Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Reports Flag Early 2026 iPhone 17e With 18MP Selfie Camera as Apple Leans on Entry Models

Analyst reports suggest Apple is prioritizing lower‑tier iPhones to sustain momentum during a slower Apple Intelligence rollout.

Overview

  • DIGITIMES estimates iPhone 17 series shipments at roughly 82 million to 87 million units in the second half of 2025, framing the outlook as a market projection.
  • The trade study says Apple is leaning on the entry model to drive volumes because Apple Intelligence apps are progressing more slowly than planned.
  • GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu, via MacRumors, reports Apple is targeting early 2026 for an iPhone 17e that upgrades to an 18MP Centre Stage front camera.
  • Pu’s note outlines expected 17e specs such as a single rear camera, the A19 chip, Apple’s C1 modem, and a move to the Dynamic Island design.
  • Pu also forecasts that Apple’s buying power could offset rising DDR memory prices and that a 12th‑generation iPad in 2026 may be the first iPad Air to support Apple Intelligence with the A18 chip.