Cheaper Apple iPhone 17e in the works? Early 2026 Leaks Hint At 3 Standout Features
Apple is reportedly preparing to expand its 2026 iPhone lineup with the iPhone 17e, a more affordable model designed to feel closer to the main iPhone 17 series than the current 16e. Expected to offer a familiar flagship experience at a lower price, the phone is rumoured for an early 2026 launch, with initial leaks suggesting three key upgrades that could help it stand apart, even without official confirmation from Apple.
Apple is rumored to launch the iPhone 17e early next year with an upgraded design featuring a Dynamic Island and A19 chip.
Would you like to see the iPhone 17e with this design? pic.twitter.com/g2i21cdgbq
— Private Talky (@privatetalky) December 2, 2025
The iPhone 17e is shaping up to be a much stronger budget-friendly option, mainly because it’s expected to run on Apple’s latest A19 chip. This would put it on the same performance tier as the flagship iPhone 17, offering better GPU gains for gaming and AI tasks while keeping the price lower. For users who want long-term relevance without paying premium rates, this alone could make the 17e an appealing pick.
Design-wise, Apple appears ready to fix one of the biggest complaints people had with the iPhone 16e: the outdated notch. The iPhone 17e is rumoured to adopt the Dynamic Island, bringing it in line with every modern iPhone. This shift not only improves the look of the phone but also unlocks Apple’s newer software experiences tied to interactive alerts and Live Activities.
Apple is expected to launch a new iPhone 17e in early 2026
Here are the three main new features expected:
– A19 chip: The 17e model will be equipped with the A19 chip, offering better performance, particularly in terms of GPU, ideal for gaming and AI. This chip is also… pic.twitter.com/hv5azgQiUG
— AppleDrop (@TheAppleDrop) December 2, 2025
The camera system may also get a major boost. Apple is reportedly planning to bring the same 18MP Center Stage-ready front camera from the iPhone 17 lineup to the 17e. This upgrade could significantly enhance everyday usage, especially for video calls, vlogging, and group selfies, making it feel far more premium than its predecessor.
If these leaks prove true, the iPhone 17e could easily become a more future-proof and balanced upgrade compared to the 16e. With modern design changes, the newest chip, and a flagship-level camera, Apple may position this as a lower-cost model with fewer compromises. And with the iPhone 16e launching in February, an early 2026 release for the 17e feels highly likely, possibly just a few months away.
