Apple iPhone 17e likely to launch in May 2026, trial production to begin soon

iPhone 17e

Cupertino-based tech giant Apple recently introduced the iPhone 16e, offering a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, and the latest A18 chip, positioning it as a more affordable alternative within the iPhone 16 family. The device has been well appreciated by most smartphone users globally and garnered good sales numbers. With the success of the iPhone 16e launch, Apple is now planning to make it an annual series, as, according to a new leak, its successor is now nearing the trial production stage, with a launch scheduled next year.

Apple preparing to launch iPhone 17e in May 2026: Key details

According to a leak shared by Weibo-based tipster Fixed Focus Digital, who has a strong track record when it comes to information from Apple’s supply chain in China, the iPhone 17e is currently expected to launch by the end of May 2026. Considering the iPhone 16e was launched in February this year, a May release next year would mark a slight shift in the timeline.

However, the tipster adds that this decision could be made to compete with other Chinese smartphone makers that usually launch new models around the same time, such as Vivo, Redmi, and Xiaomi. Moreover, Fixed Focus Digital was the first leaker to mention the iPhone 16e moniker back in December for Apple’s next affordable smartphone, when everyone else still assumed that the company would simply release a new device in its established iPhone SE series.

Recently, a separate report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) also indicated that Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17e next year. This release pattern could also help bring clarity to the lower-end iPhone launch cycle, as Apple plans to make the ‘iPhone e’ series a regular part of its line-up, to maintain consumer interest and provide an affordable alternative between the September flagship releases.