Apple gears up for iPhone 17e launch with major design upgrades

CALIFORNIA: Apple has accelerated preparations for the launch of the new iPhone 17e, which is expected to bring more advanced features than previous models in the “e” series.

The iPhone 17e is set to debut with slimmer bezels and an OLED panel similar to the one used in the iPhone 14 and the current iPhone 16e. Most of these panels will be supplied by Chinese manufacturer BOE, with Samsung Display and LG Display also contributing.

Initial reports suggested the iPhone 17e might not include Dynamic Island, but analysts now anticipate that the feature will be added, along with Apple’s upcoming A19 chip.

The existing iPhone 16e uses a notch-style display—similar to the iPhone 13 and 14—and runs on the A18 chip. While thinner bezels are relatively simple and cost-effective to implement, adding Dynamic Island requires a redesigned sensor layout, an updated TrueDepth system, and a more complex masking design, making it less compatible with the e-series’ low-cost positioning.

The iPhone 17e is expected to include a 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED display offering increased brightness and improved visual quality.

Analysts Ming-Chi Kuo, Mark Gurman, and The Elec predict that the new model will debut early next year.