Will Apple Release an iPhone 17e? Here's What We Know

[MacRumors]

Apple's unveiling on Wednesday of the iPhone 16e, which replaced the iPhone SE line, marked a strategic shift in the company's flagship smartphone lineup. Starting at $599, 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. Does that mean we should expect an iPhone 17e to be added to the upcoming iPhone 17 series?

Apple's iPhone 17 lineup is expected to feature four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air that replaces the existing Plus model. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to have a significantly thinner design with an aluminum chassis and a 6.6-inch display, aiming to offer a balance between portability and performance.

Given this lineup, it's unclear whether Apple will continue the "e" series with an iPhone 17e. Indeed, as of now, there are no specific rumors or reports suggesting that Apple will release an iPhone 17e this year or next. The introduction of the iPhone 17 Air may represent Apple's approach to providing a mid-tier option, potentially replacing the need for an "e" variant. However, without official confirmation or credible leaks, the existence of an iPhone 17e remains speculative.

One possibility is that Apple releases an iPhone 17e next year around the same February window, using the model's launch as a way to reinvigorate its flagship lineup mid-cycle. Apple could choose to do this each year. It's a more exciting strategy than simply offering new iPhone colors in the spring, which Apple has done in the past. Alternatively, it may opt to release "e" series iPhone models based on a non-linear roadmap, similar to the iPhone SE. The first-generation iPhone SE was released on March 2016, while the second-generation model arrived in April 2020, and the third-generation iPhone SE came in March 2022.

As Apple continues to evolve its iPhone strategy, the success of the iPhone 16e in the coming months may ultimately determine whether we'll see future "e" variants alongside the main iPhone lineup. In that sense, iPhone 16e sales figures and user feedback may be the best gauge as to where Apple might head next.

Article Link: Will Apple Release an iPhone 17e? Here's What We Know

 

[foobarbaz]

I hope they'll keep it next year and drop the price instead.

 

[vertsix]

The whole reason for the iPhone SE branding (I believe) was so that with its lack of a generation number it wouldn't "age" as much on the shelves over years.

Since the 16e is now synonymous with the 16-generation iPhone line, I believe there will be faster turnaround for these cheaper iPhones.

 

[iea96]

Let the 16e go on sale first 😭

 

[Ultramove69]

This is really starting to feel like 1990s confusing Macintosh product line here. Too many phones, too little differences.

 

[Cristim74]

No, there's no way Apple will replace it in 7 months.
It will most likely be replaced next year by a 18e model.

 

[555gallardo]

I’ve been wondering about this exact thing too and I think Apple will keep iPhone 16e, while discontinuing the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, as well as the iPhone 16 Plus.

Eventually this phone might get phased out along the iPhone 16 when the time is right.

 

[Stiksi]

The whole reason for the iPhone SE branding (I believe) was so that with its lack of a generation number it wouldn't "age" as much on the shelves over years.

Since the 16e is now synonymous with the 16-generation iPhone line, I believe there will be faster turnaround for these cheaper iPhones.

I would have preferred they stay with SE. It was always the most stable model in Apple’s lineup because everything except the processor was already tested in previous models. Now, it looks like it will get all the faults the more premium models get every year.

But I’m eager to see the iFixit teardown, hoping they have improved repairability.

 

[thefrost]

The iPhone 16e isn't even available and we are already talking about the iPhone 17e. 🤣

 

[M1956]

Makes sense to refresh it yearly. For $600 16e is barely competitive now. In 6 months there will be 16 will drop to $700 and 18 with 120hz display and new features will be available for $800. 16e will make even less sense.

 

[appleuser21]

Will MacRumors milk this subject? We already know.

 

[TinyMito]

I wonder will they release 18e? Must have been a boring day at Macrumors. lol

 

[wbeasley]

geez i feel like i wrote this post... given it expands pretty much on a comment I wrote on an earlier thread.

later release, new release point to level sales.

missed that the 16e could then drop $100 when a 17e comes along at the same price point

 

[Ctrlos]

If it becomes part of the annual update cycle it will remain a post-festive February release. Give shoppers the chance to save money before Christmas and they will. Apple needs the festive spike to maximise sales of the regular models first.

 

[one more]

No, there's no way Apple will replace it in 7 months.
It will most likely be replaced next year by a 18e model.

Why in 7 month? They could replace it in a year, at the same time in the spring.

 

[applyr]

Makes sense to release an "e" variant every February - March. It's a similar approach that Google follows with the Pixel "a" variant or Samsung with Galaxy "FE".

 

[Radin.Y]

The whole reason for the iPhone SE branding (I believe) was so that with its lack of a generation number it wouldn't "age" as much on the shelves over years.

Since the 16e is now synonymous with the 16-generation iPhone line, I believe there will be faster turnaround for these cheaper iPhones.

Assuming Apple will keep the “normal” iPhone around once 17 comes out, the whole lineup with 16e, 16, then 17, and 17 Pro. I don’t know we’re the 17 will be placed/priced.
So I’m this scenario, 16e should remain.
The year after, 16e, 17, 18. Right?

 

[martin2345uk]

That article sure uses a lot of words to say “Here’s what we know: nothing.”

 

[wbeasley]

That article sure uses a lot of words to say “Here’s what we know: nothing.”

it's been a day of "one idea, let's write a post".

the whole new phone could easily have been covered in one posting.
must be a maximize clicks and comments for pay somehow...

 

[DrJR]

Will there be an iPhone 17? First things first MacRumors.

 

[DMG35]

But what about the 20e? Will they make one? 😂

 

[kiranmk2]

Whilst at first glance it would make sense to update it yearly, I think it will be updated on a 2-3 year timeframe. Consider the (non-Pro) line-up this time next year (2026)

iPhone 17 Air $999?
iPhone 17 $799
iPhone 16 $699
iPhone 16e $599

For me, this still works because the "16" branding is still relevant and the pricing still makes sense. Now consider the line-up in 2 years (2027)

iPhone 18 Air $999?
iPhone 18 $799
iPhone 17 $699
iPhone 16e $599

Again, for me, this still makes sense because the pricing tiers go with the model number ("16" is the cheapest, "18" is the most expensive). If people start to be swayed by the "only $100 more for features x, y & z), then presumably, this helps increase the iPhone ASP.

 

[ifxf]

Makes sense to refresh it yearly. For $600 16e is barely competitive now. In 6 months there will be 16 will drop to $700 and 18 with 120hz display and new features will be available for $800. 16e will make even less sense.

The vast majority of users don’t even understand what a 120hz display does. When buying a phone it doesn’t even make my list of wants.

 

[krspkbl]

i think they'll only do the E every 2-3 years or so.

got 16E. next would be 18E. 20E. 22E.

also probably will only come out for last gen models.

so we'll be on iPhone 19 and get 18E. 20E when iPhone 21 is out.

 

[svish]

I would definitely expect a yearly refresh around this time of the year. Don't think Apple will change much. It will have only a processor upgrade. Not satisfied with this year's colour choices.