iPhone 17e Will Get a Camera Upgrade, But Maybe Not The One You're Waiting For

Monday, 24 November 2025 at 03:24

According to the analyst Jeff Pu, in his latest research, some upgrades are coming for the iPhone 17e. Apple's cheaper iPhone lineup became a reality earlier this year with the iPhone 16e is being announced in February. It's not the loudest iPhone release, and perhaps, for some, the iPhone 16e is already forgotten due to the launch of the iPhone 17 series. Still, Apple will continue this lineup with the expected iPhone 17e. The device will feature a camera upgrade - But that's not the one you might be waiting for.

iPhone 17e Will Import the Improved Selfie Camera From the iPhone 17 series

According to the report, the iPhone 17e will get the same 18 MP selfie camera as the rest of the iPhone 17 family. Okay, that's an upgrade, but if you've been waiting for the introduction of the same advanced cameras seen in the latest iPhones, the wait will be longer. The iPhone 16e features a single rear camera 48 MP camera that gets the job done with a wide aperture, phase-detection auto-focus, and OIS. There is no ultrawide camera or any kind of advanced zoom with this device. The iPhone 17e might continue with this setup.

The iPhone 16e brings a 12 MP f/1.9 selfie camera, and that's where the iPhone 17e is improving. Considering the leak, the new model will bring the iPhone 17 series 18 MP multi-aspect ultrawide camera with f/1.9 aperture. Furthermore, the new camera will use a square sensor, allowing you to take vertical or horizontal selfies without needing to move the phone. Pu says that the iPhone 17e will arrive "in mid-1Q26". That is just a fancy way to say February since it's the month that stands at the middle of the first quarter.

Key Highlights

New selfie camera uses a multi-aspect square sensor for better vertical and horizontal shots.

Rear camera may remain a single 48 MP sensor, with no ultrawide or zoom lens.

The iPhone 17e is expected to launch in February 2026 (mid-Q1 2026).

Apple appears to be shifting to a regular yearly cycle for its cheaper iPhone lineup.

The device may feature the Apple A19 chip, the same used in the iPhone 17.

The next iPhone 17e comes in February 2026

We expect more details to pop out in the coming months, since February is not too far away. Interestingly, the release of the iPhone 17e in the next year means Apple will use a more established launch schedule for the cheaper iPhones. Instead of the rather confusing window of the iPhone SE series, we might get one affordable iPhone every year. The device is also expected to use the Apple A19 chip, the same inside the iPhone 17.