Apple’s rumored entry-level “iPhone 17e,” expected to launch in spring 2026, is once again tipped to feature significant upgrades over its predecessor, including the pill-shaped Dynamic Island display cutout and a downclocked A19 chip for improved performance. According to fresh leaks from Chinese sources, the device will also add MagSafe support while maintaining a $599 starting price.
The current iPhone 16e features a “notch” at the top of the display, similar to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, and contains Apple’s A18 chip with a 4-core GPU, instead of the 5-core GPU version found in the iPhone 16.
However, according to “Smart Pikachu,” a Weibo account that has previously shared accurate supply-chain details on Android hardware, these two elements are set to be replaced on the forthcoming iPhone 17e.
Aside from Neural Engine improvements, performance from a downclocked A19 chip could be roughly comparable to Apple’s A17 Pro chip, while the Dynamic Island would add the newer interactive area at the top of the screen that displays ongoing activities, incorporating the camera and other front-facing sensors. Otherwise, the iPhone 17e is expected to retain a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, according to the leaker.
Elsewhere, rumors suggest the iPhone 17e will gain a magnetic ring that will allow it to connect to MagSafe chargers, which is not an option with the iPhone 16e.
MacDailyNews Take: After having MagSafe and the Dynamic Island for so long now, we can’t imagine having a smartphone without them!
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I’m also upgrading in the Spring of ’06! Replacing the battery to my iPhone SE.