Insider leaks reveal iPhone 17e with 6.1-inch OLED, A19 chip and single 48MP camera. Apple’s most affordable iPhone may debut in 2026 as a budget-friendly option.
© A. Krivonosov
Apple’s next budget-friendly smartphone is beginning to take shape. According to information shared by the insider Digital Chat Station, the iPhone 17e is expected to launch in the first half of 2026. Much like its predecessor, the device will keep a simplified feature set but come with updated hardware under the hood.
The leak suggests that the iPhone 17e will feature a 6.1-inch OLED display limited to a 60 Hz refresh rate, along with Apple’s Dynamic Island cutout. The most notable improvement will be the shift to the A19 chip, although there is speculation that Apple could opt for a reduced version with fewer GPU cores, mirroring the approach taken with the A18 in the iPhone 16e. Camera specifications remain modest: a single 48-megapixel rear sensor and a 12-megapixel front camera with Face ID support.
Positioned as the most affordable option in the lineup, the iPhone 17e is expected to retain the $599 price point of its predecessor, though this detail has not been officially confirmed. Even at that level, some users may find the cost high given the device’s basic display and single-lens setup.
Looking ahead, 2026 could mark a major shift for Apple’s product strategy. Insider reports indicate that the company plans to discontinue the standard iPhone 18 model and focus on five variants, including its first foldable iPhone. Within this context, the iPhone 17e could serve as the last «classic» budget option before Apple reshapes its lineup for a new era.