Apple May Keep Current Designs for iPhone 17e and Entry-Level iPad [Report]

Apple may be preparing a modest refresh for its next entry-level devices. A new report out of Japan claims the upcoming iPhone 17e and base-model iPad will retain their current designs while focusing upgrades on internal components tied to performance, connectivity, and Apple Intelligence.



According to Macotakara, the iPhone 17e—expected to arrive this spring—will likely inherit the chassis and overall design of the iPhone 16e. This would mean the device keeps the existing TrueDepth camera notch rather than adopting the Dynamic Island. That claim runs counter to earlier reports suggesting the entry-level model would finally transition to the pill-shaped cutout used across the rest of the lineup.


While the exterior may remain unchanged, the internals are expected to see a meaningful upgrade. The handset is expected to feature the A19 chip, matching the processor used in the flagship iPhone 17. It is also said to adopt connectivity technology from the iPhone Air, including the C1X modem and Apple's custom N1 Wi-Fi chip.

The report outlines a similar strategy for Apple's next base-model iPad. Also rumored for a spring 2026 release, the tablet is expected to retain the design of the current iPad (A16) while moving to an A18 chip. The more notable change is memory, with the device reportedly set to ship with 8GB of RAM, the minimum required to support Apple Intelligence.

At present, the entry-level iPad supports creative apps such as the recently launched Apple Creator Studio but lacks the memory headroom needed for on-device AI features. The rumored upgrade would bring it in line with Apple's broader push toward Apple Intelligence across its product lineup.

Notably, the A18 processor claim conflicts with leaked code discovered late last year, which pointed to an A19 chip for the next entry-level iPad. With reports indicating the iPhone 17e has already entered mass production, final specifications for Apple's upcoming budget devices may soon come into focus.


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