Apple’s iPhone 16e has officially gone on sale in India, marking the arrival of the latest addition to the iPhone 16 lineup. Featuring Apple’s first custom cellular modem and powered by the A18 chip, the device aims to provide a premium iPhone experience at a more affordable price point. Meanwhile, early leaks about the iPhone 17e have already begun circulating, hinting at its potential launch timeline.

iPhone 17e May Launch in February 2026

According to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), Apple could introduce the iPhone 17e in February 2026, a few months after the iPhone 17 series is expected to launch in September 2025.

The upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is rumored to include:
📱 iPhone 17
📱 iPhone 17 Slim
📱 iPhone 17 Pro
📱 iPhone 17 Pro Max

By releasing the iPhone 17e separately, Apple may be adopting a strategy similar to Google, which launches its flagship Pixel series in the spring and follows up with a more affordable Pixel A model later in the year.

Historically, Apple has not followed a fixed timeline for its budget-friendly iPhone models. The iPhone SE lineup, for instance, saw releases in March 2016, April 2020, and March 2022.

Analysts also suggest that Apple is positioning the iPhone 16e as a spiritual successor to the iPhone 5C (2013) but with improved features and stronger market positioning.

iPhone 16e: Price & Specifications

Apple has launched the iPhone 16e in India with three storage variants:

💰 128GB – ₹59,900
💰 256GB – ₹69,900
💰 512GB – ₹89,900

The smartphone features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and runs on the A18 chip, ensuring smooth performance. It comes equipped with Apple’s custom C1 modem, providing enhanced connectivity and network efficiency.

Camera & Battery

📷 48MP rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
🤳 12MP TrueDepth front camera for selfies and video calls

The iPhone 16e also boasts an IP68 rating, making it dust and water-resistant. It includes a USB Type-C port for charging and supports:

⚡ 18W wired charging
⚡ 7.5W wireless charging

Final Thoughts

With the iPhone 16e now available in India, Apple appears to be expanding its mid-range offerings while setting the stage for the iPhone 17e’s arrival next year. Will this new strategy attract more users to the Apple ecosystem? Let us know what you think! 🍏📱