Apple’s iPhone 17e to Feature Slimmer Bezels with Familiar OLED Display
Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 17e is set to maintain the 6.1-inch OLED display specifications of its predecessor, the iPhone 16e, while introducing notably slimmer bezels. This design refinement aims to enhance the device’s visual appeal and user experience without necessitating a complete overhaul of the display technology.
The iPhone 16e, much like the iPhone SE series, achieved its affordability by incorporating components from earlier iPhone models. This strategy is expected to persist with the iPhone 17e, ensuring cost-effectiveness while delivering a modern aesthetic.
According to reports from The Elec, Chinese display manufacturer BOE has secured orders for the iPhone 17e’s OLED panels. These panels will retain the 6.1-inch size and OLED technology of the iPhone 16e but will feature reduced bezel thickness. This adjustment is anticipated to be straightforward, provided the existing panel circuitry accommodates the slimmer bezel design without extensive modifications.
The iPhone 17e will continue to utilize low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) thin-film transistors (TFTs) for its display, mirroring the technology used in the iPhone 16e. This choice indicates that the iPhone 17e will not support ProMotion, Apple’s adaptive refresh rate technology, which remains exclusive to models equipped with low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) TFTs.
Additional rumors suggest that the iPhone 17e may adopt the Dynamic Island feature, replacing the traditional notch, and could be powered by the A19 chip. The device is also expected to retain the chassis design of the iPhone 16e.
Apple plans to ship approximately 8 million units of the iPhone 17e in the first half of 2026. This figure is modest compared to the typical 20 million units shipped in the first year for models like the iPhone SE and iPhone E.
BOE has been selected as the primary supplier for the iPhone 17e’s OLED panels, with shipments scheduled for early 2026. Samsung Display and LG Display will supplement the supply chain. BOE’s role as the main vendor continues from its involvement with the iPhone 16e, while Samsung and LG remain the chief suppliers for other iPhone models, partly due to BOE’s ongoing challenges in achieving stable mass production of LTPO panels.
The Elec, a reputable source for information on Apple’s supply chain activities, reports that the reuse of the iPhone 16e’s display components in the iPhone 17e aligns with Apple’s strategy of component reuse in budget-focused models.
In summary, the iPhone 17e is poised to offer a refined design with slimmer bezels while maintaining the display technology of its predecessor. This approach underscores Apple’s commitment to delivering cost-effective devices without compromising on user experience.
