Apple’s iPhone 17e Rumoured to Feature A19 Chip, New Design
A new wave of rumours from Chinese sources suggests that the iPhone 17e, the rumoured successor to the popular iPhone 16e, will continue the ‘e’ series’ annual release cycle with a launch expected in early 2026. This follows the iPhone 16e’s debut in February, solidifying a new release cadence for Apple’s more budget-friendly smartphone line.
The leaked specifications, which have been widely circulated, point to a device that will receive a significant performance boost and a visual refresh. The iPhone 17e is rumoured to feature a new design and will be powered by the upcoming A19 chip, the same processor expected to be in the flagship iPhone 17 series. This would mark a notable upgrade over the iPhone 16e, which was powered by the A18 chip.
According to the reports, the new handset will retain several features from its predecessor to keep costs down. These include a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate, a 12 MP front-facing camera with Face ID, and a single 48 MP rear camera. The phone is also expected to continue using the Dynamic Island design, a feature that was introduced to the ‘e’ series with the iPhone 16e.
While the new design and the A19 chipset appear to be the primary upgrades, other potential changes, such as battery capacity or other internal components, remain unconfirmed. Analysts speculate that Apple will continue to make small but impactful tweaks to differentiate the new model.
The iPhone 16e was praised for bringing flagship features to a more accessible price point. If the rumours are true, the iPhone 17e will follow a similar strategy, offering a new design and the latest generation of Apple silicon to attract users looking for a powerful device without the premium price tag.
As these are currently unconfirmed leaks, consumers should await an official announcement from Apple.
