 16e does not have always-on display technology, and that's not likely to change with the iPhone 17e. To support always-on, the iPhone 17e would need an OLED display with 1-nit minimum brightness, which is limited to Apple's more expensive iPhones. HDR and brightness are also lacking compared to Apple's flagship lineup.

Dynamic Island

The iPhone 16e uses the notch that Apple has eliminated in its newer flagship iPhones, but the iPhone 17e could eliminate it. Some rumors suggest that the iPhone 17e will have a Dynamic Island instead of a notch, giving it an updated look.

The Dynamic Island is a pill-shaped cutout on the iPhone's display that houses the TrueDepth camera system and the front-facing camera. It takes up less display area than the notch, and it is better integrated into the iPhone.

While some rumors indicate we could get a Dynamic Island, other rumors suggest the iPhone 17e will continue to use a notch, so the Dynamic Island upgrade isn't a guarantee.

A19 Chip

The iPhone 17e will use Apple's A19 chip, which is the same chip that's in the iPhone 17. The A19 chip is built on an upgraded N3P 3-nanometer process, offering a 5 to 10 percent performance improvement over the A18 chip.

Apple could be planning to use a downclocked version of the A19 chip in the iPhone 17e, and if that's the case, its performance won't quite match the iPhone 17's performance.

The A18 chip that Apple used in the iPhone 16e had a 4-core GPU instead of a 5-core GPU like the version from the iPhone 16, so the iPhone 17e could get a similar GPU downgrade.

Aside from the improved CPU and GPU, the A19 has an updated display engine, image signal processor, and Neural Engine for improved AI performance. Every GPU core features a Neural Accelerator to boost the performance of local AI models.

We are expecting the iPhone 17e to continue to include 8GB RAM like the iPhone 16e. Apple's other models have 12GB.
MagSafe Compatibility

The iPhone 16e does not have a magnetic ring for MagSafe charging, but the iPhone 17e is expected to get a MagSafe upgrade.

Apple's iPhones have used MagSafe since the iPhone 12, so there are a wide array of MagSafe cases and accessories. The iPhone 16e is not compatible with these accessories, which is a major limitation.

Since it doesn't have MagSafe, the iPhone 16e is limited to 7.5W wireless charging speeds. MagSafe would upgrade that to at least 15W. The current iPhone 17 models can charge at 25W over MagSafe, though the iPhone Air is limited to 20W.

Camera

The iPhone 17e is expected to have a single 48-megapixel Wide Angle camera at the back, with no upgrade rumored. The iPhone 16e doesn't have a Camera Control button, and there's no sign that Apple plans to bring it to the iPhone 17e, either.

The iPhone 17 models got an upgraded 18-megapixel Center Stage front-facing camera, but rumors suggest the iPhone 17e will continue to use the same 12-megapixel front-facing camera as the iPhone 16e.

Modem

The iPhone 17e will adopt Apple's C1X modem, the modem chip that Apple first debuted in the iPhone Air. The C1X modem is faster and more efficient than the C1 modem that Apple used in the iPhone 16e.

Apple says the C1X modem is up to 2x faster than the C1, and it is far more energy efficient than Qualcomm modems.

N1 Chip

Apple could update the iPhone 17 models with Apple's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth "N1" networking chip, bringing speed and efficiency improvements, plus Thread support. Leaked Apple code suggests the chip will not be included in the iPhone 17e in order to keep costs down, but recent rumors indicate Apple plans to include it.

Pricing

The iPhone 16e is priced starting at $599, and no price changes are expected for the iPhone 17e.

Launch Date

Apple is holding a "Special Experience" event on March 4, and we are expecting the iPhone 17e to launch during that same week.

Article Link: What to Expect From the iPhone 17e Launching in March 2026

“What to Expect From the iPhone 17e Launching in March 2026”

Personally, I expect Siri to still suck.

 

[turbineseaplane]

“What to Expect From the iPhone 17e Launching in March 2026”

Personally, I expect Siri to still suck.

That’s definitely confirmed! 😂

 

[B4U]

This may not be a popular opinion.
Considering Google just made the pixel 10a flat without a camera bump on the back. Is that too much of an ask for Apple to do?
(Not talking about the 9a to 10a changes here, just the camera bump.)

 

[rbbloom99]

The iPhone 16e models sold in Canada have a SIM card tray. I have no idea if the iPhone 17e models sold in Canada will still have a SIM card tray or not. Due to work, I need to have a phone with a SIM card tray.

I’m currently in Thailand waiting to buy the 17e. It will have a SIM card tray. For one thing Apple will want to sell it in China where eSIMs are illegal. I would have bought the 16e for my Asia travel phone except for the lack of MagSafe.

 

[snipr125]

Just bought another (refurbished) iPhone 13 mini. I’m not going to buy a new iPhone until they make a smaller one. If Apple wants to charge $2,000 for it, that’s fine.

I don’t want to carry around an iPad mini.

Im a Mini fanboy also, but if they can give the 17e the same ultra slim bezels as the 15 Pro its pretty comfortable one handed. Right now the iPhone E line is the smallest in the line up and the best we can get after the Mini.

 

[Manon V]

Just bought another (refurbished) iPhone 13 mini. I’m not going to buy a new iPhone until they make a smaller one. If Apple wants to charge $2,000 for it, that’s fine.

I don’t want to carry around an iPad mini.

lol I have a 17 pro max and it’s still smaller than my base model iPad a16

 

[svish]

Hopefully it will have MagSafe and come in more colors. Will be also good to have a dynamic island instead of a notch.

 

[freezelighter]

Make it small like 13 Mini and I will gladly pay up to 2499$ for it.

Price doesn't matter if there will be a new iPhone Mini.

 

[Toomuchtodoo]

Do not buy a 60Hz iPhone in 2026.

 

[Unami]

Do not buy a 60Hz iPhone in 2026.

I really don't care. I mostly read static text at more or less 0hz or watch videos at the common 30hz. Games usually don't play at more than 60fps. More than 60hz does make scrolling and UI-Animations slightly more fluid, but that's about it. For me, those animations are fluid enough, I can't read fast scrolling text at 60hz just as I can't read it at double that rate. I very much doubt that 95% of consumers will see the difference, even if they compare it side by side.