iPhone 17e Nears Trial Production, Launch Tipped for Late May 2026

Apple's next-generation iPhone 17e is nearing the proceedings accumulation stage, with the mid-range instrumentality tentatively scheduled for a May release, according to a proven leaker with sources successful Apple's Chinese proviso chain.


WeChat-based leaker Fixed Focus Digital shared the claims connected Tuesday, adding that the iPhone 17e merchandise day is presently understood to beryllium precocious May 2026, though the nonstop day is unconfirmed.

The leaker besides suggested that the iPhone 17e could spell head-to-head for marketplace stock with different mid-range instrumentality from a rival smartphone vendor that typically releases caller models astir the aforesaid time. Possible rivals successful China see Xiaomi, Redmi, and vivo.

Starting astatine $599, the iPhone 16e was released successful precocious February. The iPhone 16e offers a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, an A18 chip, and a USB-C port, positioning it arsenic a much affordable alternate wrong the iPhone 16 family.

A time earlier the iPhone 16e was launched, Fixed Focus Digital claimed to person learned of the beingness of a "new task codename" successful Apple's proviso chain, and suggested determination was a "high chance" it related to adjacent year's iPhone 17e. Fixed Focus Digital was the archetypal leaker to notation the "iPhone 16e" nomenclature backmost successful December, erstwhile everyone other inactive assumed Apple would simply merchandise a caller instrumentality successful its established entry-level "iPhone SE" series.

A February study by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) said Apple was expected to merchandise an iPhone 17e adjacent year, but the study suggested different February motorboat model for the device.

Introducing a much affordable mid-cycle "e" exemplary could assistance Apple refresh its flagship lineup and make much user involvement than simply re-releasing the modular iPhone successful a caller colour – a strategy the institution has utilized successful the past. Buyers would besides person a amended thought of erstwhile to expect the adjacent entry-level device, successful opposition to the non-linear roadmap that succeeding iPhone SE models followed.

According to recent data from Counterpoint Research, Apple took the fig 1 presumption successful planetary smartphone income during the archetypal 4th of 2025, with Apple benefiting from the iPhone 16e motorboat and beardown show successful emerging markets. It's the archetypal clip Apple has taken the apical spot during a archetypal quarter, capturing 19% of the planetary market.
This article, "iPhone 17e Nears Trial Production, Launch Tipped for Late May 2026" archetypal appeared connected MacRumors.com

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