Apple appears poised to introduce its next-generation budget smartphone, the iPhone 17e, potentially as early as this month according to emerging supply chain intelligence and industry reports. This anticipated release follows Apple’s established pattern of unveiling its affordable e-series model in February, established when the company launched the iPhone 16e in February 2025 as the formal replacement for its discontinued iPhone SE line.
The forthcoming iPhone 17e is expected to deliver substantial improvements over its predecessor, addressing several key limitations of the iPhone 16e model. Industry analysts project the device will incorporate Apple’s advanced A19 chipset—the same processor powering the flagship iPhone 17—though likely configured with one fewer GPU core following Apple’s standard practice of using binned processors for entry-level devices. This architectural enhancement promises notable performance gains, particularly for artificial intelligence functionalities and computational photography features.
Design refinements represent another significant area of advancement. The device is rumored to replace the traditional notch with Apple’s Dynamic Island interface, while upgrading the front-facing camera system to an 18-megapixel square-sensor configuration. Storage capacity is anticipated to double to 256GB as standard, a substantial increase from the 128GB base model of the previous generation.
Perhaps most notably, the iPhone 17e may introduce MagSafe compatibility for the first time in Apple’s budget series. Multiple reports indicate support for 25W MagSafe wireless charging, addressing one of the most frequent criticisms of the iPhone 16e. Connectivity could also see improvements through an upgrade from Apple’s C1 modem to the more advanced and efficient C1X chipset.
Pricing strategy is expected to remain consistent with previous models, with the iPhone 17e likely starting at $599. For consumers in the United Arab Emirates, this would translate to approximately Dh2,599—mirroring the launch price of the iPhone 16e. If these specifications materialize at this price point, the iPhone 17e could establish itself as a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious consumers seeking premium features without the flagship price tag.