Apple is rumoured to be planning a second generation of its upper mid-range smartphone, with the iPhone 17e succeeding the iPhone 16e.
To justify an update, Apple may need to improve the handset that went over well with consumers and critics alike for breaking down what was truly needed from a smartphone and dispensing with some of the luxuries to keep the price down.
Apple used a powerful A18 chip, a single 48-megapixel Fusion camera and a 6.1-inch OLED display. So what’s to improve over the iPhone 16e? Well Apple could update the processor to the A19, but that’s not really enough to justify a new release alone. The company is unlikely to add more cameras, because that would push the price up.
One thing Apple could do without too much trouble – we assume – is add support for MagSafe wireless charging. And that’s exactly what’s on the agenda, according to a new report. The Information (via MacRumors) says the iPhone 17e will include “wireless magnetic charging”.
While the iPhone 16e only offered Qi wireless charging at 7.5W, a boost to MagSafe would give iPhone 17e owners the chance to replenish their phone at speeds of up to 25W with the requisite charger. The iPhone 17 range offers 50% charging in around 30 minutes. The iPhone Air offer 20W speeds. The iPhone 17e might follow the latter. Plus there’s the bonus of the magnetised element too for that assurance the phone is remaining on charge, even if knocked while sitting on the puck.
Earlier reports have suggested Apple will also switch out the notch display design for the Dynamic Island that features within the rest of the range. Overall, the iPhone 17e is likely to arrive in the spring of 2026 with an asking price of around £600/$600.
