iPhone 17e may launch this week: Here are 5 upgrades we are expecting

Apple is reportedly working on an expansion of its budget smartphone series in the Indian market and the international market as well. Although the Cupertino-based tech giant has not yet officially announced anything regarding the launch of the iPhone 17e, reports suggest that it is expected to take place as early as this week. The upcoming device is expected to ship with improvements in various sectors, including battery life, camera capabilities, processor, design and more. Here are the top five changes that are expected to take place in the iPhone 17e when compared with the current iPhone 16e.

iPhone 17e: Chipset

The iPhone 17e is likely to use the A19 chip found in the high-end iPhone 17 under the hood, which is an upgrade over the A18 chipset which is currently found in the Apple iPhone 16e. The new chipset will allow the handset to run Apple Intelligence, which is Apple’s new smart technology that helps you write emails, create images, and use a more helpful Siri. Other than that, it would also allow the device to handle gaming, photo editing, and multitasking with more ease when compared to the older version.

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iPhone 17e: Design

For years, the budget iPhones used an old-fashioned notch at the top of the screen. However, this may change with the upcoming device, as rumours point to the iPhone 17e could finally introduce the Dynamic Island in the budget segment. Dynamic Island is a little black bubble at the top which changes shape to show you alerts, music controls, and timer countdowns.

iPhone 17e: Modem

The iPhone 17e is expected to feature Apple’s in-house C1X modem. Reports suggest this new modem is designed to provide users with faster download speeds and a more stable connection, even in crowded areas. Furthermore, it is said to be significantly more power-efficient than the current C1 modem, helping the battery last longer throughout the day.

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iPhone 17e: Battery

While previous budget models lacked the magnetic ring required for seamless wireless charging, the iPhone 17e is set to change that. Leaks suggest Apple will finally bring MagSafe support to this lineup, allowing users to effortlessly snap on magnetic chargers, wallets, and battery packs. This addition makes wireless charging far more intuitive, as the charger clicks into the perfect alignment every time.

iPhone 17e: Camera

In terms of optics, the iPhone 17e is expected to retain a 48MP rear camera, while rumours indicate that it may sport an 18MP front camera, which would be a clear upgrade from the 12MP front camera on the iPhone 16e. Additionally, improvements in image processing, such as smarter HDR, enhanced low-light performance, and cleaner detail, are anticipated, as the device is likely to be powered by the A19 chipset.

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iPhone 17e India price

Leaks and rumours suggest that the upcoming iPhone 17e could launch on February 19, 2026. Reports say the device may be priced at Rs 59,999 in India. However, these details are not confirmed yet, and the company has not made any official announcement.