New information about the iPhone 17e

Based on rumors, Apple is nearing the production stage for the iPhone 17e, with the device expected to launch in the middle of next year.

The front of the iPhone 16e. Photo: The Verge .

On the social media platform Weibo , the account of rumor expert Fixed Focus Digital stated that Apple is nearing the trial production stage of the iPhone 17e. If the rumor is accurate, this would be an upgrade to the iPhone 16e, a device Apple introduced in February.

"The transition to the iPhone 17e production line has been put on schedule... There will still be an iPhone 17e next year, the device is nearing the trial production phase," the leaker said.

Based on rumors, the iPhone 17e is expected to launch in May 2026. This leak expert says the product will directly compete with mid-range smartphones from several rivals launching around the same time, especially Xiaomi, Redmi, and Vivo.

With a starting price of $600 , the iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, an A18 processor, and a USB-C port. Apple positions the device as a more affordable version of the iPhone 16.

In late February, Fixed Focus Digital also revealed a "new project codename" in Apple's supply chain, most likely related to the iPhone 17e.

According to MacRumors , this person was also the first to leak information about the iPhone 16e name in December 2024. At that time, many rumors still suggested the device would be called iPhone SE 4.

Similarly, a report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) indicates that Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17e next year, but possibly in February.

“The ‘e’ series of phones could become part of Apple’s future plans. After launching the flagship iPhone 17 series in September, we anticipate Apple will introduce the iPhone 17e around February next year.”

This is similar to how Google introduced the Pixel 'a' after months of launching the standard Pixel flagship models,” CIRP reported in February.

To launch in May 2026, AppleInsider reports that the iPhone 17e could begin trial production in small quantities starting in August of this year. If production begins earlier, the device could even be unveiled as early as next year.

iPhone 16e (left) and iPhone 16. Photo: CNN .

In the article revealing the iPhone 16e in February, CEO Tim Cook described it as "the newest member of the family," hinting at the possibility of the device being upgraded annually.

In fact, launching an affordable iPhone 'e' could help Apple refresh its flagship product line and attract user attention. Previously, the company only introduced new colors for some iPhone models mid-cycle.

Launching iPhone 'e' models regularly at the beginning of the year also helps users get a clearer picture of when the next iPhone will appear, in contrast to the less frequent launch schedule of the previous iPhone SE.

According to data from Counterpoint Research , Apple held the number one position in the global smartphone market share for the first time in Q1 (19%). The iPhone 16e was a major contributing factor, alongside strong demand in several emerging markets.

Source: https://znews.vn/thong-tin-moi-ve-iphone-17e-post1548000.html