iPhone 17e Looking Less Likely — Here's Why

Earlier this year, Apple released the iPhone 16e, a more affordable iPhone 16 model that starts at $599 in the United States.

iPhone 16e Feature 1
While the iPhone 16e effectively replaced the iPhone SE, it is also a first-of-its-kind device, so the release cadence for future models has yet to be established. In other words, it is unclear if Apple will release an iPhone 17e next year.

Apple only updated the iPhone SE once every few years, and a new report suggests that trend might continue with the "e" model.

The Information today outlined a long list of iPhone models that Apple plans to release in 2025, 2026, and 2027, including an iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027. The report made no mention of an iPhone 17e, so such a model is looking less likely.

From the report:

The iPhone 18 series will include updated versions of Apple’s thin iPhone, Pro and Pro Max, along with the new foldable device. In spring 2027, Apple plans to release the standard iPhone 18 and a successor to the more budget-friendly iPhone 16e, the people said.

In his newsletter last month, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple has yet to reach a final decision on releasing an iPhone 17e.

All in all, an iPhone 17e is looking less likely as of now. But, things can change.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16e
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 16e (Caution)
Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...

Top Rated Comments

bluecoast Avatar
10 months ago
It makes sense.

The 16e is aimed at the sort of people who just need a new iPhone, who don’t care that their phone has one camera and will use it until it breaks or gets too slow.

The 16e will still feel fast in 2026 too.

So no hurry to update it.

And by 2027 with all the new models coming out, Apple can probably use the iPhone 16 (minus the camera control) as the basis for the chassis and screen with the other models feeling way more premium.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
smulji Avatar
10 months ago

16e was a flop. Spent 4 years getting everyone to buy magsafe accessories then why this?
The 16e is one of the major reasons for iPhone growth during Q1 2025

"The launch of the iPhone 16e during the quarter drove growth in shipments but exerted downward pressure on ASPs. It proved to be a smart move and helped Apple’s quarter.

https://www.patentlyapple.com/2025/05/apple-was-the-runaway-leader-of-global-smartphone-revenue-in-q1-2025.html
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sunapple Avatar
10 months ago
The e model should last longer AND get discounted after a year.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
10 months ago

16e was a flop
If it's a flop, Apple would probably like more flops like it.

https://www.geekwebguides.com/2025/04/14/apple-q1-smartphone-market-top-spot/

https://www.geekwebguides.com/2025/04/24/iphone-16e-sales-outperform-iphone-se-yoy/
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RLRabb Avatar
10 months ago

It was the worst selling model in the iPhone 16 range out of five models.

The 16e was released more than halfway through the quarter, so factor that in.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
McTool Avatar
10 months ago

16e was a flop. Spent 4 years getting everyone to buy magsafe accessories then why this?
https://www.geekwebguides.com/2025/04/24/iphone-16e-sales-outperform-iphone-se-yoy/
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)