Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17e is already generating discussion, and not for entirely positive reasons. While the Cupertino company has built a reputation for offering a polished experience even in its more affordable models, leaks and insider reports suggest that the 17e may deliberately tone things down compared to last year’s surprisingly capable iPhone 16e. 
In other words, Apple is drawing a sharper line between what counts as ‘budget-friendly’ and what defines the standard iPhone experience.
When Apple launched the iPhone 16e, many tech enthusiasts were quick to point out that the device offered far better value than the regular iPhone 16. Although it lacked some premium touches, the 16e still came with strong performance and a respectable camera, making the more expensive base iPhone 16 seem like a questionable purchase. Apple insiders, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, suggest that this dynamic is exactly what Apple intends to fix with the next iteration.
According to Gurman, the iPhone 17e will more obviously position itself as the ‘entry-level’ iPhone. That means fewer premium features and clearer compromises to make its lower price point unmistakable. The standard iPhone 17, for instance, debuted with ProMotion technology, offering silky-smooth 120 Hz visuals. By contrast, the iPhone 17e will stay locked at a basic 60 Hz refresh rate, ensuring that those who want cutting-edge screen performance must step up to the pricier model.
The camera situation underscores the same logic. Reports indicate that the 17e will reuse the camera system introduced with the iPhone 16e, without adopting the enhanced imaging capabilities of the base iPhone 17. Apple appears to be deliberately maintaining this gap so buyers can’t confuse the two models. In practice, this could mean that while the 17e remains adequate for everyday photography, anyone wanting better low-light performance or advanced computational features will need to look higher up the ladder.
That said, the iPhone 17e won’t be a carbon copy of its predecessor. Under the hood, it’s expected to ship with Apple’s new A19 chip, ensuring it keeps pace with modern apps and iOS features. On the design front, the budget iPhone will finally ditch the outdated notch seen on the 16e, adopting the sleeker Dynamic Island cutout that debuted in higher-end models. This change alone will help the 17e feel more modern, even if its internals are less impressive compared to the flagship lineup.
Interestingly, Apple’s strategy suggests a broader goal: to create a product range that feels more logically separated. With the 16e blurring the lines, many customers debated whether spending more for the base iPhone was even worth it. By dialing back the 17e, Apple makes the choice starker – buy the 17e for affordability, or move up the ladder for premium perks. It’s a classic segmentation tactic, one that not only protects the value of higher-end models but also simplifies decision-making for new buyers.
Of course, not everything about this approach will please consumers. Early impressions frame the 17e as ‘just okay’ rather than an exciting option, with the phone’s biggest appeal being its lower price point when it launches in 2026. For those who simply want a modern iPhone at the lowest possible entry cost, it may still be a worthwhile purchase. But for anyone chasing Apple’s latest innovations – especially in display and camera technologies – the iPhone 17e is shaping up to be a reminder that sometimes, saving money means giving up more than expected.
2 comments
tbh if it has the new chip its fine, rest doesnt matter to me
still getting the 17e if its cheaper, i dont care abt 120hz