Apple is expected to expand its iPhone 17 lineup with a more affordable model, likely called the iPhone 17e. The phone has not been announced yet, but reports suggest it could launch before the end of February 2026. That has already sparked interest in Pakistan, where Apple fans often wait for new iPhones to arrive through imports and local retailers.
As with previous launches, the iPhone 17e may take some time to reach the local market. Apple does not have an official store in Pakistan, and new devices are sold through private sellers and companies that describe themselves as “authorised” Apple distributors. This usually means higher prices, especially in the early days after launch.
iPhone 17e price in Pakistan
Based on current market trends, the iPhone 17e is expected to cost around Rs380,000 in Pakistan. In the initial weeks, the price could rise to as much as Rs420,000. Much of this is linked to PTA approval charges, which are required for a phone to use SIM services in the country. Without this approval, a smartphone cannot connect to mobile networks.
At present, a PTA approved iPhone 17 is selling for around Rs400,000. The iPhone Air starts near Rs480,000, while the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are priced at about Rs520,000 and Rs565,000 respectively. These figures offer a rough guide to where the iPhone 17e could sit once it arrives.
iPhone 17e expected features
On the features side, leaks suggest the iPhone 17e will bring some notable changes. One of the biggest is the possible shift from a display notch to a pill shaped Dynamic Island. This feature shows live activities at the top of the screen and blends in the front camera and sensors. It is already used in Apple’s higher end models.
The phone is also expected to run on a downclocked A19 chip. While slightly toned down, its performance is said to be close to the A17 Pro chip. The device may also see improvements in the Neural Engine, which handles tasks like photography and on device processing.
The current iPhone 16e uses a notch design and runs on the A18 chip with a reduced graphics setup. According to Chinese leakers, both of these elements could change in the new model. Still, there is some disagreement. One report claims Apple may keep the same OLED panel used in the iPhone 16e, based on the iPhone 14 design, but with slimmer borders. If that happens, the notch could remain.
Other rumours point to the return of MagSafe support. The iPhone 17e is said to include a magnetic ring, allowing it to work with MagSafe chargers. This feature is missing from the iPhone 16e. To keep costs down, Apple may also use an older modem and leave out its latest wireless chip.
Leaks suggest mass production could begin in January, shortly after the CES event. This timeline fits with reports that the phone will arrive in spring, around a year after the iPhone 16e was launched in February. The starting price in global markets is expected to remain at $599.
For now, Apple has not confirmed any details. But if these reports hold true, the iPhone 17e could offer a mix of familiar design and modest upgrades. For buyers in Pakistan, the main question will be how quickly it reaches stores and how high the price goes once PTA charges are added.
