Will there be an iPhone 17e?

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

In Bloomberg's Power On newsletter, analyst Mark Gurman said Apple is still uncertain about the possibility of launching the iPhone 17e, despite positive sales of the iPhone 16e.

The iPhone 16e was launched by Apple in mid-February. With a starting price of $600 , the device has a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, A18 processor chip and USB-C port. Apple positions the product as a low-cost version of the iPhone 16.

Recently, many rumors have suggested that Apple may launch the iPhone 17e next year. Leaker Fixed Focus Digital emphasized that Apple is close to the trial production stage of the iPhone 17e, expected to launch in May 2026.

In late February, Fixed Focus Digital also revealed a “new project codename” in Apple’s supply chain, most likely related to the iPhone 17e. However, the Bloomberg writer said that the possibility of the iPhone 17e appearing is unclear.

“Basically, the iPhone 16e is a stripped-down model of the iPhone 16, and a new version of the iPhone SE 3. The leverage Apple uses with the product is to position it as a variant of the iPhone 16 rather than an upgrade to the iPhone SE.

This adds to the appeal, making the iPhone 16e interesting for users in markets like China. The big question is whether Apple will upgrade the iPhone 'e' line every year. The company has not made a final decision, and the necessary timing is still 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 the first quarter (19%). Of which, the iPhone 16e is considered a major contributor, in addition to high demand in some emerging markets.

In fact, launching an affordable iPhone 'e' could help Apple refresh its flagship lineup and attract more interest from consumers. Previously, the company only introduced new colors for some iPhone models mid-cycle.

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

iPhone 16e. Photo: The Verge .

Not only the iPhone 17e, Gurman also commented on the 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 come from the US tariff policy towards China.

According to Bloomberg , Apple may move some of its iPhone production to India, but not all of it. With the rumored 2027 iPhone expected to incorporate new technologies, manufacturing outside of China is currently not feasible.

“While Apple’s manufacturing in India is now close to China in terms of iPhone quality, the 20th anniversary edition is extremely complex. The device will require new components and techniques, making it difficult to manufacture outside China.

The story may change at some point, but not in 2027. It's worth noting that Apple has never produced a new design outside of China the first time,” Gurman stressed.

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