Summary: A tip from Weibo suggests the iPhone 17e is nearing trial production, with a launch timeframe set for May 2026. However, with Trump’s tariffs, can Apple truly claim that this is going to be a budget iPhone?
Among Apple’s iPhones, the iPhone 16e the most affordable. But compared to other phones? It’s downright expensive. Despite it being so expensive, it turned out to be a hit. Recent figures have suggested that Apple’s success in Q1 was largely thanks to the iPhone 16e. This is why it’s not surprising that Apple is already planning a successor in the form of the iPhone 17e.
In a post on Weibo by Fixed Focus Digital, the tipster revealed that the iPhone 17e is nearing trial production. Apple also has a launch timeframe for the iPhone 17e set for May 2026. This is not the first time we’ve heard about the iPhone 17e.
Ahead of the iPhone 16e’s launch, Fixed Focus Digital uncovered the existence of a new project codename. At that time, it was speculated that this could be the iPhone 17e. This new report doesn’t confirm anything, but it does corroborate the previous rumors. Consumer Intelligence Research Partners has also hinted that Apple plans to launch the iPhone 17e next year.
Will the iPhone 17e be a budget phone?
That being said, we’re a bit worried that Apple might not be able to offer the iPhone 17e at “budget” prices.
As many of you know, US President Donald Trump wants to impose tariffs on the entire world. This will affect the prices of our devices, especially since in this globalized market, companies don’t just source from one country but many countries.
While there is a chance that Apple could be spared from tariffs, Trump’s unpredictable nature, plus the fact that we’re not sure if China plans to retaliate further, means the iPhone 17e could end up being a more expensive affair.
Either way, we’ll have to wait and see how this one plays out. It will be interesting to see what changes Apple makes to the iPhone 17e and if it’s worth upgrading.
