The iPhone 18e will be released in spring 2027 – alongside the iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2. For the first time, an "e" model is expected to feature Dynamic Island, along with the A20 chip, which is rumored to be identical to the one in the iPhone 18. Here's an overview of all the latest rumors regarding specs, price, and release date.
With the iPhone 18e, Apple is consistently continuing its strategy for more affordable entry-level iPhones. Following the iPhone 16e (early 2025) and the iPhone 17e (early 2026), the third "e" generation will follow in spring 2027 – and for the first time not in the shadow of an already launched standard model, but alongside the iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2.
The most exciting question with this model: How big is the gap to the regular iPhone 18? While the previous models 16e and 17e were clearly budget versions with a reduced display, fewer cameras and an older chip, new leaks suggest that the iPhone 18e could come dangerously close to the iPhone 18 for the first time – at least under the hood.
iPhone 18e: The most important points in brief
| Detail | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Release | Spring 2027 (March/April) |
| Chip | A20 (possibly identical to the iPhone 18) |
| RAM | 9 GB expected (according to analysts, like the iPhone 18) |
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED, 60 Hz (no ProMotion) |
| Dynamic Island | For the first time in an "e" model expected |
| Main camera | 48 MP Fusion (single lens) |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth |
| Modem | C1X (like iPhone 17e) probably |
| Price | In the iPhone 17e range ($599) |
iPhone 18e: Spring 2027 instead of February
According to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, the iPhone 18e will be released in spring 2027 – likely in March or April. This marks a departure from Apple's previous February launch of the "e" models, where all three more affordable models will be presented together in a single spring event: iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2.
This bundling is part of Apple's new split-launch strategy. The premium models iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra will be released in September 2026, while the high-volume models will follow six months later. The fact that the iPhone 18e won't arrive until spring 2027 is therefore not a special release date for the e model, but rather Apple's new regular spring launch schedule.
A20 chip: For the first time, the same chip as in the regular iPhone 18
Herein lies one of the most interesting points. So far, Apple has consistently used a slightly scaled-down chip in the e-model: The iPhone 17e uses the same A19 chip as the iPhone 17, but has a reduced GPU with only 4 cores instead of 5. This could change with the iPhone 18e.
Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital reports that Apple is foregoing its usual chip binning for the iPhone 18. This would mean that the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will have the exact same A20 chip with identical GPU configuration. The reason behind this is a cost-cutting measure: Apple is reportedly deliberately reducing the number of chips in the standard iPhone instead of producing two different versions.
In practice, this would mean that the iPhone 18e would have the same chip as the iPhone 18 – a historic first for the e-series. The performance differences would then arise solely from other components such as RAM, display, and cooling.
Important for context: Fixed Focus Digital has a mixed track record. Their tip about the name "iPhone 16e" was correct, but they were wrong about the refresh rate of the iPhone 17e. The theory of a shared chip is therefore plausible, but not yet confirmed. Other sources also expect the iPhone 18e to get the A20 – the only question is whether it will be with or without a cutdown.
The parity theory is further supported by a recent report from Ming-Chi Kuo: According to him, the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will both receive 9 GB of RAM and the A20 chip, provided via six dies of 1.5 GB each; the full 12 GB will remain reserved for the Pro models. This brings the iPhone 18e up to the standard iPhone 18 not only in terms of chip but also in terms of memory – the two models would be virtually on par, and the difference would shift entirely to the display, cameras, and cooling.
Display: 6.1 inches, no ProMotion, but Dynamic Island
Apple is sticking with the tried-and-tested 6.1-inch display format of the iPhone 17e (2,532 x 1,170 pixels, 460 ppi). The jump to the larger 6.3-inch panel of the iPhone 18 is not happening – this is a classic differentiating feature between the e and standard models.
What will change, however, is that the iPhone 18e is expected to get the Dynamic Island notch for the first time. The iPhone 17e still has a classic notch – rumors circulated that Apple had also considered the Dynamic Island for the 17e, but ultimately decided against it. With the iPhone 18e, Apple could soften this distinction and bring the e-model visually closer to the regular iPhone 18.
The refresh rate is expected to remain at 60 Hz. ProMotion with 120 Hz is currently reserved for the more expensive models. An always-on display function is also not expected for the iPhone 18e. A recent report from Digital Chat Station suggests how long this separation will last: According to them, the iPhone 18e will retain a 60 Hz LTPS panel, and the switch to a more modern LTPO display with a variable refresh rate wouldn't arrive until the fourth e-generation – presumably with the iPhone 19e in early 2028. Only this technology would be a prerequisite for ProMotion and an always-on display. The catch: It depends on a further development called LTPO+, which Apple is expected to initially reserve for the iPhone Air and iPhone Ultra in 2028. If their mass production is delayed, the ProMotion upgrade for the entry-level model could also be pushed back further.
Apple could improve the brightness – the 17e remains at a typical 800 nits and a peak of 1,200 nits (HDR), while the iPhone 17 already reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. A moderate brightness upgrade for the 18e would be a typical generational leap.
Camera: Still only one lens
The iPhone 18e's camera setup remains true to the classic "e" concept: only one main camera on the back. While the iPhone 18 uses a dual-camera system with a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, the iPhone 18e is expected to only have the 48MP Fusion main camera.
Despite its single-lens design, it's more versatile than it initially appears. The iPhone 17e already uses the same concept: its 48MP Fusion camera with an f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization allows for a 2x telephoto zoom via sensor cropping, which is then output as a 12MP telephoto image. This effectively gives the e model two focal lengths in one lens – just without a dedicated telephoto zoom with its own optics.
The second lens, the ultra-wide-angle lens of the iPhone 18, is still missing from the 18e. This is a deliberate cost-cutting measure. A second camera lens not only increases material costs but also the effort involved in sensor calibration, image processing, and software tuning.
The front camera is expected to remain a 12MP TrueDepth sensor with an f/1.9 aperture. The center-stage upgrade to 18MP that came with the iPhone 17 is unlikely for the e model. The potential jump to 24MP, which is being discussed for the iPhone 18 Pro models, is also not expected for the iPhone 18e.
C1X modem likely, C2 unlikely
Regarding the modem, current indications strongly suggest that the iPhone 18e will continue to use Apple's C1X modem. This modem is already used in the iPhone 17e and iPhone Air and offers sub-6GHz 5G without mmWave support. A switch to the new C2 modem, expected for the iPhone 18 Pro models and supposed to bring mmWave support, is unlikely for the e model – Apple traditionally rolls out its modems from the top down.
In practice, this means the iPhone 18e will get a tried-and-tested modem that already delivers good results in the 17e, but will likely lag behind the iPhone 18 Pro in peak speed. For most users, this isn't a disadvantage – mmWave is hardly available outside of urban US centers anyway.
The situation regarding Camera Control is clear: The iPhone 17e did without it, and it's not expected that the dedicated control button will be included in the iPhone 18e either. Camera Control will therefore remain a premium feature of the standard and Pro models.
Price: As part of the iPhone 17e package
Specific pricing information is not yet available. The iPhone 16e launched in Germany at €699 for 128GB. The iPhone 17e, released in March 2026, also costs €699 – but with double the storage capacity, starting at 256GB. A similar price point is likely for the iPhone 18e, possibly with slight adjustments depending on component prices and exchange rates.
In the US, the iPhone 18e is expected to start at $599, the same price as the iPhone 17e. Apple wants to keep the price structure stable and is instead using component cost-cutting measures to mitigate the global memory chip crisis and rising manufacturing costs.
Is the iPhone 18e worth waiting for?
The iPhone 18e is aimed at Apple newcomers and buyers who want a new iPhone at the lowest possible price without sacrificing modern software features. Those currently using an older iPhone like the iPhone 12, 13, or iPhone SE 3 will experience a significant upgrade with the iPhone 18e – modern design, A20 chip with 2nm manufacturing, and, for the first time in the e model, Dynamic Island.
Those who already own an iPhone 17e should probably wait. The differences to its predecessor are minimal; the lack of a ProMotion display and the single camera, in particular, limit the price jump. The iPhone 18e will become truly interesting if the rumors about it sharing the A20 chip with the iPhone 18 prove true – then buyers would suddenly have Pro-level performance at the e-price.
If you're looking for a modern, fully equipped iPhone, the iPhone 18 is the better choice. If you want maximum premium features, you'll need to opt for the iPhone 18 Pro or the iPhone Ultra.
The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Wongsakorn 2468)
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