iPhone 17e leak indicates Apple might introduce a new budget model each year.

Rumors surrounding the production of the iPhone 17e suggest that Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone might become a regular feature in its product lineup going forward. Discussions about Apple’s unpredictable launch schedule for the iPhone SE resurfaced this year with the introduction of the iPhone 16e, the fourth generation of Apple’s more affordable model, in February. The first three iPhone SE models were released in March 2016, 2020, and 2022, aligning with this year’s product cycle.

Here’s the interesting twist: Since this year’s device is designated as the iPhone 16e (rather than the iPhone SE 4), Apple enthusiasts are speculating if the “e” model will now synchronize with the annual release schedule for standard iPhones.

According to a credible source, reported by Hotnchill, this appears to be the case. The source shared on a social media platform that the iPhone 17e is currently in development. “There will still be 17e next year, and it is almost in the trial production stage,” the source indicated (translated to English via Google Translate). Thus, based on this information, Apple seems to be progressing with the iPhone 17e, currently in Foxconn’s small-scale production phase, which occurs before mass production. This suggests that Apple is planning for a continuous release of the iPhone “e” models, potentially indicating an annual launch of a new budget-friendly option. Typically, Apple maintains older generation models in the market, which experience price drops over time. Therefore, the introduction of the iPhone 17e does not necessarily imply the discontinuation of previous models. It could also indicate that Apple is exploring various iPhone alternatives to understand consumer preferences, similar to its approach with the iPhone mini.