Apple is reportedly planning to launch the iPhone 17e in the spring of next year, following the budget-friendly iPhone 16e, according to a new report from South Korean outlet The Elec.

The report states that the iPhone 17e will use the same OLED panel as the iPhone 16e - a display type first introduced with the iPhone 14 - as part of Apple’s strategy to cut component costs by relying on mature production lines.

Like its predecessor, the iPhone 16e, which debuted in February this year with a starting price of 599 USD, the main screen suppliers are said to be BOE and Samsung, although LG Display may also join the supply chain.

The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, the A18 chip, and a USB-C port - positioning it as a more affordable option within the iPhone 16 lineup.

Back in April, reports claimed the iPhone 17e had entered production testing, with a tentative launch date set for May. Since then, renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that Apple will release the second-generation iPhone 17e in the first half of next year.

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Kuo also noted that Apple is committed to further developing the “e” series, with a third-generation iPhone e expected to launch alongside the standard iPhone 18 in the first half of 2027.

The iPhone 17e may see a price increase over the iPhone 16e to offset the cost of component upgrades and tariffs.

This spring launch window aligns with Apple’s new strategy to stagger iPhone releases, with standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models introduced six months after the iPhone 18 Pro models. This marks a shift to a biannual release cycle for iPhones.

The iPhone 17e is expected to remain a strong contender in the mid-range segment, offering reliable technology and a more accessible price point while retaining the hallmark features of Apple’s ecosystem.

Hai Phong (The Elec, Macrumors)