Apple may already be working on its next budget-friendly smartphone, the iPhone 18e, even as the iPhone 17e has just hit the spotlight.
Information shared by a source on the Chinese social platform Weibo claims that Apple may have already completed internal planning for the upcoming device. Apple hasn’t confirmed these reports, but it appears work on the next iPhone may already be in progress.
Apple often starts working on new products long before they show up in stores. This early preparation gives the company time to test new features, finalize hardware choices, and carefully plan each device before it hits the market.
Early Development Plans Surface
According to the leak, Apple has reportedly finalized the internal development phase for the iPhone 18e. However, the source did not reveal detailed specifications or confirm the phone’s final design.
If the information turns out to be accurate, the device could arrive around spring 2027. Some industry watchers believe it may launch alongside the standard iPhone 18 and be a possible successor to the iPhone Air.
Some reports suggest that Apple might slightly change its launch schedule. In this approach, the high-end Pro models would still be released in September, while the standard and more budget-friendly versions could come out a few months afterward.
The iPhone 17e Brings Several Upgrades
Apple’s newly announced iPhone 17e aims to offer a more affordable option in its smartphone lineup, all while incorporating several significant improvements.
Among the main upgrades are support for MagSafe, a 256GB base storage option, and Apple’s updated C1X modem. These updates make the phone simpler to use and improve connectivity, while still keeping it more budget-friendly than Apple’s high-end models.
Even though the phone has been announced, it hasn’t reached stores in many regions yet.
Possible Improvements in the iPhone 18e
There aren’t many confirmed details yet, but early reports indicate the iPhone 18e could bring a few meaningful upgrades over the current model.
The next iPhone could keep the 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display, much like the existing version. However, some observers are curious whether Apple will finally introduce a higher refresh rate, such as 120Hz, to its budget-focused iPhone series.
Performance could also see an upgrade. The current device uses Apple’s A19 chip, though with a slightly reduced graphics configuration compared with the standard iPhone models. The next iPhone could be equipped with Apple’s A20 chip, which should make the phone faster and more efficient in everyday use.
There’s also a chance it might get the Dynamic Island, a feature already seen on higher-end iPhones. If added, the feature could give the budget iPhone a fresher, more modern appearance.
More Details Likely to Emerge
At the moment, most of the information about the iPhone 18e comes from early leaks and rumors. Apple hasn’t confirmed the phone or given a release date.
As work on the device goes on and new details come out, we’ll start getting a clearer picture of the next iPhone and Apple’s plans for its budget-friendly models.
