Apple iPhone 17e & New iPads: Specs, Prices & 2024/2025 Release Dates
- Apple is preparing a series of updates across its product lines in early 2026, including a new entry-level iPhone, updated iPads, and a budget MacBook.
- According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the forthcoming iPhone 17e – positioned as the successor to the iPhone 16e – will receive several key upgrades.
- The iPhone 17e will also incorporate Apple’s C1X modem and N1 chip for enhanced Bluetooth, WiFi, and Thread connectivity.
Apple is preparing a series of updates across its product lines in early , including a new entry-level iPhone, updated iPads, and a budget MacBook. While Google’s budget phone, the Pixel 10a, is expected to offer only cosmetic changes with new color options, Apple appears to be delivering more substantial improvements to its lower-cost iPhone.
iPhone 17e: A Step Up for the Budget Model
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the forthcoming iPhone 17e – positioned as the successor to the iPhone 16e – will receive several key upgrades. Most notably, the device will feature Apple’s A19 processor. This represents a significant internal upgrade for Apple’s more affordable iPhone option, bringing it closer in performance to its higher-end counterparts. Beyond the processor, the iPhone 17e will also gain support for MagSafe technology, enabling wireless magnetic charging.
The iPhone 17e will also incorporate Apple’s C1X modem and N1 chip for enhanced Bluetooth, WiFi, and Thread connectivity. Despite these improvements, Gurman reports that Apple intends to maintain the starting price at $599 in the United States, even with rising memory costs. This suggests Apple is absorbing some of the increased component expenses to remain competitive.
iPad Updates: Incremental Improvements and an OLED Display
Apple’s iPad lineup is also slated for updates. A successor to the iPad 11 will arrive with the Apple A18 SoC. Simultaneously, a new iPad Air 8 is planned, powered by the more powerful Apple M4 chip. However, both of these tablets are expected to receive only modest specification bumps without significant design changes.
The most notable iPad update appears to be reserved for the iPad Mini. Gurman indicates that the iPad Mini 8 is likely to feature an OLED display, a significant upgrade from the current LCD technology. This would bring the Mini in line with Apple’s higher-end iPad Pro models, offering improved contrast, color accuracy, and power efficiency.
MacBook and Mac Studio Updates on the Horizon
Apple’s Mac lineup will also see attention. New versions of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are expected to be upgraded with Apple’s M5 chip. This will provide performance improvements across the board, building on the efficiency and power of Apple’s silicon.
A new Mac Studio is also in development, though it won’t be unveiled at the same time as the other products. Apple is also working on a new Studio Display, which is expected to closely resemble the current model. Finally, a more affordable MacBook – a 13-inch model powered by an iPhone processor – is also planned for release later in the year. This suggests Apple is exploring further cost optimization by leveraging its existing silicon designs across multiple product categories.
While Gurman doesn’t provide specific launch dates for these products, the overall picture points to a busy early for Apple. The company appears focused on refining its existing product lines, offering incremental improvements and key feature additions – like MagSafe on the iPhone 17e and the OLED display on the iPad Mini 8 – while maintaining competitive pricing. The introduction of the iPhone-processor-powered MacBook also signals a potential shift towards greater silicon integration and cost efficiency within Apple’s product strategy.