Danny Weber
17:40 05-12-2025
© A. Krivonosov
Leaked iPhone 17e details hint at thinner bezels, a 60 Hz LTPS OLED, A19 performance, 18 MP selfie and 48 MP main cameras, targeting a 2026 launch globally.
The iPhone 17e is set to arrive with noticeably thinner bezels, and, judging by a leak out of South Korea, that will be the standout visual upgrade for Apple’s budget line ahead of a launch in the first half of 2026. At the same time, the company is said to stick with the familiar LTPS OLED display tech from the iPhone 16e, which almost certainly means a 60 Hz panel — a cost-saving compromise Apple appears willing to keep.
Thinner bezels read like a calculated move: the phone will instantly feel more modern and “premium” without any real leap in screen capabilities. In the supply chain, there’s also chatter that BOE could become the primary display supplier, reportedly taking the largest share of the initial order — likely thanks to a price advantage over Samsung Display and LG Display.
Performance, however, isn’t where the belt-tightening is happening. The iPhone 17e is tipped to use the current A19 chip, putting its horsepower close to the main iPhone 17 lineup. That should provide headroom for years of new iOS features and upcoming AI capabilities, even if Apple separates models with minor configuration differences.
Another notable upgrade touches the front-facing camera: a move to 18 MP is expected, aligning with the rest of the iPhone 17 family. The main camera is rumored to stick with a proven 48 MP sensor, which comes off as a sensible balance — improving what people rely on most for calls and social apps without driving up costs with a pricier rear module.
Apple is reportedly planning sizable shipments — around 8 million units in the first half of 2026. If the leak holds, the iPhone 17e looks like Apple’s way of refreshing its budget iPhone with design and camera tweaks while keeping the familiar display trade-offs.