The iPhone 16th marks a turning point for Apple and it could well be the first in a long line. Rather than a cheap device with a recycled design like the iPhone SE, Apple has decided to launch the iPhone 16th. Released last February, this more affordable iPhone 16 represents a new series, with a much more modern design and close to the brand's latest smartphones. It incorporates significant improvements (Face ID, A18 chip), without overshadowing the superior models with its single photo sensor and the absence of MagSafe charging. In a very Apple style, the firm seems to find the formula to have an equivalent to the "FE" series from Samsung or the "a" series from Google.
This significant redesign could give ideas to the Cupertino company for the future, according to Mark Gurman. A very well-informed journalist from Bloomberg, he welcomes Apple's decision to market the current iPhone 16e as a variant of the iPhone 16 rather than as a new iPhone SE. "This gives it additional appeal and makes it more interesting for consumers in countries like China," he explains. An interest that could push the American manufacturer to try the experiment again by updating this new range "e" every year.
Will there be an iPhone 17th next year?
For the specialist journalist, Apple has "not yet made its decision" regarding the launch of an iPhone 17th as early as 2026. Tim Cook's teams have not yet decided their strategy and the firm could wait “more months” before making a final decision. Despite this hesitation, it appears that an annual update of the “e” series would make sense for Apple. It would help the American firm to better position itself in important markets like China or India, where competition is strong. Direct competitors like Samsung and Google also tend to offer rapid update cycles, as evidenced by Google's Pixel “a”. The latest, the Pixel 9a, can also be seen as a smartphone with a better quality-price ratio than the iPhone 16e.
iPhone 17e: what would it look like?
If Apple decided to launch the iPhone 17e, it would probably be released towards the end of winter or the beginning of spring 2026, about a year after the iPhone 16e. It could especially benefit from developments under the hood, such as the presence of the future A19 chip of the iPhone 17 for even more power. This would help Apple's affordable smartphone to run future Apple Intelligence innovations.
On the other hand, the design should not experience any upheaval, even if we can imagine that Apple will end up offering its Camera Control button. The latter, which appeared on the iPhone 16 series, is not present on the current "e" variant.
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