Unfortunate development for the iPhone 17e

Details about Apple’s affordable iPhone 17e, expected to be unveiled in the spring of 2026, have hit the tech headlines like a bombshell. While the base iPhone 17 is expected to feature a 120Hz ProMotion display, offering a smoother user experience, the iPhone 17e’s screen refresh rate remains at a 60Hz OLED panel, which has been described as “outdated.”

iPhone 17e users may be disappointed

According to reports from reliable leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is finally adding a modern design element to its most affordable model. The iPhone 17e will feature the Dynamic Island, an interactive, pill-shaped area above the screen that houses the camera and sensors.

If this information is true, the iPhone 16e will hold the title of the most affordable model and the last device to feature a flat notch design. This move makes the iPhone 17e the most affordable iPhone with the Dynamic Island.

Despite this design modernization, however, a significant shortcoming in the display technology is noticeable. Apple still includes a 60Hz OLED display on the iPhone 17e, which falls short of current standards. This means the device essentially uses the same display panel as the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models.

While users experience 120Hz smoothness on the base iPhone 17 model, owners of the more affordable iPhone 17e face the limitations of 60Hz for scrolling and animations. In addition to the 60Hz display with Dynamic Island, the iPhone 17e is expected to feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera, an 18-megapixel front camera, and an A19 chip.

The device will also feature a glass back and support Apple Intelligence features, which will be available in Turkey with the iOS 26.1 update.