Apple is reportedly preparing to give the iPhone 17e two much-needed design changes that should help it feel less like a hand-me-down model. While the device will stick to some older hardware, the updates bring it closer in line with Apple’s premium lineup.
iPhone 17e to slim down with thinner bezels
According to new reports from The Elec, Apple’s display partners BOE, Samsung Display, and LG Display are already gearing up to ship 8 million OLED panels for the iPhone 17e by mid-2026. That lines up with a possible February launch window, assuming Apple repeats this year’s release timing.
The new 6.1-inch OLED panel won’t break records. It will stick with a 60 Hz refresh rate and resolution similar to the iPhone 14. However, the bezels are expected to shrink slightly, offering a cleaner look and reducing the phone’s overall footprint.
iPhone 17e expected to adopt Dynamic Island
Perhaps the biggest visual shift will be the rumored addition of Dynamic Island. This change would finally eliminate the older notch design found on the iPhone 16e. While Apple hasn’t confirmed this yet, it’s consistent with the company’s usual approach of trickling down features from flagship to base models.
Expected upgrades include:
- 6.1″ OLED display with 1,200 nits brightness
- Thinner bezels for a more modern look
- Dynamic Island replacing the notch
- Apple A19 chip, shared with iPhone 17
- Possible MagSafe support
- Front camera upgrade still unconfirmed
These tweaks may not excite power users, but they’ll help the iPhone 17e feel less dated.
Same price, better experience?
By keeping the 60 Hz screen and reusing panel specs, Apple can maintain the iPhone 17e’s lower price point. But with a fresh chip, Dynamic Island, and better ergonomics, it becomes more appealing for everyday users who don’t need the Pro features.
If these rumors hold true, Apple’s budget model might become the best “cheap” iPhone the company has made in years.
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