Fresh leaks suggest Apple is preparing to overhaul the design of its most affordable smartphone. According to supply chain reports emerging from China, the upcoming iPhone 17e will finally abandon the “notch” cutout in favor of the Dynamic Island, bringing the budget model’s look in line with the company’s premium devices.
Modern look, older screen tech
The information comes from Weibo user Smart Pikachu, who claims the new device will feature a “slim island” at the top of the display. If true, this marks the end of the notch era for Apple’s main lineup. The phone is expected to keep the 6.1-inch screen size used on the iPhone 16e.
However, the display hardware might not see a full upgrade. The report indicates the screen will likely stay at a 60Hz refresh rate. While the interface will look modern, it won’t offer the smoother scrolling found on “Pro” models or many Android competitors.
Production plans and power
Manufacturing is reportedly scheduled to ramp up shortly after CES 2026 concludes in Las Vegas. This timeline points toward a potential launch around May, positioning the device as a mid-cycle refresher for Apple.
Internal specs are expected to include:
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Processor: The A19 chip (likely a slightly slower version of the flagship processor).
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Camera: A single 48-megapixel rear lens.
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Front Camera: A standard 12-megapixel sensor for selfies and FaceID.
Market Impact & Context
Standardizing the Dynamic Island is a smart branding move. It ensures that consumers buying the entry-level model don’t feel like they are purchasing a device that looks three years old. It unifies the software experience across the board.
The challenge remains the price-to-performance ratio. Rivals like Samsung and Google offer 120Hz screens at similar price points. Apple seems confident that the sheer speed of the A19 chip and the iOS ecosystem will be enough to convince buyers to overlook the slower display refresh rate.
What comes next
With production lines rumored to start moving this month, we expect to see more specific details—such as battery size and color options—leak in the coming weeks. The official reveal is anticipated later this spring.
