The iPhone 17e is expected to be Apple’s first hardware release of 2026, and for those wondering about its launch, the successor to the iPhone 16e could be just around the corner, thanks to a reliable update, claiming that the inventory of Apple’s current-generation low-cost handset has ‘dried out.’ This should be sufficient evidence that the company is gearing up for the announcement of the newer model.
M3 iPad Air is also witnessing shortages, implying the arrival of the M4 refresh
The track record of Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is top-notch, and while he might keep us in suspense regarding the M5 Pro and M5 Max launches, he has one pleasant surprise to share with Apple customers around the world. The iPhone 17e could be unveiled in the form of a press release soon, since there are no significant changes compared to the iPhone 16e, other than the switch to a Dynamic Island cutout and an A19 chipset upgrade. The C1 5G modem is retained on the upcoming handset, offering no advantage in cellular connectivity over the older version.
It is possible that Apple will unveil two products in the same week, because Gurman has also mentioned that M3 iPad Air stock is slowly dwindling, hinting that Apple is making room for the M4 refresh. The similarities between the two devices are that they share no design changes, with the company only introducing internal upgrades, which helps to save on manufacturing costs. It is also easier to handle the logistics side of the iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air, since these products pretty much ship with the same parts found in their immediate predecessors.
In terms of estimated shipments, there’s no data on the M4 iPad Air, but BOE, Apple’s sole supplier of OLEDs found in the iPhone 17e, has reportedly provided 8 million shipments to its customer, so while that’s not a whole lot compared to other models, it does get the ball rolling for the first quarter of 2026. If you want to learn more about Apple’s upcoming low-cost offering, check out our in-depth roundup.
News Source: Mark Gurman
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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