Bloomberg: Apple iPhone 17e could be scrapped, with fate of budget iPhones in limbo

The Apple iPhone 16e is essentially the successor to the third-gen iPhone SE. Apple’s decision to position this “budget” model as part of the iPhone 16 series has already led to speculations that the company might release an affordable model every year, akin to Google's Pixel A lineup. However, a recent Bloomberg report suggests that the launch of an iPhone 17e in 2026 is far from guaranteed.

Apple is only expected to finalise its decision regarding the fate of the iPhone 17e in the coming months. Since developing a pared-back iPhone model likely won’t take too long, Apple has ample time to consider its decision. Historically, iPhone SE models have been introduced at intervals of two to four years, so releasing a new budget iPhone annually would represent a notable shift in Apple's strategy.

Nonetheless, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman pointed out that some of Apple’s competitors are now refreshing their smartphone lineups more than once a year, suggesting it would make sense for the e-series phones to launch at a much faster pace. Details about potential upgrades to the iPhone 17e remain unclear, apart from the likely inclusion of a newer processor. It's conceivable that Apple may finally equip the most affordable iPhone model with full MagSafe support or refine its design further by replacing the gigantic notch with a Dynamic Island, a feature first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro.