Earlier this yr, Apple launched the iPhone 16e. Whereas in some ways it was an iPhone SE successor, the naming scheme adjustments issues up a bit in comparison with the iPhone SE. Now that it’s a part of the mainline iPhone lineup, many have puzzled – will this be an annual refresh? Immediately, we’ll be recapping the rumors.
iPhone 17e: Annual refresh?
In line with leaker Instantaneous Digital on Weibo, Apple is already making ready trial manufacturing of an iPhone 17e, suggesting that it’s virtually positively on the best way:
The setup of the 17e manufacturing line is being deliberate. This solutions the query: There will likely be a 17e subsequent yr, and now it’s virtually within the trial manufacturing stage.
It’s unclear what would change in an iPhone 17e. Dynamic Island will surely be a welcome improve. It’ll additionally possible undertake the A19 chipset discovered within the upcoming iPhone 17 fashions. It may additionally debut the C2 modem, although that’s only a private guess.
A method or one other, it appears fairly believable that the brand new ‘e’ iPhone will likely be an annual refresh, in contrast to the iPhone SE that got here earlier than it.
Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo additionally anticipates an iPhone 17e launching within the first half of 2026.
Past iPhone 17e
Earlier this month, The Data reported that Apple will likely be transitioning to a cut up iPhone launch technique, with iPhone 18 Air, Professional, Professional Max, and the foldable launching in fall 2026, and iPhone 18 and 18e launching in spring 2027.
Whereas this element in itself doesn’t affirm an annual refresh for the ‘e’ iPhone, it does a minimum of point out that new entry-level iPhones will launch extra recurrently than iPhone SE fashions, which launched in 2016, 2020, and 2022, leaving a mean refresh cycle of three years.
Wrap up
Total, it’s too early to say for certain. Nonetheless, I’d lean in direction of the reply being sure: Apple will in all probability launch an iPhone 17e in early 2026.
I do personally hope that Apple diversifies their choices a little bit bit. With the entry-level iPhone being $599 now, I believe it may doubtlessly be actually cool if we noticed an iPhone mini renaissance. It may doubtlessly begin at $499, making it a way more interesting buy than the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini at $699. That’s extra of a pipe dream, although.
What do you consider iPhone 16e and the opportunity of there being extra common ‘e’ iPhone launches? Tell us within the feedback.
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