Apple’s iPhone 17e may launch soon with a faster chip and Dynamic Island, but one missing display upgrade could frustrate fans.
Apple is getting closer to launching its next affordable iPhone. The device is expected to be called the iPhone 17e, and according to new reports, its release could be just weeks away.
While the phone is shaping up to be a solid upgrade in several areas, one rumored detail may disappoint many buyers. The iPhone 17e is said to miss out on ProMotion, Apple’s smooth 120Hz display technology that now appears on most of the iPhone 17 lineup.
Here’s what the latest leak says, what features are coming, and when the iPhone 17e is expected to launch.
iPhone 17e: Apple’s affordable iPhone strategy
Apple’s “e” models are designed to offer modern performance at a lower price. They are not budget phones in the traditional sense, but they are meant to be the cheapest way to get a new iPhone with updated hardware.
The iPhone 17e is expected to follow the same idea as the iPhone 16e. It will likely reuse some familiar components while adding a few meaningful upgrades to stay relevant.
However, Apple also needs to clearly separate it from the more expensive iPhone 17. That balance appears to be shaping the iPhone 17e’s feature list.
iPhone 17e display: Why ProMotion is missing
The biggest disappointment for some users may be the display.
According to a report shared on Weibo by well-known leaker Digital Chat Station, the iPhone 17e will feature a 60Hz display. This means it will not support ProMotion, Apple’s 120Hz refresh rate technology.
Until recently, every non-Pro iPhone had a 60Hz screen. That changed last September when the standard iPhone 17 moved to ProMotion. Because of that upgrade, many people hoped the iPhone 17e would follow.
That does not appear to be the case.
Why Apple is holding back
Apple has a clear reason for this choice. If the iPhone 17e offered nearly the same experience as the iPhone 17, fewer customers would pay extra for the higher-priced model.
Display refresh rate is one of the easiest ways for Apple to separate its product lineup. By keeping ProMotion exclusive to more expensive phones, Apple protects its pricing structure.
While a 60Hz display is still perfectly usable, users who care about smooth scrolling and animations may notice the difference.
Some good news: Dynamic Island is coming
The display news is not all bad.
The same report says the iPhone 17e will finally switch to Dynamic Island, replacing the older notch design found on the current iPhone 16e.
This would be a meaningful upgrade.
Dynamic Island is used for navigation, live activities, music controls, and background tasks. It has become a key part of the modern iPhone experience, and its arrival on the iPhone 17e would make the phone feel much more current.
With this change, the iPhone 17e would visually match the rest of Apple’s active lineup.
iPhone 17e screen size and panel details
The report also provides more information about the display itself.
The iPhone 17e is expected to feature:
- 6.1-inch display
- LTPS OLED panel
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Dynamic Island design
This matches the size of the standard iPhone 17 and keeps the phone comfortable for one-handed use. OLED technology ensures deep blacks, strong contrast, and good overall image quality, even without ProMotion.
Performance upgrade: A19 processor expected
One area where Apple rarely cuts corners is performance.
The iPhone 17e is rumored to include the A19 processor, the same chip expected to power the iPhone 17 series. This follows Apple’s long-standing habit of giving even its affordable models the latest chip.
This upgrade should bring:
- Faster app performance
- Better gaming efficiency
- Improved AI and machine learning features
- Longer software support
For many users, processor speed matters more than display refresh rate. In daily use, the A19 chip could make the iPhone 17e feel just as fast as much more expensive models.
Face ID stays, Touch ID stays gone
The report also confirms that the iPhone 17e will include Face ID.
Apple has fully committed to Face ID across its lineup, and there are no signs of Touch ID returning to iPhones anytime soon. With the addition of Dynamic Island, Face ID will work the same way it does on current flagship models.
This keeps authentication fast, secure, and familiar.
Camera: Simple but predictable
If you are hoping for a big camera upgrade, expectations should stay realistic.
According to the report, the iPhone 17e will feature a single rear camera, just like its predecessor. Apple has used this approach before to clearly separate entry-level models from more advanced phones.
While it will not have ultra-wide or telephoto lenses, Apple’s image processing is strong enough that a single camera can still produce excellent photos.
For casual users, social media shots, and everyday photography, the camera should be more than good enough.
Why Apple limits features on purpose
Some users may feel frustrated that Apple is holding back features like ProMotion. But from Apple’s perspective, this is a deliberate strategy.
Apple wants:
- A clear reason to buy the iPhone 17
- A lower-cost option that still feels modern
- Strong sales without cannibalizing premium models
By upgrading the processor and design but limiting the display, Apple creates a phone that feels new without threatening its higher-priced devices.
This approach has worked well in the past.
iPhone 17e release date: When to expect it
The report only says the iPhone 17e will launch in the first half of the year, but expectations are narrowing.
Based on Apple’s recent patterns, the most likely timeline looks like this:
- Announcement: Late February 2026
- Pre-orders: Shortly after announcement
- Release date: Early March 2026
Apple has used this window before for lower-priced iPhone launches, and it fits well between major product cycles.
Expected price and value
While pricing has not been confirmed, the iPhone 17e is expected to be the cheapest new iPhone available at launch.
Apple may position it as an entry point for:
- First-time iPhone buyers
- Users upgrading from older models
- People who want performance without premium extras
Even with a 60Hz display, the combination of OLED, Dynamic Island, and the A19 chip could make it a strong value.
Who the iPhone 17e is for
The iPhone 17e is not designed for power users who want every feature. It is designed for people who want:
- A modern iPhone design
- Fast performance
- Long software support
- A lower price than flagships
If smooth scrolling and high refresh rates are important to you, the standard iPhone 17 may be a better choice. If value and performance matter more, the iPhone 17e could be the smarter buy.
Final thoughts
The iPhone 17e looks like a classic Apple compromise. It brings meaningful upgrades like Dynamic Island and a faster A19 processor, while holding back features like ProMotion to protect the rest of the lineup.
For many users, the missing 120Hz display will be disappointing. For others, it will not matter at all.
With a likely launch just weeks away, the iPhone 17e is shaping up to be a solid, affordable option that fits Apple’s strategy perfectly. It may not be exciting in every way, but it could still be one of the most practical iPhones Apple releases in 2026.
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