According to Analyst Jeff Pu’s latest research note (via 9to5Mac) Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 17e will include a camera upgrade with the same 18-megapixel selfie camera found in the iPhone 17 series. This upgrade incorporates a square sensor design to enable users to capture vertical or horizontal selfies without rotating the device.
The iPhone 17 series introduced this 18-megapixel selfie camera, and Apple’s choice to implement it in the iPhone 17e, the lineup’s most affordable option, occurs sooner than typical for such extensions to entry-level models. The square sensor facilitates seamless orientation changes during selfie photography, enhancing user convenience by eliminating the need for phone adjustments.
Jeff Pu forecasts the iPhone 17e’s release in mid-first quarter 2026, which corresponds to February. This timing positions the device as an early entry in the annual cycle.
Besides the selfie camera improvement, the iPhone 17e will employ the A19 chip, identical to that in the higher-end iPhone 17 models. These enhancements distinguish the iPhone 17e from its predecessor, focusing on photographic capabilities and processing power.
