iPhone 17e Looking Less Likely — Here's Why

Saturday May 3, 2025 9:38 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Earlier this year, Apple released the iPhone 16e, a more affordable iPhone 16 model that starts at $599 in the United States.

iPhone 16e Feature 1
While the iPhone 16e effectively replaced the iPhone SE, it is also a first-of-its-kind device, so the release cadence for future models has yet to be established. In other words, it is unclear if Apple will release an iPhone 17e next year.

Apple only updated the iPhone SE once every few years, and a new report suggests that trend might continue with the "e" model.

The Information today outlined a long list of iPhone models that Apple plans to release in 2025, 2026, and 2027, including an iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027. The report made no mention of an iPhone 17e, so such a model is looking less likely.

From the report:

The iPhone 18 series will include updated versions of Apple’s thin iPhone, Pro and Pro Max, along with the new foldable device. In spring 2027, Apple plans to release the standard iPhone 18 and a successor to the more budget-friendly iPhone 16e, the people said.

In his newsletter last month, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple has yet to reach a final decision on releasing an iPhone 17e.

All in all, an iPhone 17e is looking less likely as of now. But, things can change.

Related Roundup: iPhone 17e

Tag: The Information

Buyer's Guide: iPhone 17e (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

bluecoast

19 months ago

It makes sense.

The 16e is aimed at the sort of people who just need a new iPhone, who don’t care that their phone has one camera and will use it until it breaks or gets too slow.

The 16e will still feel fast in 2026 too.

So no hurry to update it.

And by 2027 with all the new models coming out, Apple can probably use the iPhone 16 (minus the camera control) as the basis for the chassis and screen with the other models feeling way more premium.

Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)

smulji

19 months ago

16e was a flop. Spent 4 years getting everyone to buy magsafe accessories then why this?

The 16e is one of the major reasons for iPhone growth during Q1 2025

"The launch of the iPhone 16e during the quarter drove growth in shipments but exerted downward pressure on ASPs. It proved to be a smart move and helped Apple’s quarter.”

https://www.patentlyapple.com/2025/05/apple-was-the-runaway-leader-of-global-smartphone-revenue-in-q1-2025.html

Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)

sunapple

19 months ago

The e model should last longer AND get discounted after a year.

Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)

RLRabb

19 months ago

It was the worst selling model in the iPhone 16 range out of five models.

The 16e was released more than halfway through the quarter, so factor that in.

Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

sw1tcher

19 months ago

16e was a flop

If it's a flop, Apple would probably like more flops like it.

https://www.macrumors.com/2025/04/14/apple-q1-smartphone-market-top-spot/

https://www.macrumors.com/2025/04/24/iphone-16e-sales-outperform-iphone-se-yoy/

Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)