Apple is poised to expand its iPhone lineup with the upcoming release of the iPhone 17e, a more affordable model designed to succeed the popular SE series. The company is expected to announce the new device on February 19, 2026 – the third day of the Lunar New Year – mirroring the launch strategy used for the iPhone 16e last year, according to early reports.
The iPhone 17e will position itself as the most budget-friendly option within the iPhone 17 series, which already includes the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, released in September 2025. Bloomberg reports that Apple intends to maintain the starting price of the iPhone 17e at $599, consistent with the iPhone 16e.
Despite speculation, Macrumors suggests the iPhone 17e will not feature a significant redesign compared to its predecessor, retaining the “notch” display rather than adopting the Dynamic Island. Though, the device will incorporate four key upgrades. Notably, the iPhone 17e will introduce MagSafe wireless charging capabilities, offering 20-25W power delivery – a feature absent in the iPhone 16e, which was limited to 7.5W Qi charging.
The inclusion of MagSafe will ensure compatibility with existing accessories, including newer wireless chargers and MagSafe wallets. The iPhone 17e will also feature the A19 chip, the same processor found in the standard iPhone 17, although Apple may optimize its performance for the more affordable model.
Further enhancements include a new, Apple-designed C1X modem supporting 5G and LTE connectivity, offering speeds twice as fast as the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e. This new modem is also designed to be the most power-efficient ever integrated into an iPhone. The iPhone 17e is also expected to include a 48-megapixel camera.
Sales of the iPhone 17e are anticipated to commence in select markets by the end of February 2026. This launch underscores Apple’s strategy to cater to a wider range of consumers with varying budgets, a move that reflects the competitive landscape of the smartphone market.
