Apple’s upcoming budget-friendly smartphone, the iPhone 17e, may arrive sooner than previously expected. While earlier rumors suggested a Spring launch, new reports now claim the device could be officially unveiled later this month, alongside a handful of notable upgrades.
According to a report from Macwelt, citing industry sources, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17e through a press release on February 19. This timeline would align with Apple’s recent strategy, as the company introduced the iPhone 16e in February last year without hosting a dedicated launch event. If accurate, the announcement is just weeks away.
The same report claims the iPhone 17e will support MagSafe, enabling wireless charging speeds of up to 25W. This would be a welcome addition for Apple’s more affordable lineup, bringing it closer to the flagship iPhone experience. However, the device is also said to retain the notch design seen on the iPhone 16e, rather than adopting Apple’s newer Dynamic Island interface.
Further insight comes from a separate report by Mac Otakara, which also references reliable sources familiar with Apple’s plans. According to the publication, the iPhone 17e will largely stick to the same design language as its predecessor. Notably, the report contradicts earlier leaks by stating that the device will not feature a Dynamic Island, reinforcing claims that Apple is keeping premium features reserved for higher-end models.
On the performance front, the iPhone 17e is rumored to be powered by Apple’s new A19 chipset. In addition, it is expected to include the second-generation Apple C1X modem along with the N1 wireless network chip, which could bring improvements in connectivity and efficiency. Aside from these upgrades, most of the remaining specifications are said to be similar to those of the iPhone 16e.
The report also sheds light on Apple’s upcoming tablet plans. The next-generation iPad 12 is now rumored to feature the A18 chip, rather than the A19 as previously speculated. As with the iPhone 17e, Apple has yet to confirm any details, but official announcements may not be far off.