Will Apple launch an iPhone 17e next year?

Apple introduced the all-new iPhone 16e earlier this year, establishing a new tier in its iPhone lineup. While this device effectively replaces the former iPhone SE line, its naming convention—sharing the same number as the current flagship models—has sparked speculation: Is Apple planning to release a new 'e' iPhone annually?

Apple's Strategy Still Undecided

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple's leadership hasn't yet committed to a strategy:

"The iPhone 16e — while basically a stripped-down iPhone 16 — is a meaningful redesign from the SE 3. The other lever Apple pulled here was marketing it as an iPhone 16 variant rather than a new iPhone SE. That adds quite a bit more allure and makes it more interesting to consumers in places like China. The big question is whether Apple will update this new 'e' line annually. Apple hasn't yet made a final decision — and it's still months from needing to."

This uncertainty leaves room for multiple possibilities in Apple's product roadmap. If the company does decide to launch an iPhone 17e, it would likely follow the late-winter/early-spring release timeline established by previous iPhone SE models and continued with the iPhone 16e, putting a potential release just under a year away.

What Might an iPhone 17e Include?

Should Apple proceed with an iPhone 17e, we wouldn't expect dramatic changes from the current model. The most likely upgrades would include:

• The latest A19 chip for improved performance

• Select features borrowed from the iPhone 17 lineup

• Possible introduction of Camera Control, a feature notably absent from the iPhone 16e

These incremental improvements would maintain the balance between affordability and functionality that defines the 'e' line while giving consumers a reason to consider upgrading.

Market Considerations

Gurman personally believes an annual refresh of the 'e' series would make strategic sense, helping Apple remain competitive in the budget smartphone segment. By maintaining consistent annual updates, Apple could better position itself against lower-priced Android devices that typically see frequent refreshes.

The rebranding from "SE" to "e" while keeping it under the current generation's number has already proven to be a savvy marketing decision, particularly in markets like China, where consumers strongly prefer devices that don't appear outdated.

Looking Ahead

With Apple still undecided about the future of its 'e' series, concrete rumors about an iPhone 17e may not emerge for several months. The success of the iPhone 16e in the market will likely play a significant role in this decision-making process.

For now, the iPhone 16e represents Apple's refreshed approach to the budget segment, offering a more modern design and features than the previous SE models while maintaining a competitive price point. Whether this becomes an annual tradition or remains a periodic refresh cycle will be a development worth watching in Apple's evolving product strategy.