Apple is preparing to launch the successor to last year’s affordable iPhone 16e, and leaks suggest it may feature a more modern design and two key upgrades. While Apple hasn’t revealed any details about the iPhone 17e yet, a new report suggests the company may unveil the device in just two weeks.
According to Macworld, the information comes from a case and accessories maker familiar with Apple’s plans and suggests that the iPhone 17e could launch on February 19th. The report notes that the schedule sounds unusual since Apple doesn’t typically release new devices on Thursdays, but adds that accessory brands often rely on insider information to align their own releases with Apple’s schedule, so there could still be some truth to the rumored date.
As for the iPhone 17e’s specifications, the report reflects what we’ve seen in previous leaks. It suggests that the device may solve one of the main problems users faced with its predecessor by finally adding MagSafe charging support. The budget model is also expected to include Apple’s C1X modem, which debuted with the iPhone Air.
The iPhone 17e could skip Dynamic Island
However, while a leak from last month suggested that the iPhone 17e could replace the iPhone 16e’s ugly notch with a Dynamic Island, the latest report says otherwise. It says the upcoming phone is expected to retain the notch and the Dynamic Island is “likely still a generation or two away.” Camera upgrades don’t seem to be planned either, as the device is said to stick with a single rear camera.
As with all leaks, nothing has been confirmed at this point. Apple could still change the launch schedule and the reported upgrades may not prove true in the end. For now, potential buyers will have to wait for an official announcement, which may not be long in coming if the leaked launch date turns out to be accurate.
