- Apple is working on a low-cost iPhone 17e and as per the latest update, it will feature the same 18MP Center Stage selfie camera as other iPhone 17 models.
- The device is expected to launch in mid-1Q26 probably around February just as its predecessor iPhone 16e.
- The phone is likely to join a new entry-level MacBook and a 12th-gen iPad, both of which are in the works as well.
After rolling out the uber successful iPhone 17 series, Apple is ready with yet another addition and here, we just got an update on iPhone 17e camera specs. This is a low-cost iPhone that will share certain traits with its flagship siblings, although with some corners cut to get that juicy price tag afloat.
Shedding light on low-cost iPhone 17e camera upgrade launching early 2026
According to Jeff Pu from Haitong International Tech Research, Apple is currently working on a low-cost iPhone 17e, an affordable MacBook, and a new iPad, all targeting a price-sensitive audience.
Talking about iPhone 17e, the phone will follow the wagon of iPhone 16e, making it the most affordable model in the iPhone 17 family. What it brings on-board is an Apple A19 SoC, the same as vanilla iPhone 17, and probably with the same configuration maxing out at 4.26GHz. Apart from that, we will see Apple’s in-house C1 modem taking center stage on the iPhone 17e.
On the optics, we are learning about impressive iPhone 17e camera upgrades. Apparently, Cupertino-based giant will probably use the same 18MP front square camera sensor on the iPhone 17e that it has used across the iPhone 17 family. This allows the low-cost phone to take exceptional selfies without compromises. This is by far a major upgrade since iPhone 17e’ 18MP Center Stage front cam will put it across the entire iPhone 17 family.
We will surely see some major hardware upgrades on the iPhone 17e compared to the iPhone 16e, so keep your tab on True-Tech for that.
Regarding the launch timeline, it is possible the iPhone 17e will arrive around mid-1Q26, just as its predecessor. Nothing has been set in stone yet, although we believe the other two devices that we will be discussing soon will make it to the market around the same time as iPhone 17e.
Apple is working on an affordable MacBook and a new iPad as well
According to Pu, the Cupertino-based giant is working on a few affordable devices for the upcoming launch. One of which is a budget MacBook with USB Type-C (single port) and 8GB of RAM. There’s an iPad in the works as well, we would like to call it a 12th-gen iPad with an A18 SoC, Apple Intelligence support (the first on an entry-level iPad so far), while keeping the look and feel the same as previous iPad iterations.
If the reports from Jeff Pu hold true, Apple is preparing a broader push into the affordable tech market with several new devices catering to price-sensitive customers. The iPhone 17e, featuring a potentially upgraded 18MP front camera and Apple’s latest A19 chip, may become one of the company’s most compelling budget offerings yet. As with all pre-release information, final details will depend on Apple’s official announcements in the months ahead.
