Apple to Launch iPhone 17e Next Spring With OLED Display [Report]

Apple is planning to continue its new 'e' series of iPhones, according to a new report from South Korea's The Elec. The site says a new iPhone 17e is planned for a spring 2026 launch. The move would follow the iPhone 16e released earlier this year, establishing a new annual release cadence for its more affordable models.



The strategy, according to the report, would see Apple reusing the 6.1-inch OLED display from the iPhone 16e, which itself borrowed its screen from the iPhone 14. This approach of pairing a newer, powerful processor with older, proven components is a classic Apple move to offer a compelling device at a more accessible price point.


This spring release cadence seems to be part of a bigger shakeup for Apple. It lines up with a multi-year iPhone roadmap recently shared by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, and it adds another piece to the puzzle of a separate report that Apple would split its annual iPhone launches between the fall and spring. A report from earlier this year even claimed the iPhone 17e was already nearing trial production.

The Elec's report claims Apple's main goal here is to maintain high annual iPhone shipment volumes, which are crucial for growing its user base for AI services, especially as it works to compete with the Android ecosystem. While the 'e' series models typically sell around 20 million units in their first year, Apple is said to carefully manage production to avoid cannibalizing sales of its flagship iPhone lineup.

On the manufacturing side, the report notes that BOE, Samsung Display, and LG Display are all involved in development for the display. BOE is said to be the lead supplier for the current iPhone 16e's screen.

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