Earlier this year, Apple introduced the budget-friendly iPhone 16e, positioning it as an upgraded addition to the SE lineup. With a refreshed design and hardware features similar to the main iPhone series, the iPhone 16e captured consumer interest and significantly contributed to Apple’s leadership in the global smartphone market in the first quarter of 2025.
Following this success, rumors began circulating about a possible iPhone 17e launch next year. However, reliable Apple insider Mark Gurman suggests that the company has not yet made a final decision regarding the release of the iPhone 17e.
Gurman points out that the iPhone 16e succeeded partly because it was marketed not as an SE device but as a variation of the iPhone 16. A potential iPhone 17e might not offer enough of an upgrade over the 16e to justify its existence, possibly resulting in lower sales.
Still, in an increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market, Apple may benefit from releasing a new budget model annually. While the fate of the iPhone 17e remains uncertain, completely stepping away from this segment seems unlikely.