New reports from Japan and the US provide concrete details about the iPhone 17e and the upcoming iPad 12. Both devices are expected to be unveiled soon and are clearly aimed at the entry-level and mid-range segments. The information comes from two independent sources and paints a relatively consistent picture of Apple's plans. The focus is less on fundamental design changes and more on targeted technical advancements.
In February 2025, Apple discontinued the iPhone SE and established a new entry-level model, the iPhone 16e. This model features a 6.1-inch OLED display, the A18 chip, support for Apple Intelligence, a single 48-megapixel camera, an action button, and a USB-C port. The iPhone 17e is intended to continue this approach and improve upon the features where compromises were made in its predecessor, primarily for cost reasons.
Design and external styling of the iPhone 17e
According to the Japanese blog Mac Otakara, the iPhone 17e will retain a strong visual resemblance to the iPhone 16e. The basic design will reportedly change very little. Of particular relevance is the question of the display cutout: contrary to earlier rumors, the iPhone 17e is expected to feature a classic notch. A Dynamic Island design will not be used. This indicates that Apple is deliberately maintaining a clear distinction between its entry-level model and the more expensive iPhone series.
Technical advancements in detail
New A19 chip
One of the most important innovations concerns the processor. The iPhone 17e is expected to be equipped with the A19 chip, replacing the A18 from the iPhone 16e. Higher processing power and improved energy efficiency are anticipated. This will ensure the device remains powerful enough for Apple Intelligence and future iOS versions without abandoning its position as an entry-level model.
Second generation C1X modem
In the area of cellular connectivity, Apple is expected to use the second-generation C1X modem. According to Apple, this modem will be up to twice as fast as the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e for 5G and LTE connections. At the same time, it is described as the most energy-efficient modem ever used in an iPhone, which should have a positive impact on battery life.
N1 chip for wireless connections
Additionally, the iPhone 17e is said to feature the N1 chip, which is responsible for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread. This chip is already used in the iPhone Air, where it supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. According to Apple, the N1 chip noticeably improves the stability and reliability of features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot.
The camera remains deliberately simple
Both Mac Otakara and another report indicate that the iPhone 17e will continue to feature only a single rear camera. Major camera upgrades or an additional lens are not currently part of the rumors. This maintains Apple's policy of positioning the camera setup clearly below that of its higher-priced models.
MagSafe as a possible difference from its predecessor
A key difference compared to the iPhone 16e could be the return of MagSafe. While the iPhone 16e only supports Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W, the iPhone 17e is expected to offer magnetic wireless charging at around 20 to 25W. This would also allow the use of magnetic accessories like the MagSafe Wallet again.
Information on the publication date
A separate report from Macworld mentions an unusually specific date for the iPhone 17e's unveiling. According to the report, Apple plans to announce it via press release on Thursday, February 19th. This would be exactly one year after the iPhone 16e was also unveiled on February 19th, albeit on a Wednesday. A Thursday presentation day would be rather atypical for Apple, but it is not considered impossible.
A quick look at the iPad 12
In the same context, information about the iPad 12 has also surfaced. The tablet is said to be visually very similar to the iPad 11, but will be equipped with an A18 chip that supports Apple Intelligence. This will likely result in 8 GB of RAM, while the iPad 11 only has 6 GB.
Price and other open questions
There is currently no reliable information on the price of the iPhone 17e. In Germany, the iPhone 16e starts at €699. Whether Apple will maintain or adjust this price is currently unknown. There is also no indication of any other major changes to the storage capacity, so it can be assumed that the overall specifications will be very similar to the previous model.
The iPhone 17e focuses on targeted hardware improvements
Current rumors portray the iPhone 17e as a cautious but targeted evolution of the iPhone 16e. The focus is on a new A19 chip, improved wireless technology thanks to the C1X modem and the N1 chip, and the likely return of MagSafe. Major design changes or new camera hardware are not expected. If the rumored February release date proves accurate, Apple will likely unveil the iPhone 17e within a familiar timeframe, albeit with some significant technical improvements. (Image: Shutterstock / Kaspars Grinvalds)
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