Will there be an iPhone 17e?

Many rumors suggest that Apple may launch the iPhone 17e next year thanks to the strong sales of the iPhone 16e.

The back of the iPhone 16e. Photo: Cult of Mac .

In a Bloomberg Power On report, analyst Mark Gurman stated that Apple remains uncertain about launching the iPhone 17e, despite strong sales of the iPhone 16e.

The iPhone 16e was launched by Apple in mid-February. With a starting price of $600 , the device features a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, an A18 processor, and a USB-C port. Apple positions the product as a more affordable version of the iPhone 16.

Recently, there have been many rumors suggesting that Apple may launch the iPhone 17e next year. Leaker Fixed Focus Digital emphasizes that Apple is close to the trial production phase of the iPhone 17e, expected to be unveiled in May 2026.

In late February, Fixed Focus Digital also revealed a "new project codename" in Apple's supply chain, likely related to the iPhone 17e. However, the Bloomberg writer suggests that the likelihood of the iPhone 17e appearing is still unclear.

"Essentially, the iPhone 16e is a scaled-down version of the iPhone 16, and also a new version of the iPhone SE 3. Apple's leverage with this product is positioning it as a variant of the iPhone 16 rather than an upgrade to the iPhone SE."

This increases its appeal, making the iPhone 16e more attractive to users in markets like China. The big question is whether Apple will upgrade the iPhone 'e' line annually. The company hasn't made a final decision yet, and the necessary time is still several months away,” Gurman said.

According to data from Counterpoint Research , Apple held the number one position in the global smartphone market share for the first time in Q1 (19%). The iPhone 16e was a major contributing factor, alongside strong demand in several emerging markets.

In fact, launching an affordable iPhone 'e' could help Apple refresh its flagship product line and attract user attention. Previously, the company only introduced new colors for some iPhone models mid-cycle.

According to Gurman, many competitors are maintaining a similar strategy. Samsung launches new smartphones multiple times a year, and Google also unveils the Pixel “a” after months of launching its standard Pixel flagship models.

iPhone 16e. Photo: The Verge .

Besides the iPhone 17e, Gurman also offered his insights on a special 20th-anniversary iPhone model, expected to launch in 2027.

Specifically, the device is expected to be more expensive than current models. Part of the reason may be due to the US tariff policy towards China.

According to a Bloomberg writer, Apple may move its iPhone production lines to India, but not entirely. With rumors suggesting the 2027 iPhone will incorporate many new technologies, manufacturing outside of China is currently not feasible.

“While Apple’s manufacturing in India is now nearly on par with China in terms of iPhone quality, the 20th anniversary edition is extremely complex. The device will require new parts and techniques, making production outside of China difficult.”

The story might change at some point, but not in 2027. It's worth noting that Apple has never manufactured a new design outside of China in the first place,” Gurman emphasized.

Source: https://znews.vn/lieu-se-co-iphone-17e-post1549531.html