The End of the Notch Era for Budget iPhones?

Currently, the iPhone 16e stands as the sole iPhone in Apple’s active lineup clinging to the traditional display notch – that distinctive cutout at the top housing the selfie camera and Face ID components. All other iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models proudly sport the Dynamic Island, a sleek, interactive pill-shaped cutout introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022.

This visual differentiator has long signaled a tier below the flagship experience. However, new leaks suggest the upcoming iPhone 17e model, expected next spring, could finally embrace the Dynamic Island, significantly blurring the lines between Apple’s budget and premium offerings.

Leaks Point to a Premium Feature on an Affordable Device

Reports, notably from My Drivers, have surfaced showing purported renders of the iPhone 17e featuring a Dynamic Island at the top of the screen. While such renders are often unverified and should be viewed with a degree of skepticism, the claims align with previous Apple rumors from August regarding the 17e’s potential display upgrade.

What the Renders Suggest:

• Dynamic Island Integration: Moving from the static notch to the interactive Dynamic Island, enhancing user experience and modernizing the design.
• Single-Lens Rear Camera: The renders also indicate a single-lens camera on the back, suggesting Apple will continue to differentiate camera capabilities across its lineup.
• A19 Chip: Speculation points to the inclusion of an A19 chip, providing a significant performance boost over its predecessor.

Apple typically keeps its design changes under wraps until an official unveiling, so definitive confirmation won’t arrive before next spring. Nevertheless, the move to a Dynamic Island display for the budget iPhone makes strategic sense for Apple, offering a compelling upgrade for buyers seeking a more affordable new iPhone without sacrificing modern aesthetics.

iPhone 17e vs. Its Siblings: Display & Performance

While the Dynamic Island brings the iPhone 17e closer to its higher-end counterparts visually, Apple is expected to maintain some distinctions. The iPhone 17e will likely feature a 6.1-inch screen, similar to the base iPhone 16 model, rather than the larger 6.3-inch screen found on the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro.

It’s also anticipated that premium display technologies like 1-120Hz dynamic refresh rates (ProMotion) and Always-On display functionality – which are highlights of the standard iPhone 17 – might still be reserved for the more expensive models. However, the iPhone 17e display is rumored to see improvements in brightness, reaching 1,000 nits typical brightness and up to 2,000 nits peak brightness outdoors, a significant bump from the iPhone 16e’s 800 nits.

The Price Point: A Sweet Spot for Shoppers?

One of the most appealing aspects of these upcoming iPhone models is the rumored price. My Drivers suggests the iPhone 17e will maintain its predecessor’s starting price of $599. If true, offering a Dynamic Island at this price point would be a massive incentive for consumers.

For Apple, this move could be a delicate balancing act. While integrating a Dynamic Island display into a $599 device presents a cost challenge, the enhanced user experience and modern look could significantly boost sales and appeal in the competitive mid-range smartphone market.

Beyond Hardware: The Dynamic Island’s Software Appeal

The Dynamic Island isn’t just a design element; it’s a gateway to improved software functionality. Its ability to show glanceable, real-time information via Live Activities transforms multitasking, allowing users to effortlessly keep track of background apps, timers, music playback, and more. Bringing this intuitive feature to the iPhone 17e would enhance the overall user experience far beyond a simple aesthetic update.