iPhone 17 Coming Spring 2026: Apple’s Budget-Friendly Line Goes Annual

Back in February, Apple officially introduced the iPhone 16e, a fresh rebranding of the SE line aimed at offering a more modern, affordable iPhone for budget-conscious users. While there has been ongoing speculation about whether the "e" series would follow an annual release schedule—unlike the SE line which saw multi-year gaps—a new report out of Korea seems to confirm that Apple is going yearly with the e-series.

According to this report, Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 17e in spring 2026, just one year after the 16e’s debut. This shift aligns Apple’s cheapest iPhone with the rest of its annually refreshed lineup, making it a more consistent option for users looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

Interestingly, the iPhone 17e will reportedly retain the same display panel as the 16e, suggesting that any major upgrades will likely come in the form of performance improvements, battery life, or camera enhancements. Display suppliers BOE, Samsung Display, and LG Display—who all contributed to the 16e’s screen—are expected to supply panels once again for the next iteration, with BOE maintaining the largest share.

Despite its budget-friendly approach, Apple expects to ship around 20 million iPhone 16e units in 2025, mirroring the demand seen for previous SE models. The iPhone 16e is available in the following configurations:

128GB + 8GB RAM: $529.97

256GB + 8GB RAM: $639.97

As we move toward spring 2026, all eyes will be on the iPhone 17e to see how Apple evolves its most affordable iPhone.