A recent report has revived earlier speculations about Apple’s potential launch of the iPhone 17e in early 2026. Interestingly, it also suggests an unexpected strategy of limiting production to safeguard sales of flagship models. This news follows the anticipated release of the iPhone 16e in February 2025, which already sparked rumors of an iPhone 17e debuting one year later. By April 2025, reports indicated that testing for the iPhone 17e might already be underway ahead of its scheduled launch.
The source of the current information, *The Elec*, asserts that Apple is committed to releasing the iPhone 17e in Spring 2026. However, the claim that the company will intentionally constrain supply due to concerns over cannibalizing flagship sales has raised eyebrows. If Apple were to establish a pattern of releasing a budget iPhone each Spring, it might encourage consumers to delay their purchases of higher-end models released in September. Apple has previously been rumored to split its iPhone launches into two per year.
In such a scenario, the more premium Pro models would be released in September, likely distinguishing them from the budget editions. The report from *The Elec* suggests capping production at around 20 million units, a figure that aligns with past sales of the iPhone 16e and earlier models like the iPhone SE. Regarding the features of the iPhone 17e, the report mentions that it will feature a 6.1-inch OLED display, the same as the iPhone 16e. This implies that Apple may continue using a display design introduced with the iPhone 14 in 2022.
While it’s noted that display panels will be sourced from Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE, it appears that BOE will produce the majority. Historically, BOE has manufactured iPhone screens for Apple, although its relationship has not been without challenges. Despite *The Elec* having credible sources, it is often less reliable in forecasting Apple’s future strategies.
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