Apple’s iPhone lineup is once again at the center of tech world speculation, with both imminent and long-term changes brewing for its popular devices. As of February 10, 2026, the company is reportedly on the cusp of launching the iPhone 17e—a model that, while visually familiar, promises a substantial internal overhaul. Meanwhile, rumors about the iPhone 18 series, expected to arrive in late 2026 and early 2027, are already swirling, hinting at bolder design shifts, cutting-edge features, and a possible shake-up in Apple’s traditional release calendar.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing to debut the iPhone 17e “soon,” a phrase that has stoked anticipation among fans and analysts. In Apple parlance, “soon” could mean anything from a matter of days to a few weeks, but the buzz is unmistakable. The iPhone 17e is set to inherit the A19 chip—the same processor found in the regular iPhone 17 line—marking a significant leap in performance for Apple’s more affordable ‘e’ series. As reported by Bloomberg, this move signals Apple’s intent to offer flagship-level power at a mid-market price.
Remarkably, Apple is maintaining the iPhone 17e’s price at $599 (approximately Rp10 million), holding steady despite the new hardware. The company’s strategy is clear: keep the entry point to the latest iPhone ecosystem accessible, even as features and performance climb. According to a report by MacOtakara, the iPhone 17e will retain the 6.1-inch OLED screen and the overall design of its predecessor, the iPhone 16e. Those hoping for a dramatic visual overhaul might be disappointed, but for many, the real excitement lies beneath the surface.
One of the most notable upgrades is the addition of MagSafe, Apple’s magnetic charging and accessory system, which was absent from the iPhone 16e. This inclusion brings the 17e in line with the rest of Apple’s ecosystem, opening up compatibility with a wide array of magnetic wallets, chargers, and other accessories. The device is also projected to ship with 8GB of RAM—a boost that should please power users—and will transition to Apple’s C1X internal cellular modem and N1 wireless network chip. This shift underscores Apple’s ongoing effort to reduce dependency on external suppliers and improve efficiency and performance control across its devices.
There’s also speculation, though not yet confirmed, that Apple might finally eliminate the notch on the iPhone 17e, replacing it with the more modern Dynamic Island feature. If true, this would mark a visual step forward, even as the rest of the design remains largely unchanged. For now, the consensus among leaks and reports is that the iPhone 17e will look almost identical to the 16e, focusing on what some describe as a “spec-bump update.” In the words of Bloomberg, this is “an iPhone for those who want new power without new design drama.”
While the iPhone 17e’s launch is imminent, the rumor mill is already churning out details about the iPhone 18 series. According to CNET, Apple’s next major lineup could see a split release, with the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and a much-hyped foldable model arriving in fall 2026, followed by the base iPhone 18, 18E, and a potential second-generation Air in February or March 2027. This staggered launch would be a departure from Apple’s usual all-at-once September event, and reflects the company’s evolving strategy as it approaches the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone.
Design-wise, the iPhone 18 series is rumored to stick with familiar screen sizes—6.3 and 6.9 inches for the main models—but introduce subtle changes. The base iPhone 18 could sport a smaller camera bump, while the Pro models may keep their distinctive “plateau” to house three rear cameras. There’s talk of a “subtle transparent finish” on the iPhone 18 Pro’s rear glass panel, and a more unified look compared to the current two-tone design. Perhaps most eye-catching, Apple may introduce new color options, including coffee brown, burgundy, and purple, expanding the brand’s palette in a bid to keep things fresh.
One of the most intriguing rumors centers on the Dynamic Island—a feature introduced in recent models to house front-facing sensors and cameras. Multiple sources, including Bloomberg and the Chinese social platform Weibo, suggest that Apple could reduce the size of the Dynamic Island or even move the front camera to the top left corner of the screen. The Information reports that Pro models may feature under-screen Face ID, eliminating the need for a visible cutout altogether. While under-display cameras have historically struggled with image quality, Apple’s track record of technological refinement has some hoping it will finally crack the code.
Battery life is another area where Apple appears ready to make a statement. After prioritizing battery capacity over slimness in the iPhone 17 Pro, the company is rumored to be pushing even further with the iPhone 18 Pro, possibly equipping it with a battery exceeding 5,000 mAh. According to 9to5Mac, models with only eSIM support could see capacities as high as 5,200 mAh, thanks to the extra internal space freed up by the absence of a physical SIM slot.
Camera enthusiasts have reason to be excited as well. The iPhone 18 Pro Max might debut a variable aperture lens, akin to those found on high-end DSLR and mirrorless cameras. This would allow users greater control over depth of field and image brightness, potentially raising the bar for mobile photography. Macworld and MacRumors both report that all iPhone 18 models—except the 18E—will get upgraded 24-megapixel front-facing cameras, promising sharper selfies and improved video calls. The telephoto lenses on the Pro models are also tipped to receive faster apertures, enhancing low-light performance.
Under the hood, the iPhone 18 lineup is expected to run on Apple’s new A20 chip, utilizing a Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module process that integrates RAM directly onto the processor wafer. This innovation could yield significant gains in speed and efficiency. The devices are also rumored to feature the next-gen C2 modem chip, supporting enhanced wireless connectivity, including 5G satellite networks. According to MacRumors, the iPhone 18 could boast 12GB of RAM, a notable increase that would further future-proof the device.
As Apple gears up for these launches, the stakes are high. The company leads U.S. smartphone sales but faces stiff competition globally from Samsung and rising Chinese brands like Xiaomi. With the 20th iPhone anniversary looming and the prospect of a foldable device on the horizon, Apple is clearly intent on maintaining its edge—through both evolutionary upgrades like the iPhone 17e and potentially revolutionary changes in the iPhone 18 series.
For now, consumers can look forward to an iPhone 17e that delivers flagship power at a familiar price, even as the tech world keeps its eyes peeled for the next big leap. Apple, it seems, is playing both the short and long game—and the only certainty is that the iPhone conversation is far from over.