Rumor has it that Apple is looking to stick to its release schedule for iPhone 17e despite sales for its predecessor, iPhone 16e, supposedly falling flat in recent months. Sources have claimed that even though the tech giant has apparently failed in its attempt to deliver a low-cost iPhone, in the form of the 16e and Air models, it intends to proceed with launch plans for the upcoming 17e.
Rumor suggests Apple is releasing iPhone 17e in early 2026
The iPhone 16e has experienced a drastic decline in sales in recent times.
Regardless, Fixed Focus Digital mentioned on the renowned Chinese social network Weibo, that Apple appears to be moving ahead with its plans for the 17e range and is expected to launch it in the spring of 2026, with March looking to be the most probable release slot.
Notably, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e in February 2025, offering the A18 chip, the C1 modem, a 48-megapixel camera, an OLED display, and more in its latest flagship model for a cut-price of $599. Since then, the company has not published any concrete data regarding the sales of 16e.
It is worth noting that the iPhone 16E, launched earlier this year, is now entering the end of its lifecycle. As such, a drop in demand for the device is almost inevitable. Moreover, Apple has since introduced the iPhone 17 range, which is currently one of the most sought-after products on the market.
If one also factors in the slashed prices for older iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, reduced sales for other devices, especially the 16e, are all but natural.
Irrespective of this, Apple is seemingly planning to release the iPhone 17e in March 2026, which should come with the A19 chip as well as the Dynamic Island. The coming year should also witness the launch of the iPhone 18 range, iPhone Air 2, as well as the highly anticipated foldable iPhone.
Originally reported by Apoorv Rastogi on Mandatory.
