Many users have been waiting for Apple’s affordable iPhone lineup to undergo a major transformation. However, the latest leaks suggest that the upcoming iPhone 18e may not bring significant breakthroughs.

According to a recent report, the budget iPhone 18e is likely to be only a minor upgrade, possibly even less impressive than the iPhone 17e that Apple launched earlier this month.

In an increasingly competitive smartphone market, particularly in the mid-range segment, Apple’s strategy for its lower-cost iPhones continues to spark debate.

iPhone 17e just launched, but Apple has already finalized iPhone 18e

Earlier this month, Apple officially introduced the iPhone 17e, its latest budget iPhone. However, the device still retains many familiar characteristics from previous generations, including a large display notch and a screen refresh rate limited to 60Hz.

While many smartphone brands now offer 120Hz displays even in mid-range devices, Apple’s continued use of a 60Hz screen has left some users feeling that the product lacks appeal.

More notably, a new report from the supply chain indicates that Apple has already completed the design and configuration of the iPhone 18e, even though the 17e has only just reached the market.

Sources say that all key elements of the iPhone 18e - including design, specifications and hardware components - have already been finalized. In other words, the device is essentially complete and now awaits the start of mass production later this year.

Under Apple’s updated release strategy, budget iPhone models are expected to continue launching in the early part of the year, rather than in the autumn alongside the premium versions.

This means the iPhone 18e will likely appear early next year together with the standard version of the iPhone 18 lineup. Another device rumored to debut around the same time is the iPhone Air 2.

By spreading launches across different times of the year, Apple can extend the market’s attention cycle for the iPhone instead of concentrating all announcements in a single large event.

However, an earlier release schedule for the iPhone 18e does not necessarily mean users will see many significant upgrades.

Minor improvements, unlikely to surprise

The fact that Apple has finalized the design and hardware of the iPhone 18e so early suggests one thing quite clearly: the phone will almost certainly not feature any major changes.

Some reports speculate that Apple could replace the traditional notch with the Dynamic Island design already used on many modern iPhone models. The device might also receive an additional rear camera.

Even if these changes happen, however, they would still be considered relatively minor upgrades.

This stands in stark contrast to what Apple is reportedly preparing for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The premium models are expected to introduce several notable technological advances, including an under-display Face ID system, a smaller version of Dynamic Island and new artificial intelligence features tied to the Apple Intelligence platform.

Beyond that, Apple is also rumored to be preparing its first foldable iPhone, which would mark a major milestone for the company.

Against that backdrop, the iPhone 18e appears positioned primarily as a budget option with only minimal improvements.

A familiar Apple strategy

In reality, this approach is not particularly surprising when viewed through the lens of Apple’s long-standing strategy.

iPhones in the “e” lineup have always been positioned as affordable devices aimed at users who want to experience the iOS ecosystem at a lower cost. As a result, they rarely feature the latest technologies.

Apple often reuses designs or hardware from previous generations, adding a few modest upgrades to keep production costs manageable.

From a business perspective, this strategy makes sense. It helps Apple optimize manufacturing expenses while preserving the appeal of its premium iPhone models.

Even so, many users feel slightly disappointed by reports that the iPhone 18e may only deliver incremental improvements.

In recent years, Android smartphone brands have increasingly pushed advanced technologies down into the mid-range segment, including 120Hz displays, multi-lens camera systems and powerful artificial intelligence features. By comparison, Apple’s affordable iPhones have evolved more slowly.

If current leaks prove accurate, the iPhone 18e may offer only minor enhancements over the iPhone 17e - perhaps even fewer upgrades than many users expect.

For those hoping for a dramatic transformation in Apple’s budget iPhone lineup, it appears the wait may continue for several more years.

Hai Phong