Apple will reportedly launch its iPhone 17e next spring using the same OLED panel as iPhone 16e

Apple is expected to launch its new iPhone 17e smartphone in spring 2026 using the same budget-friendly OLED display that will be reused from the current iPhone 16e smartphone.

In a new report from TheElec, picked up by insider @Jukanrosleve on X, we are hearing that the same budget-friendly OLED display on Apple's current iPhone 16e will be reused for next year's iPhone 17e, with the company aiming to maintain its annual iPhone shipments at between 220 and 230 million units.

BOE and Samsung Display are reportedly involved in the OLED development project for the iPhone 17e, with a "high probability" that LG Display is also involved. BOE, Samsung Display, and LG Display are supplying OLED panels to Apple, while BOE will provide the largest volume out of the three display manufacturers.

Apple first debuted its 6.1-inch budget OLED panel on the 2022 iPhone 14 smartphone, reused it on the iPhone 16e, and will use it again for the 2026 iPhone 17e. The iPhone SE smartphone is the company's budget models that compete with the regular iPhones, but re-use existing components -- like the display -- while adopting the latest A-series processors from the company.

Apple's yearly shipments of the iPhone SE sat at around 20 million units, with the shipment volume for the iPhone 16e expected to be similar this year, and even if the iPhone 16e sells well, Apple is expected to adjust annual shipments so they don't exceed 20 million units. Why? Because Apple doesn't want its iPhone 16e out-selling its regular iPhone 16 as it would negatively impact the four iPhone 16 models currently on the market.