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Apple launches new iPhones every year, but not every model automatically has a direct successor. With the iPhone 16e, which was introduced in early 2025, everything seemed as if Apple was building a new product line. But new information shows that there probably won't be an iPhone 17e. The evidence is mounting.
If you were hoping that Apple would launch another affordable model in 2026 with the iPhone 17e, things are looking bleak right now. Leading sources are now saying that Apple hasn't planned the iPhone 17e. Find out exactly what's behind this and what might happen next here.
The iPhone 16e: Apple's new approach to an affordable model
The iPhone 16e was introduced as a more affordable entry-level model in the iPhone 16 series in 2025. It replaces the iPhone SE and starts at €699 in Germany. Apple primarily aims to appeal to price-sensitive customers without cutting too many features. The 16e was new to the lineup and is often seen as a test run for a broader model strategy. However, unlike the annual updates of the flagship and Pro models, it was unclear from the start whether Apple would maintain the same pace with this lower-priced model.
No sign of the iPhone 17e in Apple's internal roadmap
According to a new report from The Information, Apple has compiled an internal overview of planned iPhones for 2025, 2026, and 2027. This list contains many anticipated devices—including new Pro models, a particularly thin iPhone, and a foldable model. Things get interesting when it comes to the "e" model: The list includes an iPhone 18e for spring 2027. However, there is no sign of an iPhone 17e. Specifically, the report states that Apple plans to launch a new version of the affordable model in 2027—a successor to the iPhone 16e. This suggests that Apple will not update the cheaper series annually, but probably every two to three years. This also fits with the previous strategy for the iPhone SE, which was recently released at a similar frequency.
Mark Gurman confirms: Apple has not decided
Bloomberg's well-connected Apple reporter Mark Gurman also addressed the issue. In one of his recent newsletters, he wrote that Apple hasn't yet made an internal decision on the iPhone 17e. This also suggests that a release isn't planned, or at least highly uncertain. If Apple were planning years in advance, as usual, the 17e would already be in development by the time it was due to launch in 2026.
What Apple is apparently planning instead
According to The Information's report, the focus is currently on a major update in 2027. Then there will be a number of new devices, including:
- the regular iPhone 18
- new versions of iPhone Pro and Pro Max
- a new, ultra-thin iPhone
- a foldable iPhone
- the iPhone 18e as the successor to the 16e
In other words, Apple is apparently opting for a longer product cycle for its lower-priced models. An iPhone 17e isn't out of the question, but it's not currently part of the concrete plans.
iPhone 17e? Not likely
If you're speculating on an iPhone 17e, you should adjust your expectations. Currently, everything suggests that Apple will skip this interim step and not release the next affordable model until 2027, with the iPhone 18e. Whether the iPhone 17e has been canceled entirely or Apple is keeping a back door open isn't entirely clear—but it's not very likely. So, if you're looking for an affordable iPhone, the 16e remains your only option for now. Alternatively, you could wait until 2027. (Image: Shutterstock / Framesira)
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