iPhone 17e Rumored to Get Two Key Design Upgrades
Entry-Level iPhone Set to Embrace Dynamic Island and Sleeker Bezels
Apple’s approach to its entry-level iPhone is coming into clearer focus as new reports reveal that the upcoming iPhone 17e is set for two notable design updates. The latest rumors point to the lower-cost model finally adopting both the Dynamic Island and slimmer bezels, bringing its look more in line with Apple’s premium lineup. This shift underscores Apple’s intent to modernize the entire iPhone family, ensuring that even the most affordable new model feels fresh and contemporary.
Last year’s iPhone 16e offered up-to-date internals, but its classic notch design left it looking dated alongside the rest of the lineup. Now, Apple is set to change that narrative. With the addition of these two key updates, the iPhone 17e aims to close the aesthetic gap between entry-level and flagship models—delivering a more unified and visually appealing lineup for 2026. Here’s what these design upgrades mean for the future of Apple’s most budget-friendly iPhone.
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A Modern Look: Dynamic Island and Thinner Bezels
The standout rumored upgrade for the iPhone 17e is the adoption of the Dynamic Island. Originally introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro models, the Dynamic Island is a sleek, pill-shaped cutout that replaces the traditional static notch. It dynamically expands and contracts to showcase Live Activities, system notifications, and background processes, providing a more interactive and streamlined user experience.
Introducing this feature to the entry-level model is a significant move toward unifying the design across the entire iPhone lineup. By moving away from the legacy notch—which has already been retired on Apple’s premium devices—the 17e gains both a modern look and a practical upgrade. The Dynamic Island isn’t just a cosmetic improvement; it enhances usability by making multitasking and managing background activities smoother and more intuitive.
Alongside the Dynamic Island, reports from The Elec indicate that the iPhone 17e will sport noticeably thinner bezels. This design refinement will enhance its modern appeal, making the display feel larger and more immersive. With slimmer borders paired with the updated cutout, the iPhone 17e achieves a premium aesthetic that comfortably aligns with the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup.
These changes reflect Apple’s commitment to raising the bar for its entry-level devices. While the iPhone 16e delivered solid performance, its design made it stand out as a more budget-friendly option. With the iPhone 17e, Apple is bridging that gap, ensuring decisions between models focus more on performance and features rather than simply on appearance.
Differentiating the Lineup
Even with these notable design updates, Apple will continue to distinguish the iPhone 17e from the standard iPhone 17. One of the most significant differences remains ProMotion—a feature reserved for higher-end models.
ProMotion technology allows for a variable display refresh rate of up to 120Hz, delivering smoother scrolling, more responsive gaming, and an overall enhanced sense of fluidity. The iPhone 17e, however, is expected to retain the standard 60Hz display. This remains consistent with Apple’s strategy, as ProMotion has been a signature feature distinguishing the Pro lineup—and more recently, its flagship models—from entry-level options.
By reserving ProMotion as a premium feature, Apple continues to effectively segment its lineup. Those who value the smoothest visual performance will have a clear incentive to choose the higher-priced iPhone 17, while users seeking a refreshed, modern design at a lower price will find the iPhone 17e an appealing alternative.
Other differentiators may include camera features, processor performance, and choice of materials. Still, the decision to modernize the 17e’s design clearly signals Apple’s intent: every new iPhone should represent a meaningful step forward, no matter its price point.
The Future of the Entry-Level iPhone
The rumored design changes for the iPhone 17e underscore a strategic shift in Apple’s approach. No longer content to let its entry-level models trail behind in design, Apple is moving toward a unified, modern lineup where each new device shares the same core aesthetic.
This strategy not only reinforces Apple’s overall brand identity but also makes the iPhone 17e a more compelling option for a broader audience. Customers who may have hesitated due to the dated appearance of the 16e can now see the 17e as a stylish, modern alternative to higher-priced models.
As more details emerge, the positioning of the iPhone 17e within Apple’s ecosystem will come into sharper focus. For now, the addition of the Dynamic Island and slimmer bezels signals a meaningful leap forward, delivering a sleek, modern device that brings the essential iPhone experience to a wider audience—all without the premium price tag.
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