iPhone 17e launching soon in India, price leak hints at big surprise from Apple

Apple is expected to launch the first iPhone of 2026, the iPhone 17e, soon. The iPhone 17e will be the Cupertino giant’s most affordable device, replacing the iPhone 16e. Reports have surfaced indicating what we can expect from the next affordable iPhone, and there seems to be one positive surprise.

What will be new in the iPhone 17e?

According to Bloomberg, Apple is planning some notable upgrades. The iPhone 17e is expected to use the new A19 chipset, the same as the iPhone 17. This will likely result in better performance and efficiency compared to the older model. Do keep in mind that earlier reports hinted that the iPhone 17e may get a downgraded version of the chipset.

Additionally, the report states that the iPhone 17e may finally bring MagSafe support for wireless charging and accessories. MagSafe was not compatible with the iPhone 16e.

Apple is also expected to bring its in-house cellular and wireless chips, the C1X and N1.

What may stay the same on the iPhone 17e?

Previous reports indicate that the display of the iPhone 17e will likely get slimmer bezels. However, the new e-series iPhone is likely to come with the notch we saw on the iPhone 16e, with no inclusion of the Dynamic Island. The refresh rate will also likely be 60Hz.

The iPhone 17e may also retain the same design from its predecessor. The iPhone 16e came with a simple design with a single camera on the rear. It is expected that this 48-megapixel main sensor will likely stay in place for the upcoming device.

iPhone 17e expected price and launch

At a time when smartphonemakers are facing a hike in memory prices, Apple is expected to keep the iPhone 17e price unchanged from last year. As per the report, the device will cost $599 in the US, the same as the iPhone 16e.

The pricing for India may also remain the same. The iPhone 16e was launched in India at Rs 59,900.

The iPhone 17e is rumoured to launch on February 19, 2026.