The upcoming iPhone 17e has leaked in full ahead of its expected unveiling next week, reportedly between February 16 and 20, with February 19 now widely cited as the likely announcement date. According to information shared by leaker Jon Prosser, Apple’s next “budget” iPhone will arrive with a refreshed design, a new chip and several hardware upgrades, while keeping the same general price positioning.
The base model is expected to start at $599 in the US, likely with 128GB of storage. That would place it slightly above traditional entry-level territory, but still below Apple’s flagship lineup.
The most visible change compared to the iPhone 16e is the move from a wide notch to a Dynamic Island-style cutout, aligning the device more closely with the design language of recent flagship models. The 6.1-inch OLED display is expected to remain limited to a 60Hz refresh rate.
Color options are said to include Black, White and a new Purple (or lavender) finish. The addition of a third color differentiates it from its predecessor, which was offered in just two variants.
Four key upgrades
Beyond the design refresh, the iPhone 17e is rumored to introduce four notable upgrades:
- Apple A19 chip (non-Pro variant) paired with 8GB of RAM
- MagSafe support, including wireless charging speeds of at least 15W
- Upgraded front camera, moving from a 12MP rectangular sensor to a new 18MP square sensor
- Apple’s in-house C1X modem, marking a broader rollout of proprietary cellular hardware
The switch to Apple’s own modem would be strategically significant, reducing reliance on third-party suppliers. However, performance and connectivity stability will likely be closely scrutinized at launch.
Familiar hardware elsewhere
Other components appear unchanged. The device is expected to retain:
A 6.1-inch OLED display at 60Hz
A battery capacity of around 4,000 mAh
A single 48MP rear “Fusion” camera
Notably, the absence of an ultra-wide or telephoto lens positions the 17e below even some recent mid-range competitors in terms of camera versatility.
Source: FPT