Recent industry reports suggest Apple may skip releasing an iPhone 17e model next year, breaking from its recent entry into the more affordable iPhone segment.
The tech giant launched the iPhone 16e earlier this year at $599, positioning it as a budget-friendly alternative to the main iPhone 16 lineup. While this new "e" variant effectively replaced the iPhone SE series, Apple appears to be taking a different approach with its release schedule.
According to The Information's detailed roadmap of upcoming iPhone releases through 2027, Apple's plans notably exclude any mention of an iPhone 17e. Instead, the company appears to be targeting spring 2027 for its next budget model - the iPhone 18e.
This extended gap between releases would mirror Apple's previous strategy with the iPhone SE, which saw updates every few years rather than annually. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman notes that Apple hasn't made a final decision yet regarding the iPhone 17e.
The Information's report outlines Apple's broader iPhone strategy, with the iPhone 18 series expected to include updated standard, Pro, and Pro Max models, alongside a new foldable device. The budget-friendly 18e would follow in spring 2027.
While current indicators point to Apple skipping the iPhone 17e, the company's plans remain subject to change as market conditions and strategic priorities evolve.
This potential gap in the "e" series lineup suggests Apple may be fine-tuning its approach to the budget smartphone segment, carefully balancing product differentiation with market demands.