Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone lineup is poised for a mid-cycle glow-up. Leaks indicate that the iPhone 17e will launch in India by February 2026 – exactly a year after the iPhone 16e was launched on February 19 for Rs 59,900. As a successor to the 16e – which features A18 power, Apple intelligence, and a notch-rich 6.1-inch OLED display at an entry-level price – the 17e promises flagship flair without the premium tag, which could potentially attract those switching from Android’s mid-range brigade.

At the center of the discussion is a design twist thanks to Weibo’s inventive digital chat station: the old notch is replaced by a pill-shaped Dynamic Island – Apple’s interactive hub for calls, alerts and media controls, first introduced in 2022’s iPhone 14 Pro and joined by the iPhone 15 on the base model. This is the first time an affordable iPhone has got premium features, including Face ID with a modern look and a 12MP front camera for effortless selfies. Still, to keep costs under control, don’t expect any promotion magic: The 6.1-inch OLED runs at 60Hz, in contrast to the smooth flow of 120Hz on the flagship iPhone 17.

Inside, the A19 chip – borrowed from the iPhone 17 – delivers a performance bump with cores tweaked for efficiency, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of base storage. Photography remains stable with a 48MP rear Fusion sensor for Night Mode and 2x zoom, while the ~4,005mAh battery delivers better battery life through A19 optimizations that supports 20W wired and 7.5W wireless charging. Colour? Probably black, white and fresh pastel colors, reflecting the matte vibe of 16e.

Prices reflect the 16e strategy: expect a starting price of Rs 59,900 for 128GB, Rs 69,900 for 256GB and Rs 89,900 for 512GB – no big hikes despite the upgrade. Pre-orders can start in late January on Apple Stores, Flipkart and Amazon with launch offers like HDFC discount and no-cost EMI.

iOS 19 support and MagSafe teases add appeal, but skeptics are missing the nostalgic feel of a 60Hz screen. With Apple eyeing 20% ​​market share in the sub-Rs 60,000 segment in India, the 17e could redefine “affordable premium” – a blend of AI smartness and notch-free elegance. Will it be able to beat rivals like OnePlus 15? Stay tuned for Q1 reveals.