Good news for Apple fans — the Apple iPhone 17e is reportedly just days away from launch and is already the subject of frequent leaks and rumours online. From renders to spec lists, the device is shaping up to be a noteworthy entry in Apple’s more affordable lineup. Below is a concise look at the expected release date, event details, specs and other key information.
Launch date and expected price in India
According to the circulating rumours around the iPhone 17e, Apple may unveil this cheaper iPhone on 19 February 2026. German publication Macwelt has claimed that Cupertino could announce the current-generation model on that date. Apple has not published any official details yet.
The iPhone 17e is expected to be the most affordable model in the series, with reports suggesting a starting price of around ₹60,000.
For context, the iPhone 16e launched last year at ₹59,900 for the 128GB model, with the 256GB and 512GB variants priced at ₹69,900 and ₹89,900 respectively. Based on this, the iPhone 17e’s pricing is not expected to be dramatically higher than the 16e.
Camera, design and display
Leaks indicate the iPhone 17e could feature a 48MP single rear camera equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS) — a notable upgrade over its predecessor. For selfies and video calls, the phone is said to include an 8MP front camera.
Design changes appear minimal; the 17e is not expected to deviate heavily from the series’ established look. However, rumours suggest a slimmer chassis compared with other ‘e’ series models, and the phone may debut new colour options.
The display is tipped to be a 6.1-inch OLED panel with a 60Hz refresh rate, and reports claim this model will support the Dynamic Island display feature.
Performance, chipset and AI
The iPhone 17e is expected to run on Apple’s A19 chipset, the same chip used in the iPhone 17. The A19 is reportedly manufactured using 2nm fabrication and includes a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple’s claims — as relayed by leaks — suggest the A19 could deliver around 10% better performance compared with the A16e, and will enable a power-efficient AI interface.
Rumoured memory and storage configurations include 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. Battery capacity is said to be 4005mAh, with support for MagSafe wireless charging. Expectations point to magnetic wireless charging at 20W–25W.
Connectivity may get an upgrade as well: the 17e could ship with Apple’s C1X modem and an N1 chip, the latter reportedly supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
Ramesh is a technology writer at gemch.in, covering smartphone launches, leaks, and comparisons. His articles focus on real-world features, performance, and value-for-money insights to help readers make informed buying decisions.