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iPhone 18e leaks: expected release date, price and specs

Apple's next budget iPhone is expected in spring 2027. Early leaks point to an A20 chip, a 6.12-inch 60Hz screen and a 24MP selfie camera. Here's what we know so far.

Chamith Shirantha

Nov 4, 2026 3 min read

Apple’s next budget phone is already showing up in leaks. The iPhone 18e is expected to follow the iPhone 17e, with a faster chip and a better selfie camera. Apple has not confirmed anything, so treat all of this as rumor. Here is what has leaked about the release date, specs and price.

When will the iPhone 18e be released?

Leaks and analyst reports suggest the iPhone 18e will arrive in spring 2027, alongside the standard iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2. That fits Apple’s new pattern of launching Pro models in the fall and other models in the spring. The iPhone 17e launched in March, so a launch around March or April 2027 would match.

One report claims Apple could unveil it in the first week of March 2027, but this is unconfirmed.

iPhone 18e leaked specs

Chip: A20, possibly the same chip as the standard iPhone 18.
Display: a 6.12-inch OLED with a 60Hz refresh rate, so no smoother 120Hz screen.
Front design: a Dynamic Island instead of a notch.
Rear camera: a single 48MP camera, similar to the iPhone 17e.
Selfie camera: an upgrade to 24MP.
Memory: a leak mentions 9GB of RAM.
Modem: Apple’s C2 cellular modem.

Battery size, charging speed and final design have not leaked yet.

iPhone 18e price

No official or reliable price leak exists. The iPhone 17e launched in March 2026 at $599 with 256GB of storage. Some outlets guess the 18e could cost $649 to $699 because of higher component costs, while other rumor lists still show $599. These are early guesses, not leaks.

The reason a higher price is possible is the memory chip shortage, which is pushing up the cost of phones and laptops. Apple has also raised iPhone prices in some countries, including India, with the iPhone 18 Pro launch.

Should you wait for the iPhone 18e?

Wait if you want a cheaper iPhone, your current phone works, and you can hold on until spring.
Don’t wait if your phone is failing now. The iPhone 17e is a capable budget option, and discounts may appear around Black Friday.
Check iOS support: any new iPhone will run the latest iOS. See what’s new in iOS 27.2.

What to remember about leaks

Leaks can change before launch. Specs may be cut, delayed or different from what is reported. We will update this article when Apple confirms details.

Frequently asked questions

When will the iPhone 18e launch?

Leaks point to spring 2027, possibly March, alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2. Apple has not announced a date.

How much will the iPhone 18e cost?

There is no official price. The iPhone 17e started at $599, and early guesses for the 18e range from $599 to about $699.

Will the iPhone 18e have a 120Hz display?

Leaks say it will keep a 60Hz refresh rate.

Which chip will the iPhone 18e use?

The A20, according to leaks, possibly the same chip as the iPhone 18.

Sources

#Apple #iPhone #iPhone 18e #Leaks #Smartphones

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