The upcoming iPhone 17e is reportedly taking a big step forward, with new leaks hinting that Apple’s next entry-level model may finally adopt the Dynamic Island, aligning its design more closely with the standard iPhone 17. The iPhone 17e is expected to move away from the wide notch found on the iPhone 16e, marking the end of the older design language for Apple’s budget-friendly lineup.
Fresh reports from China suggest that the iPhone 17e could feature a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, offering the same screen size as the iPhone 16e but with a more modern interface. The smartphone is also expected to retain a single rear camera, but may receive a sensor upgrade, with earlier leaks hinting at a 48-megapixel setup.
Rumours also indicate that the new model may run on Apple’s upcoming A19 chip, though likely with reduced GPU cores to maintain a performance gap between the iPhone 17e and the higher-tier iPhone 17. This upgrade would still represent a notable jump from the A18-powered iPhone 16e, launched earlier this year.
Pricing is expected to remain similar to the current generation, with reports suggesting a tag of around CNY 4,499, keeping the device positioned as Apple’s affordable option for users upgrading from older models such as the iPhone 11. According to leaks, the iPhone 17e could launch in the first half of 2026, targeting customers looking for a refreshed design without the flagship price.
Earlier rumours point to features such as a 12-megapixel front camera, 3D facial recognition, and improved imaging performance. The main iPhone 17 family — including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Air — is expected to debut in September 2026, with the iPhone 17e following shortly after as the entry-level addition to the lineup.
