Apple Begins Promoting the Upcoming iPhone 18e

How We Rate Rumors

0-20%: Unlikely – Lacks credible sources 21-40%: Questionable – Some concerns remain 41-60%: Plausible – Reasonable evidence 61-80%: Probable – Strong evidence 81-100%: Highly Likely – Multiple reliable sources

Rumor Assessment 65%

Status: Probable

Source Score: 3/5

Corroboration Score: 2/5

Technical Score: 4/5

Timeline Score: 4/5

The buzz surrounding Apple’s product launch schedule is invigorating, especially as the iPhone 17e is yet to hit stores while the company is already setting its sights on the iPhone 18e, anticipated for release in spring 2027.

Preparatory Work for the iPhone 18e Has Begun

Announcement about '18E' on social media — Source

According to notable tipster Fixed Focus Digital, development on the iPhone 18e has officially commenced, as per a recent translation of their Weibo post:

“Confirmed. Although 17E has just been released, 18E has already been finalized.”

It’s important to remember that the iPhone 17e was only unveiled last week and did not include the much-anticipated Dynamic Island feature. Instead, it retains the traditional notch housing the Face ID and selfie camera. Key specifications of the iPhone 17e include a Super Retina XDR OLED display that achieves peak brightness levels of up to 1, 200 nits, an aluminum frame, and a Ceramic Shield 2 front cover to ensure improved resistance to scratches and glare.

This model is powered by the A19 chip, featuring a 6-core CPU alongside a 4-core GPU equipped with advanced neural accelerators for enhanced performance. Additionally, it employs a state-of-the-art 16-core Neural Engine tailored for large language models (LLMs).

The iPhone 17e also sports an innovative C1X modem, which is twice as fast as the previous C1 modem found in the iPhone 16e. Notably, it consumes 30% less energy than the modem in the iPhone 16 Pro. This new modem allows for Apple’s satellite features, including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite.

With a single 48MP fusion camera providing an optical-quality 2x Telephoto experience, users can capture stunning photos at up to 48MP resolution or opt for a 24MP default mode.

The pricing for the 256GB model of the iPhone 17e is set at $599, with an option for 24-month installments of $24.95 in the United States. Pre-orders commenced on March 4, and the device will be available in stores starting March 11.

In light of these rapid developments, it is intriguing that Apple has already kickstarted work on the iPhone 18e while the iPhone 17e is gearing up for its market debut.

As for potential features of the iPhone 18e, it’s reasonable to predict a transition from the notch to the Dynamic Island design and the integration of the new A20 chip. However, an upgrade to the modem with the C2 chip appears less likely at this stage. Further details regarding this next-gen budget device will undoubtedly emerge in the upcoming weeks and months.

Source & Images