iPhone 17e Could Finally Drop the Notch and Adopt iPhone 17’s Design

If Apple sticks to its usual update rhythm, the iPhone 17e isn’t too far away. And as we get closer to the expected launch window, the leaks are becoming more detailed. The latest one, spotted by MyDrivers through a set of Weibo tipsters, paints a clearer picture of where Apple might take its most affordable iPhone next.

If you’re still using an older model like the iPhone 11 and you’ve been waiting for something familiar that still feels modern, this might be the one Apple aims at.

Dynamic Island Could Finally Come to Apple’s Cheapest iPhone

One of the biggest shifts in the leak is the design. The iPhone 17e is reportedly moving to the Dynamic Island, ending the wide-notch look that Apple held onto in the iPhone 16e. It’s the kind of design change that instantly makes the phone feel newer without changing how people actually use it.

The current iPhone 16e still carries the older, wider notch that resembles the iPhone 14. So if the 17e does get the Dynamic Island, it’s arguably the most meaningful upgrade in the lineup.

Same Size, Familiar Setup

Most of the hardware still follows Apple’s usual pattern for the entry-level model. The phone is expected to feature a 6.1-inch display, likely sticking to 60Hz. You also get a single rear camera, which has been the signature of the “e” line.

The chipset is where Apple usually makes subtle cuts. This time, the iPhone 17e is tipped to use an A19-series chip with slightly fewer GPU cores compared to the one in the regular iPhone 17. It’s the same separation strategy Apple uses every year to keep the price in check.

Pricing and Who Apple Is Targeting

Leaks coming out of China suggest a starting price around CNY 4,499, which roughly converts to ₹57,000. That’s very similar to what the iPhone 16e launched at.

If accurate, Apple seems to be positioning the 17e as the natural upgrade path for people stuck on older models like the iPhone 11. The price segment also makes sense for buyers who want Apple’s newer designs and Face ID hardware without going up to the main iPhone 17 series.

Conflicting Camera Rumors

There is a bit of confusion around the camera. MyDrivers shows the usual single-camera layout, but older reports claimed Apple was testing a 48-megapixel rear camera and a 12-megapixel front camera with full 3D face recognition.

We’ll need more consistent leaks before calling that one. For now, a single rear camera seems more in line with Apple’s approach to the “e” lineup.

Launch Timeline Still Points to Early 2026

Most leaks agree that the iPhone 17e could arrive in the first half of 2026, with some suggesting a May announcement. The rest of the iPhone 17 family – the standard model, the 17 Pro, and the rumored 17 Air – should land in September 2026, keeping the usual fall cycle intact.

For quick reference, the iPhone 16e launched earlier this year at ₹59,900 with an A18 chip, Apple’s in-house C1 modem, IP68 water resistance, and modest charging speeds. The 17e doesn’t look like it’s trying to reinvent that formula, but the design refresh makes it feel like a more meaningful update.

Source