Proper after Apple launched the iPhone 16e, a report by CIRP revealed Cupertino already had plans to launch an iPhone 17e in early 2026. Different reviews have made comparable claims. Nonetheless, in an in depth article, The Info shared the anticipated launch schedule for a number of iPhone fashions over the subsequent few years. There was no point out of the iPhone 17e:
The iPhone 18 sequence will embody up to date variations of Apple’s skinny iPhone, Professional, and Professional Max, together with the brand new foldable gadget. In spring 2027, Apple plans to launch the usual iPhone 18 and a successor to the extra budget-friendly iPhone 16e, the folks mentioned.
Whereas it appeared like Apple may change the discharge schedule of its “e” lineup, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo nonetheless expects an early 2026 launch for the iPhone 17e. Right here’s his latest prediction:
- 2H25: iPhone 17 Professional Max, iPhone 17 Professional, iPhone 17 Slim, iPhone 17
- 1H26: iPhone 17e
- 2H26: iPhone Foldable, iPhone 18 Professional Max, iPhone 18 Professional, iPhone 18 Slim
- 1H27: iPhone 18, iPhone 18e
- 2H27: iPhone Foldable 2 (already in improvement), iPhone 19 Professional Max, iPhone 19 Professional, iPhone 19 Slim (with a bigger show in comparison with the 18 Slim)
We’ll want to attend a bit longer to see whether or not Apple plans to launch an “iPhone e” mannequin yearly or shift to an extended cycle. Though the corporate has traditionally taken extra time to replace the iPhone SE lineup, it might be shifting methods for 2 key causes. In accordance with Kuo, the primary driver behind a bi-annual iPhone launch schedule is elevated competitors, particularly within the Chinese language market.
The analyst writes, “Rivals usually launch new fashions in 1H. By launching new iPhones in 1H, Apple may shut the advertising hole.” He provides, “Apple wants to supply extra iPhone fashions resulting from intense competitors. Launching all of them in 2H dangers diluting advertising efforts. As an illustration, the rising cargo ratio of the Professional sequence is overshadowing funds fashions.”
