Apple iPhone 18 Pro may be stealing headlines, but iPhone 17e quietly shapes Apple’s practical future

While the apple iphone 18 pro continues to dominate leak cycles and speculation, attention is slowly shifting to a more understated device—the iPhone 17e. Apple’s “e” series has never aimed to impress on specs alone, but recent leaks suggest the next model could feel far less compromised than before.

Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17e around February or March, following the same annual refresh window introduced with the iPhone 16e. Early reports outline a phone that, despite its modest positioning, could borrow several ideas from Apple’s higher-end lineup, including those seen on the apple iphone 18 pro.

iPhone 17e may bid goodbye to notch

One of the most talked-about changes is the possible removal of the notch. Multiple reports suggest Apple may bring Dynamic Island to the iPhone 17e, bringing it closer in design language to the rest of the lineup, including the apple iphone 18 pro.

The phone is still expected to feature a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. While ProMotion remains exclusive to premium models, slimmer bezels could give the 17e a noticeably more modern look.

A19 chip

The iPhone 17e is tipped to run on the A19 chip, the same processor expected to power the standard iPhone 17. Unlike previous generations, Apple may not limit GPU performance, resulting in smoother daily performance. This aligns Apple’s approach across devices, including the apple iphone 18 pro, where efficiency and consistency remain a focus.

Cameras and more upgrades

Camera upgrades may also arrive quietly. The iPhone 17e is rumoured to feature an 18MP front camera with Center Stage support, making video calls more flexible. Apple may also introduce its in-house C1X modem, which could improve power efficiency, even if mmWave 5G support stays absent—similar to certain regional variants of the apple iphone 18 pro.

MagSafe support

MagSafe could finally return after being skipped on the iPhone 16e. If Apple restores MagSafe on the 17e, users would gain access to faster wireless charging and magnetic accessories. Charging speeds are also expected to improve beyond the earlier 7.5W limit, bringing it closer to the broader ecosystem led by the apple iphone 18 pro.

Although the apple iphone 18 pro remains Apple’s flagship conversation starter, the iPhone 17e may quietly become one of the most sensible choices in the lineup. With design refinements, a new chip, camera upgrades, and the possible return of MagSafe, the iPhone 17e shows how Apple’s non-Pro models are steadily closing the gap—without chasing the spotlight held by the apple iphone 18 pro.