The buzz around Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17e is growing louder, sparking excitement among fans and tech enthusiasts alike. Recent leaks indicate that this new budget-friendly model could resolve one of the biggest criticisms faced by the iPhone 16e, making it a more attractive option in the mid-range smartphone market.
iPhone 17e Likely to Include MagSafe Charging
According to a recent report by The Information, the iPhone 17e will introduce magnetic wireless charging support, brought by the addition of magnets on its rear side. This upgrade is expected to improve charging speeds significantly, possibly offering 20W or 25W wireless charging compared to the iPhone 16e’s non-magnetic Qi wireless charging capped at 7.5W.
Additionally, sources reported by MacRumors reveal that the device will feature either the C1 or the newer C1X modem, which first appeared in the iPhone Air series. This aligns with claims that the iPhone 17e will support enhanced cellular connectivity through the latest modem technology.
Exciting New Features and Specifications
The iPhone 17e is also rumored to come with a Center Stage camera, offering improved video calls and user tracking features. Alongside this, Apple might bring the Dynamic Island interface to the device, further narrowing the gap between the budget model and the flagship iPhone 17. There is also talk of the inclusion of a variant of the A19 chip, which would significantly boost performance and efficiency for the 17e.
Community Feedback on Desired Upgrades
Readers were recently asked which upgrade would most influence their decision to buy the iPhone 17e. The results highlight that 56.36% of voters prioritize a lower price, while 25.45% want a ProMotion display, 12.73% prefer Dynamic Island, and 5.45% selected MagSafe support.
Strong Competition in the Mid-Range Segment
The iPhone 17e will enter a crowded and competitive market this year. OnePlus is preparing to launch the OnePlus 15R, while Samsung and Google are expected to release the Galaxy A57 and Pixel 10a respectively in the spring. These releases promise an exciting battle for mid-range smartphone supremacy.
Looking Ahead with Cautious Optimism
With iOS 26 set to power the iPhone 17 series alongside impressive hardware upgrades, Apple seems committed to refining its budget offerings. The iPhone 17 addressed many issues raised about previous base models, and the 17e looks poised to repeat that success for the budget category. While these details sound promising, it’s best to await official confirmation from Apple before getting too enthusiastic.
