The new entry-level model iPhone 17e, which Apple plans to launch early next year, will continue to use the OLED display panel based on the iPhone 14, while also bringing an appearance update by narrowing the screen borders. Korean media "The Elec" quoted supply chain sources as saying that the display panels for the second-generation "e" series models will still be mainly supplied by BOE, with Samsung Display and LG Display responsible for the remaining parts.
According to reports, there were previous reports that the iPhone 17e will be upgraded to "Smart Island" and equipped with an A19 chip, but the latest supply chain information does not mention "Smart Island". Therefore, at present, only redesigning the frame and body frame to narrow the black edges and reduce the visual heaviness without replacing the panel is considered more credible than a full switch to a punch-hole digging solution. By continuing to reuse the same OLED panel for the iPhone 14 that has been mass-produced, Apple can make the new phone look and feel different from the previous generation iPhone 16e while controlling costs.
In contrast, the "Smart Island" solution not only requires fundamental changes to the original bangs structure, but also rearranges the TrueDepth camera components, adjusts the sensor position, and modifies the screen shading mask design, which means that the entire module and production process must be overturned. For the "e" series, which is positioned as an entry-level model and has cost optimization as its core appeal, the introduction of new tools and new modules will obviously weaken the price advantage of its reused components and production lines. Therefore, continuing to retain the notch shape similar to the iPhone 13/iPhone 14 will also help to clearly distinguish it from the flagship iPhone 17 series in appearance.
In terms of screen specifications, the latest reports also confirm that the iPhone 17e will continue to use a 6.1-inch OLED display and maintain a 60Hz refresh rate. BOE has not yet stably mass-produced LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) panels for the iPhone 17 flagship model, but it can provide the same LTPS (low-temperature polysilicon) TFT panels as the iPhone 16e, which cannot support the variable refresh rate ProMotion function of the flagship model.
In terms of release time, multiple industry sources such as Ming-Chi Kuo, Mark Gurman, and early reports from "The Elec" believe that the iPhone 17e will still be launched early next year as planned, becoming Apple's annual update product in addition to the standard and Pro series, targeting a more popular price range.