Apple employee confirms: iPhone 16e stock has "dried up," and the release of 17e is entering a countdown

Apple’s new entry-level model, the iPhone 17e, is set to debut soon.

According to the latest Bloomberg report, Apple retail employees have confirmed that iPhone 16e inventory is nearly exhausted, a signal that typically indicates an upcoming product launch.

The iPhone 17e is expected to be Apple’s first hardware release in 2026. Compared to its predecessor, the new model will feature a Dynamic Island design replacing the notch and will be upgraded to the A19 chip, but will retain the C1 5G modem, meaning cellular connectivity performance will be on par with the iPhone 16e. Due to limited design changes, Apple may announce this product via a press release rather than hosting a dedicated event.

Clearing inventory signals upcoming release

Inventory trends in Apple’s retail channels have always been a key indicator of new product launches.

Bloomberg senior reporter Mark Gurman stated on social media that Apple retail staff have reported that iPhone 16e stock is nearly depleted, and the iPad Air is also facing supply shortages. This phenomenon usually indicates that Apple is making room in its channels for new products, with the iPhone 17e and M4 version of the iPad Air expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Apple’s inventory management strategy helps avoid excess stock of older models while ensuring sufficient channel inventory for new releases. For product lines with minimal design changes, this transitional approach is particularly common.

Limited upgrade scope for product strategy

The hardware upgrades for the iPhone 17e focus on two areas: replacing the notch with a Dynamic Island display and upgrading the processor to the A19 chip. However, the key 5G modem remains the C1 solution, meaning users will not see improvements in network speed or stability.

This incremental upgrade approach aligns with Apple’s positioning of the entry-level product line. By retaining most components and design elements, Apple can effectively control manufacturing costs and simplify supply chain management. The M4 version of the iPad Air follows this logic, with only a chip upgrade and unchanged exterior design.

Supply chain preparations underway

According to supply chain sources, BOE has become the exclusive supplier of OLED screens for the iPhone 17e, having delivered approximately 8 million display panels. While this shipment volume is smaller compared to other Apple models, it is sufficient to meet market demand in the first quarter of 2026.

This scale of inventory preparation reflects Apple’s cautious approach to the entry-level market. As the first hardware product to be released in 2026, the iPhone 17e will test consumer acceptance of affordable models, and its market performance will influence Apple’s subsequent product planning and inventory strategies.

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