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According to a new report that corroborates previous claims, Apple seems set to drop a surprising model from its iPhone 18 launch lineup.
The Bengaluru plant, located in Devanahalli, received project approval in 2023 and was established at an investment of approximately $2.8 billion (around Rs. 24,400 crore). The facility is already producing components for the iPhone 17 after importing key parts from China starting in June.
Don't expect to be wowed. Apple launched the iPhone 16e in February, as the successor to the entire iPhone SE line. Since it's got the same number in
Apple introduced the iPhone 16e in March modeled after the iPhone 14, so it follows suit that the iPhone 17e could be based on the iPhone 15, the first non-Pro iPhone to feature the Dynamic Island. The 16e has only one rear camera and lacks features found on the higher-end iPhones, such as MagSafe and the Camera Control button.
The standard iPhone 17 could see some welcome display upgrades. At least one supply chain source claimed it will add a 120Hz variable refresh rate (ProMotion) display, which the Pro series has used since 2021.
The iPhone 17 is reportedly rumored to be announced in September, meaning Californians may be just weeks away from their next upgrade. Last year, Apple introduced its iPhone 16 range on Sept. 9, with the new phones ready for pre-order later that week. In September of 2023, Apple unveiled its iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Commentary: As someone who has been writing about the iPhone for over a decade, I'm ready to see Apple step it up in this perhaps unexpected way.
That's a big problem for Apple, because it means fewer iPhone sales and the risk of losing market share to rivals, including Samsung. According to data from Telemetry, the most commonly owned iPhone is the iPhone 13, representing 16.3% of all iPhones in use.
The base model iPhone 18 might not make its debut until spring 2027, reportedly so Apple can showcase new foldables. Higher-end iPhone 18 models are still on tap for 2026, though.