Apple iPhone 17e likely launching next year: 5 things we know about the device

iPhone 17e will feature the newer A19 chip
The biggest upgrade is under the hood — the iPhone 17e is expected to come with the latest A19 processor, replacing the A18 chip found in the 16e. This should make the phone faster and more future-ready, especially when Apple rolls out more features under its Apple Intelligence suite.

The design will remain the same as the iPhone 16e
Don’t expect a dramatic redesign — the 17e will likely keep the same look and layout as the iPhone 16e. That means a single 48MP rear camera, a notch with Face ID, and no Dynamic Island just yet. Apple seems to be playing it safe on the hardware front for now.

A cheaper iPhone might now be an annual thing
Apple hasn’t been consistent with budget models in the past — we’ve seen the iPhone 5c, then long gaps between SE versions. But now, with the 16e and 17e following back-to-back, it looks like the company is committing to launching an affordable iPhone every year.

It might not get Apple’s in-house C2 modem yet
There were whispers about the iPhone 17e being the first to get Apple’s long-awaited C2 modem, which could improve signal and battery performance. But that may still be reserved for the iPhone 18 series later in the year, so don’t get your hopes up just yet.

Launch expected in early 2025
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone 17e — code-named V159 — is set to launch in spring 2025, likely around February or March, just like the 16e. It’s expected to arrive alongside a bunch of other Apple products, including new M5 MacBook Pros and iPads.