The iPhone 17e is on the horizon, and, as usual, rumors have provided insights into what we can expect. Apple is preparing to unveil several devices on March 4 (or shortly before), with the upcoming iPhone 17e, the successor to the iPhone 16e, being the most anticipated.
The iPhone 17e promises several notable upgrades over its predecessor. The most prominent change will be the introduction of the Dynamic Island, replacing the traditional notch with a cutout that supports various software features.
The display will remain at 6.1 inches, operating at a 60Hz refresh rate, and ProMotion technology has yet to appear on the standard iPhone models. However, we can expect slimmer bezels this time around.
In terms of design, there will not be substantial changes; the iPhone will maintain its classic aesthetic with an aluminum frame and glass panels on the front and back, alongside IP68 water and dust resistance.
Some sources suggest the iPhone 17e will feature a downclocked A19 Bionic chip rather than the Pro version, delivering performance comparable to the Apple A17 Pro SoC.
Additionally, the device will incorporate the new, more efficient Apple C1X modem, promising improved performance and reduced energy consumption compared to the previous C1 modem.
The camera system will largely remain unchanged, retaining a single 48MP rear shooter that uses the same sensor as before. However, the enhanced processing capabilities of the A19 chip's ISP are expected to enhance image quality slightly. Reports indicate that Apple may introduce its Fusion computational processing for the more affordable iPhone 17e.
Regarding the front-facing camera, there are mixed expectations; some reports suggest it will remain at 12MP, while others argue for an upgrade to 18MP with Center Stage functionality.
The battery capacity remains speculative, with reports suggesting it could range from 4,000 to 4,500 mAh, likely in line with the iPhone 16e's rated capacity of 4,005 mAh.
This battery will be charged via the same USB Power Delivery protocol, probably maxing out at 24W, similar to the previous model. It’s worth noting that this 24W charging figure is not officially confirmed but was determined in our lab during the review of the iPhone 16e.
Crucially, Apple is expected to introduce MagSafe magnetic wireless charging with the iPhone 17e.
As for pricing, current reports suggest the iPhone 17e will launch at the same price point of $599 for the base configuration of 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.
Considering last year's model was a significant success, Apple appears to be adhering to its winning formula while enhancing various features.
