iPhone 17e Set for Spring 2026 as Apple Preps Big Changes for 2027

Many scoffed when Apple launched the iPhone 16e earlier this year. It featured kind of average specs and features, but still commanded a premium price tag. But Apple had the last laugh as the iPhone 16e proved to be quite popular. This is why it’s not surprising that Apple has a successor lined up. Now, if the reports out of Korea are accurate, the iPhone 17e has a launch timeframe in the spring of 2026.

iPhone 17e launch timeframe tipped for spring 2026

According to a report from Korean publication The Elec, it claims that Apple will launch the iPhone 17e in the spring of 2026. This shouldn’t be too surprising when you consider the launch date of the iPhone 16e. However, the publication stopped short of giving specific dates, so we’ll have to wait and see.

But based on Apple’s past launch timeframe, we’re expecting the iPhone 17e around May. That being said, if you’re looking forward to the iPhone 17e, don’t expect to see major changes in the display department. The report claims that the phone will use the same display as the iPhone 16e. For a bit of trivia, the iPhone 16e’s display was used in the iPhone 14.

This means that users can look forward to an OLED display of similar quality. It’s not exactly a bad thing. Prior to this, Apple’s “SE” iPhones used LCD, so you’ll be getting an iPhone that has a better display than its predecessors. Plus, unless you’re blessed with a pair of eagle eyes, can you really tell the difference between the display quality of the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 16?

Apple is changing up its launches

It’s not surprising that Apple might want to keep the launch of its “budget” iPhones separate from its flagship lineup. However, 2027 could usher in a bigger change in Apple’s launch schedule.

As we mentioned earlier, the iPhone 17e is tipped to launch in the spring of 2026. It will be followed by the iPhone 18 series. However, this launch will consist of the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, iPhone 18 Air, and the foldable iPhone. As for the base iPhone 18, Apple is reportedly planning to push that to 2027, where it will debut in the first half of 2027 alongside the iPhone 18e.

Take all this with a grain of salt, especially since Apple’s plans can change at the last minute.