While it’s expected to receive a significant boost in processing power, the only notable display-related update - according to leaked information - is the addition of Dynamic Island, replacing the familiar notch design seen on earlier models.

The new leaks imply minimal changes in appearance for the iPhone 17e.

Digital Chat Station, a well-known Chinese tech leaker, had previously stated that the iPhone 18 lineup wouldn’t feature major design shifts. The same source now suggests a similar outlook for the iPhone 17e. In a recent post on Weibo, the leaker claimed that the iPhone 17e will retain the same display panel as the iPhone 16e.

This means users can expect a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate.

With this setup, Apple is once again saying no to ProMotion for the iPhone e line. As a result, the device will not support an always-on display - a feature that has become standard on higher-end iPhone models.

The most notable change, according to the leaker, is the arrival of Dynamic Island. First introduced by Apple in 2022, this design transformed the Face ID sensor area into an interactive part of the interface. While iPhone 16e stuck with the outdated notch, which drew criticism for feeling behind the curve in terms of design, the switch to Dynamic Island marks a much-needed visual update.

Multiple sources have pointed to the inclusion of Dynamic Island in the 17e, making it a likely upgrade. While it’s not groundbreaking, this feature brings the iPhone 17e closer to the design language of modern iPhones and enhances user interaction when managing notifications, navigation, music playback, or background tasks.

Aside from the new cutout, another key detail from the leak is that the iPhone 17e will be powered by Apple’s A19 chip - the same processor used in the standard iPhone 17. This represents a significant leap in performance over the A18 chip found in the iPhone 16e.

Benchmark results highlight the gap clearly. In the Geekbench 6 Metal test, the iPhone 17 scored 37,014 points, compared to just 22,478 for the iPhone 16e. The difference reflects the A19’s superior graphics and processing capabilities, particularly in demanding tasks like gaming or image processing.

However, it’s worth noting that benchmark scores don’t always translate to noticeable real-world improvements. In fact, the lack of a 120Hz ProMotion display could make the iPhone 17e feel slower when scrolling or navigating, even if it has plenty of processing power under the hood.

Features users are still waiting for

The combination of a high-performance chip and a 60Hz screen puts the iPhone 17e in a rather peculiar position. On paper, its raw power rivals higher-tier models, but the user experience may still lag due to the limited refresh rate - especially when many Android mid-range phones now offer 90Hz or 120Hz displays as standard.

This reflects Apple’s clear strategy of product segmentation. The e series gets just enough upgrades to stay attractive to mainstream users, but always maintains a clear gap from the Pro models to avoid cannibalizing the premium lineup.

One feature many iPhone 16e users were hoping to see improved - MagSafe - remains unconfirmed. So far, there’s been no word on whether the iPhone 17e will include Apple’s magnetic accessory system.

MagSafe, which supports wireless charging and compatible accessories, has typically been reserved for select models.

It’s also worth noting that Digital Chat Station’s accuracy on Apple leaks has been mixed. Some predictions have proven correct, while others have turned out to be off the mark or subject to last-minute changes.

Expected launch timeline

Industry sources expect Apple to announce the iPhone 17e soon - possibly as early as February 2026. If the current leaks hold true, the iPhone 17e will be a performance- and design-focused refresh rather than a complete overhaul.

With the inclusion of Dynamic Island and the powerful A19 chip - but still limited to a 60Hz display - the iPhone 17e will likely remain a safe choice for users who want a new, fast iPhone without paying for the most advanced features.

Hai Phong