Apple Reportedly Working on iPhone 17e as Successor to iPhone SE Lineup

Cupertino, CA — April 23, 2025 — Apple is reportedly fast-tracking development of the iPhone 17e, signaling a potential end to the iconic SE branding in favor of its emerging budget-friendly ‘e’ series. According to a new leak shared on Chinese platform Weibo, the company has already initiated trial production for the iPhone 17e—just months after the release of the iPhone 16e.

iPhone 17e in Development: Apple’s Entry-Level Strategy Evolves

The leak, posted by known tech insider Fixed Focus Digital, suggests Apple is reconfiguring production lines initially set for the iPhone 16e. If accurate, this points to a clear intention by Apple to solidify the ‘e’ series as its new standard for entry-level smartphones—replacing the now-retired iPhone SE brand.

The iPhone 16e, introduced with a starting price of ₹59,900 in India, has quickly gained traction in key markets. It features Apple’s A18 chip and the custom-designed C1 modem, bringing next-gen performance to a budget-friendly tier. While it omits premium features like Dynamic Island and MagSafe, the 16e supports Apple Intelligence—a noteworthy leap over older devices such as the iPhone SE (2022) and iPhone 15.

Commercial Success of iPhone 16e Fuels Momentum

Despite mixed initial reviews, the iPhone 16e has outpaced its predecessor in sales, underscoring Apple’s ability to redefine value in the smartphone space. Analysts suggest the model’s success has prompted Apple to establish a regular annual release cycle, mirroring its flagship lineup strategy.

Sources close to Apple’s supply chain note that this move could also streamline production and marketing efforts, helping Apple compete more aggressively in price-sensitive regions.

A New Era: Goodbye SE, Hello ‘e’?

With the launch of the iPhone 17e likely to take place in 2026, Apple appears to be repositioning its entry-level devices with a more modern naming convention. The shift away from the SE label—a nod to Apple’s earlier, compact designs—may also reflect broader changes in consumer demand and design priorities.

By aligning the ‘e’ series with its core numerical naming system, Apple could be seeking to reduce fragmentation in its iPhone lineup while still maintaining a strong value proposition for users seeking affordable access to the Apple ecosystem.