Apple is preparing to roll out the iPhone 17e early next year, positioning it as the most affordable model in the iPhone 17 lineup. 
Following in the footsteps of the iPhone 16e, which replaced the long-running SE line, the 17e is aimed squarely at budget-conscious buyers – but expectations for major upgrades should be tempered.
The most noticeable change is design: instead of looking like the older iPhone 14, the iPhone 17e will adopt the base iPhone 16’s look, complete with Apple’s Dynamic Island replacing the dated notch. Visually, this finally makes the entry-level model feel more in line with the rest of the modern iPhone family.
Beyond aesthetics, however, the updates appear modest. According to early leaks from the supply chain, the iPhone 17e will keep the same 6.1-inch OLED panel as the iPhone 16 base model, still locked at 60Hz – far behind Apple’s ProMotion displays. Its cameras are also expected to remain unchanged from the 16e, meaning users shouldn’t expect new photography tricks.
Performance will see a lift with the inclusion of Apple’s upcoming A19 chip, a step above the A18 powering the 16e. There’s also speculation that Apple’s second-generation in-house cellular modem could debut in the 17 lineup, potentially making its way into the 17e.
The real draw remains pricing. Apple intends the 17e to be the cheapest ticket into the iPhone 17 ecosystem. Still, pricing is uncertain: with the 17 Pro already confirmed to rise by $50, analysts warn that Apple’s entry-level device could also creep upward in cost by launch day. If that happens, the 17e risks being seen as less of a budget option than Apple might hope.
For buyers who simply want a new iPhone without the premium price tag, the 17e will likely be a welcome option. But anyone expecting sweeping improvements over the 16e may walk away underwhelmed.