iPhone 17e Could Arrive By May 2026, Production Prep Underway

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch the iPhone 17e, the successor to the iPhone 16e, which replaced the discontinued iPhone SE (2022) as the brand’s new entry-level smartphone. While the iPhone 16e received mixed reviews, it has reportedly performed better in sales than its SE predecessor. Leaks suggest Apple is sticking to an annual release cycle for the new ‘e’ series, marking a shift in its strategy for budget-friendly devices.

iPhone 17e Nears Trial Production, Launch Tipped for Late May 2026 https://t.co/56njTEn97X pic.twitter.



com/95amPmYvfh — MacRumors.com (@MacRumors) April 22, 2025 According to a tipster on Weibo, Apple has already begun trial production planning for the iPhone 17e, with updates indicating that the iPhone 16e production lines are being remodeled in preparation. This suggests Apple is fully committing to its new non-SE entry-level lineup, with the iPhone 17e expected to debut sometime next year.

ALSO SEE: India Tightens Stance On Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack, Blocks Official X Account The iPhone 16e is priced at Rs 59,900 in India and comes in two colour options. With the discontinuation of the iPhone SE (2022), Apple introduced the iPhone 16e as its new entry-level model, marking a shift in branding that suggests a possible annual update cycle, starting with the anticipated iPhone 17e. This change signals Apple's intent to modernize its budget lineup while maintaining competitive pricing.

iPhone 17e to Enter Trial Production Soon, Could Debut in May 2026, Tipster Claims 👀 #iPhone17E pic.twitter.com/9G9fl4rWIy — Samarth Arora (@Technifyzer) April 23, 2025 One of the iPhone 16e's standout features is the inclusion of Apple’s new C1 modem and the powerful A18 SoC, the same chip found in other iPhone 16 models.

This makes it more future-ready than older iPhones still available in India, such as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, which, despite offering features like Dynamic Island, MagSafe, and faster charging, miss out on Apple Intelligence support. Overall, the iPhone 16e offers a balanced mix of performance and affordability for users seeking the latest technology without a premium price tag. A new report from Counterpoint Research reveals that Apple led global smartphone sales in the first quarter of 2025, fueled by the successful launch of the iPhone 16e and robust growth in emerging markets.

The tech giant reportedly captured a 19% share of the global smartphone market during this period..