The iPhone 16e hasn't even been released yet, but information about the iPhone 17e has already leaked.

According to a new consumer report, Apple is likely to launch the iPhone 17e next year, expected in February.

iPhone 16e chưa ra mắt, iPhone 17e đã lộ thông tin

Apple may be preparing for its next budget iPhone model.

References to the iPhone 17e have surfaced in the Chinese supply chain, coinciding with claims from a reliable source. This suggests Apple is preparing for its next budget iPhone model, continuing the "e" series strategy it began with the iPhone 16e.

According to a new report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), the iPhone 16e is just the beginning of an annual cycle of more affordable "e" versions. Apple is expected to continue this trend and launch the iPhone 17e in February 2026, about a year after the iPhone 16e is announced.

The report states: " It appears that the 'e' models will become part of Apple's long-term strategy. After the standard iPhone 17 models launch this September, we expect Apple to announce the iPhone 17e around this time next year. This is similar to how Google introduces the 'a' models in its Pixel line, a few months after launching the flagship and Pro versions each spring ."

With this strategy, Apple can expand its customer base, offering more options for users who want to own a new iPhone at a more reasonable price. Maintaining the "e" product line will help the company compete better in the mid-range smartphone market.

A recent report further corroborates information about the iPhone 17e, with Fixed Focus Digital on WeChat claiming to have discovered a "new project codename" in Apple's supply chain. According to this source, this is most likely the iPhone 17e model that Apple plans to launch next year.

It's worth noting that Fixed Focus Digital was the first source to reveal information about the iPhone 16e last December. At that time, most of the tech industry still believed that Apple would continue to maintain the iPhone SE line instead of expanding into a new segment like the iPhone "e".

Last week, MacRumors also speculated that the iPhone 17e could be announced in early 2026, specifically around February. This prediction aligns with the launch schedule of the iPhone 16e, further reinforcing the possibility that Apple will maintain this new product line on an annual cycle.

Launching a cheaper "e" iPhone model mid-cycle could be a strategy for Apple to refresh its product portfolio and attract more user attention. Instead of simply releasing a standard iPhone version with new colors, Apple could leverage the "e" iPhone line to stimulate demand and better compete in the market.

In addition, the fixed release cycle of the iPhone "e" series makes it easier for users to plan ahead if they want to own a more affordable device, instead of having to wait indefinitely as with the previous iPhone SE series.

However, all of this only really matters if the iPhone 16e achieves good sales. If sales don't meet expectations, Apple might discontinue the "e" line, just like they did with the iPhone "mini." There are even rumors that Apple is considering removing the "Plus" version from the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup.

Therefore, future sales of the iPhone 16e will be the most important factor in determining whether the iPhone "e" series will become part of Apple's long-term strategy.

The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED display with the familiar "notch" design, integrated Face ID, and a powerful A18 chip. It supports Apple Intelligence, uses a USB-C port, has an Action button, and boasts a single 48MP camera with 2x optical zoom.

Notably, the iPhone 16e is Apple's first device to feature its own C1 5G modem, promising improved connectivity. This also represents a significant step in the company's strategy to reduce reliance on external component suppliers.

According to the plan, the iPhone 16e will officially go on sale on Friday, February 28th. Users can purchase it directly at Apple stores or receive the device as soon as it is delivered to customers who pre-ordered.