Another new iPhone could launch as soon as March, breaking from Apple’s mid-range tradition

Earlier this year, Apple launched its first mid-range phone in three years, the iPhone 16e. Like the now-defunct iPhone SE series did in its day, the phone serves as a more affordable alternative to the brand’s out-and-out flagships and has proven pretty popular following its release. Well, it looks like we can get used to new mid-range Apple handsets, as a pretty reliable source has suggested that the iPhone 17e is on the horizon.

The source in question is Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the internet’s go-to guy on all things Apple. According to Gurman, the iPhone 17e is one of 15 new products the tech giant is planning on introducing us to in 2026, as well as an M4-powered iPad Air and a new “entry-level” iPad with an A18 chip. That’s just in the early part of next year; we’re sure Apple has plenty more up its sleeve than that, even if some other recent industry whispers seem to point to a delay to 2027 for the much-anticipated iPad Fold.

While we’ve not heard much in the way of specs just yet, we’d expect the iPhone 17e to launch with the same A19 chip as the base model iPhone 17, which should make it pretty capable when it comes to running the best iPhone games. There’s also no word on when the mid-range iPhone might launch, but again, given that the 16e arrived at the end of February this year, which is usually a pretty fallow time for Apple fans, an early spring launch for the 17e seems likely.

What I’m most interested in surrounding a possible iPhone 17e launch is whether it’ll get a 120Hz ProMotion display. It was only with the iPhone 17 series that Apple finally upgraded from a 60Hz screen to 120Hz, which, if you don’t know, is much better for gaming, as the higher the refresh rate, the smoother the on-screen action. I’m hoping that the brand doesn’t make that feature a differentiator between the mid-range iPhone and the cheapest premium handset, especially when so many of the equivalently priced Android phones offer 120Hz displays.

It is worth noting that while Gurman might be one of the most reliable Apple tipsters, it’s not worth getting your hopes up for the iPhone 17e until we get confirmation of its existence from the horse’s mouth. Until then, why not find yourself a new tablet to play all your favorite Apple Arcade games on with our guide to the best iPads for gaming? Or, if you’re willing to give Android a chance, see our list of the best gaming tablets.