The iPhone 17e: A Budget Phone That Doesn’t Feel Like One
The rumored iPhone 17e is shaping up to be more than just an entry-level device. With an A19 chip, Dynamic Island, and slimmer bezels, Apple may finally be taking its budget tier seriously.
For years, the “budget” iPhone has felt like a compromise. Users accepted thick bezels, an older processor, and the absence of features that defined the latest iPhones—all in the name of saving money. But if the latest leaks prove accurate, the upcoming iPhone 17e could change that narrative entirely.
According to recent reports, Apple is gearing up to release the successor to the iPhone 16e as soon as next month. This isn’t just another routine upgrade; it signals a strategic rethink of what an entry-level iPhone can and should be.
Here’s our exclusive analysis of the rumored upgrades and why the iPhone 17e might become the smartest buy of 2026.
Power Under the Hood: The Leap to A19
One of the most significant surprises this year is what’s running beneath the surface. While previous entry-level models have recycled earlier silicon, rumors now suggest the iPhone 17e will debut with Apple’s latest A19 chip.
This marks a notable shift from Apple’s traditional approach. Built on the third-generation 3nm (N3P) process, the A19 is expected to deliver CPU performance improvements of 5–10% over the A18 powering current models.
Why does this matter? By putting its newest chip in its most affordable phone, Apple guarantees impressive longevity. The iPhone 17e won’t be a device that feels outdated in just a couple of years—it’s engineered to support future iOS updates and emerging AI features for the long term.
Design Evolution: Goodbye Notch, Hello Dynamic Island
The line dividing entry-level and premium iPhones is starting to blur. Two major design updates are set to make the 17e feel strikingly modern:
Thinner Bezels: Supply chain reports indicate the 17e will shed the chunky borders of previous models. While it retains the familiar 6.1-inch display, the thinner bezels promise a more immersive, edge-to-edge viewing experience.
Dynamic Island: The era of the notch is coming to a close. Rumors point to the 17e embracing the Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped cutout first introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro. This update creates a unified design language across Apple’s lineup, enabling consistent Live Activities and system alerts on every new device.
Note on the display: To keep costs in check and maintain differentiation from Pro models, the 17e will likely still forgo ProMotion (120Hz) refresh rates and always-on display technology.
Camera Improvements: Center Stage for Selfies
Budget iPhones typically offer reliable but unremarkable cameras—until now. Analyst Jeff Pu suggests that the iPhone 17e will feature the new 18MP Center Stage selfie camera seen in higher-end iPhone 17 models.
This upgrade isn’t just about boosting megapixels. The sensor is designed to crop into either a portrait or landscape rectangle, allowing users to take selfies in any orientation without physically rotating the device. Thanks to Center Stage, the camera will also track faces and keep subjects in the frame during video calls—an elegant, user-friendly enhancement.
MagSafe Arrives—For Real
One of the most frequent criticisms of the iPhone 16e was its limited wireless charging. It worked with Qi chargers, but missed out on full 15W MagSafe speeds and the robust magnetic connection that paved the way for a vast ecosystem of accessories.
The iPhone 17e is set to address this gap. Full MagSafe support means faster 15W charging and compatibility with wallets, stands, battery packs, and more. Even though it may not support the ultra-fast 25W Qi2.2 standard of flagship devices, the addition of official MagSafe is a practical upgrade that expands usability and convenience.
Price and Value: Raising the Bar for Budget Phones
The iPhone 17e is slated for launch this spring—potentially as early as February—with pricing expected to land around $599.
Should Apple also boost the base storage to 256GB (a trend already seen in the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup), the value proposition becomes even more compelling. Buyers could get the latest A19 processor, a refined, bezel-light design, Dynamic Island functionality, and MagSafe compatibility for a fraction of the cost of a Pro Max model.
For budget-conscious shoppers—or anyone who simply wants a reliable, polished iPhone without premium price tags or pro-grade camera features—the iPhone 17e is shaping up to be a standout. It’s the rare budget phone that doesn’t act or feel like one, signaling Apple’s renewed attention to its entry-level tier.
If you enjoy Apple Secrets, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to support our work.
We publish daily Apple news, insights, and stories that matter to our readers.
Like most newsletters, fewer than 5% of our subscribers are paid.
Your support at $5/month or $45/year helps us keep Apple Secrets independent and growing into 2026.
Thank you for being here ❤️