An iPhone 17e could be on the horizon, but will we eventually see an iPhone 18e?

      Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends

      The Apple iPhone 16e has recently been released, but a tip from Fixed Focus Digital indicates that the Apple iPhone 17e is almost a certainty. For context, Fixed Focus Digital was the first to propose the “16e” designation when others, including ourselves, assumed it would be called the iPhone SE 4.

      The continuation of the “1xe” naming convention appears logical. With the apparent end of the “SE” series, the 16e and any subsequent versions are well-positioned to take its place. Fixed Focus Digital announced on Weibo, stating, “I see 17e there. The digital e-series is not a short-lived model.” The original message was not in English, so it’s worth considering possible translation inaccuracies.

      This theory is further supported by assessments from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP). They suggest that “e” models could be a part of Apple's future lineup. Following the launch of the core iPhone 17 models in September, CIRP predicts that Apple will introduce an iPhone 17e around the same time next year. This would mirror Google’s rollout of “a” models in its Pixel series months after the annual Spring unveiling of their flagship and Pro models in recent years.

      Referencing the similarities between the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16e, CIRP argues that the increased price of the 16e is inconsequential given its offerings. The $599 price aligns with the iPhone 14, effectively reducing competition.

      CIRP further observes that the iPhone SE garnered only a “modest” market share, making it less profitable than anticipated, particularly when contrasted with the considerably more successful iPhone 5c, which lasted only one generation before evolving into the iPhone SE.

      Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17e to fill the void left by the iPhone SE, but its continuation into models like the iPhone 18e and beyond will hinge on sales success and customer uptake.

      Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more.

      In related news, Apple may finally acknowledge that 8GB is insufficient RAM for an iPhone. Nowadays, 8GB of RAM is the standard for Apple devices, the minimum requirement for running Apple Intelligence. Several insiders have indicated that the iPhone 17 Pro could be upgraded to 12GB of RAM, and Jeff Pu of GFHK Tech Research concurs with this likelihood.

      In recent iterations, every new iPhone series has seen an enhancement to its internals. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max each feature 8GB of RAM, compared to 6GB in their non-Pro counterparts, while the entire iPhone 16 range has 8GB. A jump to 12GB for the iPhone 17 Pro suggests potential access to yet-to-be-announced Apple Intelligence features, in addition to making the device more future-proof.

      The iPhone 16e will officially launch tomorrow, February 27. Results from early testing of Apple’s new C1 modem for this budget device have been released, and the outlook is promising.

      Chinese review site Geekerwan conducted a series of 5G tests on the iPhone 16e’s C1 modem, which is noteworthy as it represents Apple’s first modem used in the iPhone. The tests indicated that the iPhone 16e’s speed and reliability were comparable to that of the iPhone 16, which features a Qualcomm modem. Remarkably, Geekerwan also found that the C1 modem used significantly less power than its competitor.

      Apple's new iPhone 16e, priced at $599 and succeeding the iPhone SE line, features several updates, including an OLED display and Face ID instead of the Touch ID Home button found in the SE. Its bezels are larger, and it is available in two matte finishes: black and white. This sleek phone is an appealing option if you're looking for a budget-friendly model.

      However, an important aspect to consider is its water resistance. With flagship iPhones offering high levels of water and dust protection, it raises the question of whether the economical iPhone 16e provides similar durability. So, is the iPhone 16e safe to use around water?