iPhone 18e leak reveals A20 chip but no upgrade to 120Hz display
Apple‘s upcoming iPhone 18e could receive a faster processor and an improved selfie camera while retaining the 60Hz display found on previous generations, according to newly leaked specifications.
Chinese technology insider Digital Chat Station shared the details on Weibo on Tuesday, 27 October, suggesting that Apple is preparing relatively modest changes to its more affordable iPhone.
The device is expected to feature a 6.12-inch LTPS OLED screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate, matching the technology used in the iPhone 17e. This would leave the cheaper model without Apple’s 120Hz ProMotion display, which provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Under the hood, the iPhone 18e could use Apple’s A20 processor, which is reportedly manufactured using a 2-nanometre process. The smaller manufacturing technology is expected to improve performance and energy efficiency compared with the 3nm A19 chip in its predecessor.
The leak also points to a single 48-megapixel rear camera, suggesting that Apple will retain the existing camera arrangement rather than introduce a second lens.
Selfie camera could receive a major upgrade
One possible improvement is the front-facing camera, which Digital Chat Station claims could increase from 12 to 24 megapixels.
However, the specification remains uncertain. MacRumors notes that the figure could refer to an upgraded camera system similar to the 18-megapixel Center Stage technology introduced with the iPhone 17 series.
The iPhone 18e is expected to arrive in spring 2027, potentially in March, alongside the standard iPhone 18 and the second-generation iPhone Air.
Its previous version, the iPhone 17e, debuted in March 2026 with a starting price of $599 and 256GB of storage. No confirmed pricing information has emerged for its successor.
If the latest details prove accurate, the iPhone 18e’s main improvements will be internal, with Apple focusing on processing power and potentially better selfies.
