The iPhone 17e has been the subject of intense discussion months before its launch. Initial information from the supply chain suggests that Apple is planning significant changes for this model. Particularly striking are hints of a new industrial design, the introduction of the Dynamic Island, and the use of the A19 chip. This could clearly differentiate the iPhone 17e from its predecessor while still remaining positioned as an affordable entry-level model in the range.
The current iPhone 16e is still heavily influenced by the iPhone 14 from 2022. With its classic notch and A18 chip, it offers solid technology but lags behind the newer models in terms of appearance and functionality. With the iPhone 17e, Apple now appears ready to narrow the gap to the standard models. Leaks from "Digital Chat Station," a well-known Weibo leaker with a reliable track record, paint a picture of a device that moves closer to the regular iPhone lineup in terms of design and performance without losing its price advantage.
New design and Dynamic Island
The most striking upgrade of the iPhone 17e is the new front design. While the iPhone 16e still has a notch, the upcoming model is expected to feature the Dynamic Island. This element, first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro and found in all standard models since the iPhone 15, replaces the traditional notch and offers an interactive display element for notifications and ongoing processes. The design of the iPhone 17e is likely based on the iPhone 15, which is also known for its more rounded bezel. This would give the device a significantly more modern look.
A19 chip as the technical heart
Performance is also being upgraded. The iPhone 17e is expected to feature the A19 chip, while the current iPhone 16e still uses the A18. A switch of this kind typically means more processing power, greater efficiency, and longer battery life. This would mark the first time the entry-level model has experienced a true hardware upgrade, clearly distinguishing it from previous generations.
Display and camera
The display remains unchanged at 6.1 inches. It still uses an OLED panel with a 60 Hz refresh rate. Features like ProMotion with 120 Hz are reserved for the higher-priced models. Despite this limitation, the OLED display should provide rich colors and good contrast. The camera setup is also expected to be similar to the iPhone 16e. A 48-megapixel main camera is expected on the back, while the front camera remains 12 megapixels and features Face ID. This will make the iPhone 17e solidly positioned for everyday photography without trespassing on the premium segment.
Price as a selling point
As with its predecessors, price is likely to play a key role in the iPhone 17e. The device is expected to be the most affordable variant in the lineup and is aimed at buyers who want modern features without the premium of the Pro models. The low entry-level price remains the strongest selling point of this series and is likely to contribute significantly to its success.
Reliability of the leaks
The current information comes from "Digital Chat Station." The leaker has made several accurate predictions in the past, for example, about the iPhone 15's cameras or the iPhone 12's display design. The rumors are further supported by reputable sources such as Ming-Chi Kuo, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, and the Korean website The Elec. All three also assume that the iPhone 17e will be unveiled as planned early next year.
iPhone 17e: Modernized but affordable
The iPhone 17e is expected to receive significant upgrades, including Dynamic Island, a new design, and the A19 chip. Despite these upgrades, the 6.1-inch 60 Hz OLED display and the familiar camera setup remain. Apple maintains a balance between cost and performance, offering a modern yet attractively priced option. If a market launch early next year is confirmed, the iPhone 17e is likely to be the most interesting entry-level model in the series yet. (Image: Shutterstock / Framesira)
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