Apple's iPhone 17e to Feature Slimmer Bezels Amid Cost-Saving Measures
January 6, 2026
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According to a recent report from The Elec, Apple's upcoming iPhone 17e is expected to showcase slimmer display bezels, while continuing to use the OLED panel based on the iPhone 14 design. This approach aligns with Apple's strategy to update the look without significantly increasing manufacturing costs.
Supply Chain Insights and Panel Production
Citing sources within the supply chain, the report states that BOE will once again produce most of the panels for the iPhone 17e, with Samsung Display and LG Display supplying the remaining units. Notably, the report does not confirm rumors about the device gaining the dynamic island feature.
Design and Display Considerations
While earlier leaks suggested the iPhone 17e might incorporate the Dynamic Island, current insights favor a design update centered on reducing bezels. Since bezel size is mainly dictated by the frame and how tightly the display is integrated, Apple can achieve a sleeker look by refining the chassis and border around the screen without changing the OLED panel itself.
Cost-Effective Display Reuse
Reusing the same OLED panel from the iPhone 14 helps minimize costs. Apple can subtly refresh the device's aesthetic by modifying the frame to reduce borders—an update that offers a noticeable design improvement without additional manufacturing expenses. Incorporating the Dynamic Island, however, would involve significant hardware redesigns, such as reconfiguring the TrueDepth camera layout and sensor placements, which could undermine the cost-saving strategy for the lower-cost iPhone line.
Retaining the Notch
Current reports suggest that the iPhone 17e will keep the existing notch design, similar to the iPhone 13 and 14 models, and feature a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. Although BOE has yet to reliably produce LTPO panels capable of supporting variable refresh rates, it can supply LTPS TFT panels, aligning with the specifications of the existing iPhone 16e.
Upcoming Launch and Market Position
Industry analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, and The Elec concur that the iPhone 17e is on track for an early next-year release, maintaining Apple's typical annual rollout schedule.
Conclusion
The iPhone 17e appears poised to focus on subtle design updates, primarily slimmer bezels created through chassis tweaks, while retaining existing display technology. This approach allows Apple to deliver a refreshed look cost-effectively, ensuring the device remains competitive in the budget-oriented "e" lineup without complex hardware changes.