Apple’s iPhone 17e is reportedly launching early next year, and a Weibo leaker just shared what new features to expect.

Apple may shake up its iPhone release cycle by skipping the standard iPhone 18 launch in 2026. Instead, the model is expected to arrive in early 2027, likely alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone, marking a major shift from the company's traditional annual schedule.

Is Apple considering the unthinkable? A new report claims that the base model of iPhone 18 won't be released next fall.

The iPhone 17 could have a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, instead of the 6.1-inch one on the iPhone 16, tipster Digital Chat Station said in June. That means it could be the same size as the iPhone 16 Pro, as well as the rumored iPhone 17 Pro, 9to5Mac reported.

Apple introduced the iPhone 16e in March modeled after the iPhone 14, so it follows suit that the iPhone 17e could be based on the iPhone 15, the first non-Pro iPhone to feature the Dynamic Island. The 16e has only one rear camera and lacks features found on the higher-end iPhones, such as MagSafe and the Camera Control button.

The base model iPhone 18 might not make its debut until spring 2027, reportedly so Apple can showcase new foldables. Higher-end iPhone 18 models are still on tap for 2026, though.

Along with the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple is expected to announce updates to the Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple TV, and HomePod.

After an initial unlikely post by a serial questionable leaker, a video shared on social media is said to be Apple's rumored Liquid Silicone iPhone 17 cases, for real, this time.