The information about the iPhone 17e matches the statement of a reputable source; said that reference documents about this device have appeared in the supply chain in China.

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iPhone 16e. Photo: Allison Johnson/The Verge

According to a new report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), the iPhone 16e is just the first in Apple's annual cycle of lower-cost "e" models. The company is expected to continue with the iPhone 17e in February 2026.

“It appears that the ‘e’ models will become part of Apple’s long-term strategy,” the report said. “After the standard iPhone 17 models launch in September, we expect Apple to announce the iPhone 17e at this time next year. This is similar to how Google introduces ‘a’ models in the Pixel line, a few months after the flagship and Pro versions launch each spring.”

In a related development, WeChat source Fixed Focus Digital claims to have discovered a "new project codename" in Apple's supply chain. Fixed Focus Digital believes there is a "high possibility" that this is the iPhone 17e that will be released next year.

It's worth noting that Fixed Focus Digital was the first to mention the "iPhone 16e" name back in December of last year, when most people still assumed Apple would simply continue releasing a new model in the low-cost iPhone SE line.

Last week, Macrumors also speculated that the iPhone 17e could launch in early 2026, around February. Introducing a lower-cost "e" model mid-cycle could help Apple refresh the lineup and attract more attention from users, instead of just re-releasing the standard iPhone model in a new color - a strategy that Apple has used before.

In addition, this also helps users prepare in advance for the launch of the next low-cost device, instead of having to guess like with the iPhone SE line.

Of course, this assumes that the iPhone 16e sells well. If the iPhone 16e doesn't sell as well as expected, the "e" line could suffer the same fate as the iPhone "mini" line, or Apple is expected to drop the "Plus" version from the upcoming iPhone 17 line.

So, iPhone 16e sales reports will likely be the best gauge of the future of the product line.

The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a notch, Face ID, A18 chip, Apple Intelligence support, USB-C port, Action button, and a 48MP single camera with 2x optical zoom support.

The iPhone 16e is also the first device to feature Apple's own C1 5G modem. The iPhone 16e will be available in stores and shipped to pre-order customers on Friday, February 28.

iPhone 16e for $599, is it worth the money? iPhone 16e – Apple’s latest low-cost iPhone model – will officially hit shelves this Friday. Ahead of the 16e’s release, popular technology news sites and YouTube channels have already given their first reviews.