Apple's anticipated iPhone 17E, successor to the iPhone 16E, is rumored to incorporate upgrades like the A19 processor and MagSafe support while maintaining a $599 starting price. Reports suggest a possible launch in early 2026, potentially at an Apple event in March. These enhancements could make the budget model more appealing by borrowing elements from higher-end iPhones.
Apple's entry-level iPhone lineup is set to evolve with the rumored iPhone 17E, expected to bridge the gap between affordability and premium features. Building on the iPhone 16E, which launched in February 2025 at $599 and featured the body of an iPhone 14, a notch display, USB-C port, and A18 processor, the new model aims to address some criticisms of its predecessor.
The iPhone 16E replaced the $429 iPhone SE, retiring the older design with a home button and Touch ID. It included a single 48-megapixel main camera and standard wireless charging but omitted MagSafe, which drew confusion given the price increase. Now, leaks indicate the iPhone 17E could adopt a design closer to the iPhone 15, featuring a 6.1-inch display with Dynamic Island—a smaller cutout for dynamic notifications like timers and app alerts—along with thinner bezels. However, it is expected to stick with a 60Hz refresh rate, unlike the 120Hz ProMotion on pricier models.
Under the hood, the iPhone 17E is tipped to include the A19 processor from the iPhone 17, sufficient for Apple Intelligence features, as well as new in-house cellular and wireless chips continuing from the C1 and C1X modems. A key addition would be MagSafe support via a glass back enabling magnetic attachments for chargers and accessories, potentially boosting wireless charging to 15 watts. This aligns with industry standards like Qi2, seen on devices from Google and others.
Release rumors point to an announcement as early as February 2026, per a Mashable report citing Digital Chat Station on Weibo, or more likely at Apple's March 4 event in New York, London, and Shanghai. Pricing is expected to hold at $599 for a possible 128GB model, though hopes persist for a 256GB base like the iPhone 17. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and other sources like The Information and The Elec have fueled these speculations, but Apple has not confirmed the device's existence.
