A new report from The Elec claims that Apple is planning to launch an iPhone 17e in the spring, a successor to the iPhone 16e, which will reportedly use the same OLED panel as part of the effort to keep costs low.
The iPhone 16e is somewhat one of a kind type of iPhone right now. Initially rumored as a next-generation iPhone SE, the iPhone actually took a spot (somewhat) as a part of the iPhone 16 series, despite being released later. This, plus its name, 'iPhone 16e' (not iPhone SE 4), prompted people to believe that releasing a 'more affordable' iPhone would become a yearly thing for Apple.
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A new report from South Korea now corroborates this, claiming that indeed we will see an iPhone 17e next spring. Reportedly, the device will keep the costs low with some components, including the OLED display. The report says the OLED for the iPhone 17e would be the same one used in the iPhone 16e, which is the same one used in the iPhone 14.
The iPhone 16e. | Image Credit – PhoneArena
According to the report, BOE and Samsung would be supplying the display panels. It's also likely that LG Display may also be involved. The iPhone 16e rocks a 6.1-inch OLED display with Face ID. The phone is powered by Apple's A18 chip and is a more affordable alternative to the iPhone 16 family.
Do you think Apple reusing old display tech for budget iPhones is a smart move?
Yes, it keeps the price down
42.86%
It’s fine, but I’d expect more
22.45%
No, I want newer components
20.41%
I didn’t even know there was a 17e coming
14.29%
49 Votes
In April, there were claims that the iPhone 17e was nearing the trial production stage. Back then, it was reported that the device was tentatively scheduled for a May release next year. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is vaguely positioning the iPhone 17e's release timeframe in the first half of next year.
And apparently, the e-branded model of iPhone won't be a one-off (or two-off) thing. Kuo also claimed a third generation of the 'affordable' iPhone will reportedly be released in the first half of 2027.
The iPhone 16e is considered an upper mid-ranger, starting at $599. It's competing against phones like the Pixel 9a, Galaxy S24 FE, OnePlus 13R, and others.
I personally find the iPhone 16e sports just the right amount of power, without all the fancy stuff a regular user won't necessarily be interested in having on their iPhone. The phone covers the basics and does it with flying colors. And as such, I think it's a great idea for this option to continue existing in Apple's portfolio. So yep, I'm delighted a successor is reportedly in the works.
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Izzy, a tech enthusiast and a key part of the PhoneArena team, specializes in delivering the latest mobile tech news and finding the best tech deals. Her interests extend to cybersecurity, phone design innovations, and camera capabilities. Outside her professional life, Izzy, a literature master's degree holder, enjoys reading, painting, and learning languages. She's also a personal growth advocate, believing in the power of experience and gratitude. Whether it's walking her Chihuahua or singing her heart out, Izzy embraces life with passion and curiosity.
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