Early details about Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17e suggest the device will look very familiar. According to a new leak, the phone will keep the same 6.1-inch OLED display found on the iPhone 16e. However, it will finally add Dynamic Island, replacing the older notch design.
The report comes from leaker Digital Chat Station, who shared the information on the Chinese platform Weibo. While the source has a mixed record, other reports have also pointed to the same change.
No Always-On Display Expected
Despite the visual update, the display technology itself appears unchanged. The leak claims the iPhone 17e will continue to use a 60Hz refresh rate. As a result, it will not support ProMotion or an always-on display.
This matters because ProMotion enables smoother scrolling and powers Apple’s always-on screen feature. Without it, the iPhone 17e may feel less fluid than higher-end models. Even so, Apple seems focused on keeping the “e” model affordable rather than feature-packed.
Performance Boost Under the Hood
Although the screen may stay the same, the processor will not. Reports say the iPhone 17e will use Apple’s new A19 chip, the same processor expected in the standard iPhone 17. Benchmarks show a large jump in graphics performance compared to the iPhone 16e.
However, real-world gains may feel limited. A 60Hz display can make faster chips seem slower during daily use. Still, the upgrade should help with gaming, AI features, and long-term software support.
MagSafe Remains a Mystery
Another big question remains unanswered. So far, no leak has confirmed whether the iPhone 17e will support MagSafe. This feature remains a key request from users who want magnetic accessories and faster wireless charging.
Neither Digital Chat Station nor other sources have addressed this detail. As a result, buyers may need to wait for an official announcement.
What to Expect Next
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17e as early as February 2026. If the leak proves accurate, the phone will focus on modest refinements rather than major upgrades. For many buyers, Dynamic Island alone may be enough. For others, missing features could be a dealbreaker.
Either way, Apple appears to be doubling down on clear product tiers within its lineup.
