Apple is preparing to host its “Special Experience” event on March 4, where the tech giant is widely expected to reveal the iPhone 17e. This device will serve as the first upgrade to the low-cost iPhone 16e that debuted in February 2025.
Design and display
The iPhone 17e is anticipated to retain much of its predecessor’s look. It will likely feature a 6.1-inch screen, a single-lens rear camera, as well as black and white colour choices. The display panel is expected to remain at a 60Hz refresh rate, meaning it will be the only new Apple smartphone without the smoother 120Hz ProMotion technology. Additionally, the device will miss out on an always-on display due to the lack of a 1-nit minimum brightness OLED screen.
Dynamic Island
While the iPhone 16e featured a traditional notch, rumours are divided on whether the iPhone 17e will adopt the pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout. Some reports point to an updated front design to house the TrueDepth camera system, while others suggest the standard notch will remain.
Performance
Under the hood, the handset will reportedly house the A19 chip built on an upgraded 3-nanometre process. However, Apple might use a downclocked version with a 4-core GPU to differentiate it from the standard iPhone 17. The chip will feature an improved Neural Engine to enhance local artificial intelligence tasks. Memory is expected to remain at 8GB of RAM to keep costs down.
MagSafe and connectivity
A significant anticipated upgrade is the introduction of MagSafe compatibility. The previous model lacked a magnetic ring, limiting wireless charging to 7.5W. MagSafe support would boost charging speeds to at least 15W and open up a vast ecosystem of magnetic cases and accessories. The phone will also feature Apple’s faster and more efficient C1X modem, and recent whispers suggest it could include the new N1 networking chip for improved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Thread connectivity.
Cameras and pricing
Photography hardware is expected to remain unchanged, relying on a 48-megapixel rear camera and a 12-megapixel front-facing lens. The handset is unlikely to feature the newer Camera Control button. Pricing is projected to hold steady, starting at $599 when the device officially launches in early March.
