The buzz is real! Apple’s next-generation affordable iPhone, the iPhone 17e, is heavily rumored to arrive in the first half of 2026. While Cupertino has yet to officially unveil the successor to the iPhone 16e, a steady stream of leaks and insider whispers are giving us a compelling preview of its potential features and specifications. Early reports suggest that while the iPhone 17e might not look drastically different from its predecessor, it could boast significant internal upgrades, particularly in its chipset and networking capabilities.
As we eagerly await Apple’s official announcement, let’s dive into everything currently known about the rumored iPhone 17e, covering its anticipated launch date, expected price in India, and all the exciting features and specifications.
iPhone 17e: Anticipated Launch Details
Insiders suggest that Apple is planning to unveil the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19th, precisely one year after the iPhone 16e made its debut. The previous affordable model was launched on February 19, 2025.
Following last year’s pattern, Apple is likely to introduce this new handset through a standard press release, bypassing a large-scale launch event. With only a week left until its rumored debut, we’ll ensure you stay informed with all the latest updates on the iPhone 17e.
iPhone 17e: Expected Price and Availability in India
As of now, Apple remains tight-lipped about the iPhone 17e. However, tech journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg suggests that its pricing might stay consistent with previous models. Should his predictions prove accurate, the entry-level iPhone 17e, featuring 128GB of storage, could launch at approximately $599 (around Rs. 54,000).
For the Indian market, the iPhone 17e is anticipated to start at Rs. 59,900 for the same configuration, matching the current retail price of the iPhone 16e. Globally, consumers can expect to find the phone in classic White, Black, and a charming Lavender finish.
iPhone 17e: Expected Features and Specifications
While Apple has remained tight-lipped, the rumor mill has been churning out a wealth of information regarding the iPhone 17e’s potential design, display, camera, battery, and chipset. Here’s a summary of what leaks and speculation suggest so far.
Design
Don’t expect drastic cosmetic changes for the iPhone 17e. Reports indicate that Apple has maintained the same design and dimensions as the previous model, meaning it will likely look very similar to its predecessor.
Display
The iPhone 17e is anticipated to sport a 6.1-inch display, likely reusing the same panel found in the iPhone 16e, complete with a 60Hz refresh rate. Interestingly, earlier rumors hinted at a Dynamic Island, but more recent information suggests the new phone will stick with the familiar notch for its selfie camera and Face ID system, just like the iPhone 16e.
Chipset
Under the hood, the iPhone 17e is rumored to be powered by the advanced A19 chip, which also drives the standard iPhone 17. This powerhouse is expected to deliver up to a 40 percent boost in CPU performance over its predecessor. Apple’s A19 silicon boasts a 16-core Neural Engine, designed for highly efficient AI processing, enhanced memory bandwidth, and overall superior performance.
Furthermore, Apple might integrate its newest proprietary C1X modem into the iPhone 17e for advanced cellular and wireless connectivity. This modem first appeared with the iPhone Air in September 2025.
According to Apple, the C1X modem is engineered to provide network speeds twice as fast as the C1 modem found in the iPhone 16e, all while maintaining greater power efficiency.
Camera
Photography enthusiasts might find a familiar setup, as the iPhone 17e is likely to feature the same 48-megapixel main camera as its predecessor, complete with optical image stabilization (OIS). For crisp selfies and video calls, a 12-megapixel TrueDepth front camera is also expected.
Battery
While Apple typically keeps battery specifications under wraps until devices are disassembled, rumors suggest the iPhone 17e’s battery capacity might remain the same. However, the new, more efficient A19 chip could still lead to improved overall usage time. To put it in perspective, the iPhone 16e offers up to 26 hours of video playback on a single charge. The upcoming model is expected to continue supporting 18W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging.
Interestingly, a significant upgrade might come in the form of wireless charging. Apple could introduce MagSafe charging to the iPhone 17e, enabling potentially much faster wireless top-ups. The iPhone 16e, for example, is limited to 7.5W Qi wireless charging. With MagSafe, the iPhone 17e could reach charging speeds of up to 25W, aligning it more closely with Apple’s other premium devices.
If the rumored February 19th launch date proves accurate, we anticipate a flood of additional details to emerge in the coming days!