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Apple is reportedly bringing a notable camera upgrade to the iPhone 17e, the budget model in its next lineup. Analyst Jeff Pu says the phone will adopt the same 18MP selfie sensor introduced with the iPhone 17 series — a move that could make high-quality selfies more accessible.
Why the 18MP selfie upgrade matters
It’s rare for Apple to push flagship camera features down to its entry-level models so quickly. The 18MP front camera uses a square sensor, which Pu says makes framing vertical or horizontal selfies easier without rotating the phone. For users who prioritize selfie quality — influencers, video callers, and casual photographers — that change alone could be a compelling reason to consider the 17e.
More than just pixels: practical benefits
Higher resolution means crisper detail and more flexibility for cropping, but the square sensor introduces a subtle UX improvement: switch between portrait and landscape framing while keeping the phone in the same hand position. Imagine recording a vertical vlog and then switching to a landscape clip without any awkward phone adjustments — that convenience adds up.
Performance gets a lift too
The iPhone 17e is also expected to ship with Apple’s A19 chip, the same processor powering the iPhone 17. That suggests a meaningful performance and efficiency boost over the 17e’s predecessor. Faster image processing, smoother on-device AI features, and improved battery management are all likely byproducts of the chipset upgrade.
- Camera: 18MP front-facing sensor (square format)
- Chip: A19 processor, matching the iPhone 17
- Launch window: mid-1Q26 (analyst timeline points to February 2026)
When will it arrive?
According to Jeff Pu, Apple is targeting mid-1Q26 for the iPhone 17e launch — which lines up with a February 2026 timeframe. If that timing holds, shoppers can expect official details and pricing within the first few months of next year.
Upgrading the selfie camera and bringing the A19 chip to the 17e are small but meaningful changes that could reshape how buyers view Apple’s entry-level iPhone. For anyone who counts selfie quality and snappy performance among their top priorities, the iPhone 17e looks poised to punch above its class.
Source: gsmarena
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