iPhone 17e will be more like flagship models in two key ways – reports
The iPhone 17e will finally dispense of the display notch and slim down the bezels according to new reports
Apple’s iPhone 16e made our reviewer realise ‘what you actually need for a good smartphone‘ with a lower cost but plenty of power, excellent battery life and a good single-lens camera. So how can Apple improve it? Well, if new reports are on the money, Apple has identified two ways to update the design of its lightweight, entry level handset.
Firstly, reports have predicted the now-archaic display notch is curtains. Instead Apple will introduce the inset Dynamic Island design that’s common on all of its other recent phones. That’ll introduce the ability for UI elements like Live Activities to appear on the homescreen. It’ll also give the phone a more modern feel overall.
Speaking of that, a new report from The Elec – the South Korean publication with good sources in the supply chain arena – says Apple is planning for the phone (potentially named the iPhone 17e) to have thinner bezels. Apple did improve matters on that front with the iPhone 16e. Especially compared with the previous iPhone SE entry level devices.
Our reviewer wrote: “The Touch ID Home Button that defined iPhones for a decade is no more, and neither are the bulky bezels – both of which I’m thrilled to see the back of.” The iPhone 17e looks to continue this trend by further slimming down those display bezels with a higher screen to body ratio. However, the report doesn’t offer potential dimensions in this regard.
The modernisation won’t quite stretch to a 120Hz Pro Motion display seen on the iPhone 17 range though, according to The Elec. It says the same 6.1-inch OLED display from 2022’s iPhone 14 will be deployed once again. It’s also unlikely we’ll get MagSafe wireless charging support, or an additional camera on this entry level model that still cost £599/$599 last year.
The report says to expect the iPhone 17e early next year. Apple hasn’t often released a new entry-level iPhone annually – far from it in fact. However, it may decide to settle into more of a rhythm with the release schedule set to move away from its September focus.
Chris Smith
