iPhone 17e Leak Reveals Key Specs and Design Changes for Apple's Budget Model

A new leak from Jon Prosser has revealed key details about Apple's upcoming iPhone 17e, the company's next budget-friendly iPhone model. The leak, shared in a YouTube video, outlines several notable upgrades that address some of the most criticized aspects of the current iPhone 16e.

Design and Display Changes

The most significant design change coming to the iPhone 17e is the replacement of the controversial notch with Apple's Dynamic Island. This change brings the budget model in line with Apple's more premium offerings, though Prosser notes he's "not 100%" confident about this aspect of the design. The device will retain a 60Hz display, matching the iPhone 16e rather than upgrading to the 120Hz ProMotion technology found in higher-end models.

Camera Improvements

Apple is making meaningful camera upgrades to the iPhone 17e. The front-facing camera will jump from 12MP to 18MP, matching the iPhone 17 lineup and adding Center Stage support for improved video calls. The rear camera will remain at 48MP, the same as the iPhone 16e, but with enhanced low-light performance. This suggests Apple is focusing on software improvements rather than hardware changes for the main camera.

Performance and Battery

The iPhone 17e will be powered by a binned version of the A19 chip, which means it might not match the performance of the standard A19 found in the iPhone 17 series. The device will include 8GB of RAM, a welcome upgrade from previous budget models. Battery capacity remains at 4,000mAh, identical to the iPhone 16e, while the C1X modem suggests continued 5G capabilities.

Charging and Storage

One of the most welcome changes is the addition of MagSafe charging support, addressing a major criticism of the iPhone 16e. The device will start at $599 for 256GB of storage, doubling the base storage of the iPhone 16e while maintaining the same starting price. Color options will include black and white, with a potential lavender variant that was tested but may not make the final cut.

Release Timeline

The iPhone 17e could be announced as soon as next week, though Apple's typical announcement schedule suggests a spring or fall launch is more likely. These specs largely corroborate previous reporting from reliable sources including Ming-Chi Kuo, Jeff Pu, and Mark Gurman.

The addition of MagSafe is particularly noteworthy, as it was considered one of the biggest compromises in the iPhone 16e. By bringing this feature to the budget model, Apple is addressing user feedback while maintaining competitive differentiation between its product tiers.

For developers and users alike, the iPhone 17e represents Apple's continued commitment to offering an affordable entry point into its ecosystem while gradually improving the feature set of its budget offerings. The device will likely appeal to users who want a modern iPhone experience without the premium price tag of the Pro models.

What do you think of the iPhone 17e as rumored today? The combination of Dynamic Island, improved cameras, and MagSafe charging suggests Apple is listening to user feedback while maintaining clear product differentiation across its iPhone lineup.