Reports suggest Apple is planning to release an iPhone 17e next year, signaling a potential shift towards a more consistent budget-friendly option within its flagship lineup. This follows Apple's previous attempts with the iPhone 5c and the iPhone SE series. While the iPhone 5c wasn't a major success, the SE models saw more consistent releases, albeit with gaps of around three years between each iteration. The iPhone 17e could indicate Apple's commitment to regularly offering a more affordable alternative to its premium iPhones.