Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18e could receive a significant hardware upgrade, with rumors pointing to a 6.3-inch display and a 4,430mAh battery shared with the standard iPhone 18.
Apple may be planning to bring several meaningful improvements to its next-generation entry-level iPhone. According to recent leaks from China, the iPhone 18e could feature a larger display and a battery capacity matching that of the standard iPhone 18, potentially narrowing the hardware gap between the two models.
The latest information comes from Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital, who shared a diagram comparing the alleged internal designs of the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. The devices are reportedly identified by the internal codenames “Taycan” and “Nevera,” respectively.
Although the diagram has not been independently verified, the leaker suggested that its specifications broadly align with information previously received from industry sources. Battery capacity is one of the most notable details.
Both models are reportedly equipped with a 4,430mAh battery. If accurate, this would represent an approximately 11% increase over the 4,005mAh battery expected in the iPhone 17e, while the standard iPhone 18 could see a roughly 21% improvement over the 3,671mAh capacity attributed to its predecessor.
The leaked diagram also points to internal design adjustments involving the bottom speaker and Taptic Engine. These changes may help Apple optimize the available internal space and accommodate the larger battery.
A Larger Display Could Be Coming to the iPhone 18e
Display size could be another important upgrade for Apple’s more affordable iPhone. The rumored 6.3-inch panel would represent a noticeable increase over the 6.1-inch display found on the iPhone 17e.
However, reports about the screen specifications remain inconsistent. Another Weibo leaker, Digital Chat Station, previously suggested that the iPhone 18e would retain a 6.12-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate.
The same source expects the device to continue using a single 48-megapixel rear camera, although an improved front-facing camera could be part of the upgrade package.
The standard iPhone 18, meanwhile, is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This would preserve an important distinction between Apple’s mainstream and more affordable models.
Camera hardware could also remain a major differentiator. The leaked internal diagram reportedly shows two rear cameras on the iPhone 18, including an Ultra Wide sensor, while the iPhone 18e appears to retain a single rear camera.
A20 Chip and Apple’s C2 Modem Could Power the Next Generation
Beyond the display and battery, Apple’s next-generation silicon could deliver another substantial improvement.
Digital Chat Station expects the iPhone 18e to adopt Apple’s A20 processor, reportedly manufactured using a 2nm process. This would be a generational step forward from the 3nm A19 chip used in the iPhone 17e.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also indicated that Apple’s lower-priced iPhone models planned for spring 2027 could feature the A20 chip alongside 9GB of RAM, up from 8GB in the current generation.
Connectivity may receive attention as well. Both the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are rumored to feature Apple’s next-generation C2 modem, potentially replacing the Snapdragon X80 modem in the iPhone 17 and the C1X modem in the iPhone 17e.
The move would further advance Apple’s efforts to develop and integrate more of its own connectivity technologies across its smartphone lineup.
Previously, Fixed Focus Digital suggested that the new processor was the only confirmed upgrade for the iPhone 18e at that stage. The leaker also indicated that the two upcoming models could share certain manufacturing processes, potentially allowing Apple to streamline production and component costs.
iPhone 18e Expected to Arrive in Spring 2027
Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce the iPhone 18e in spring 2027, alongside the standard iPhone 18 and the second-generation iPhone Air.
The timing would align with expectations that Apple may continue adjusting its iPhone release strategy, distributing launches across different periods rather than introducing every model during its traditional fall event.
For reference, the iPhone 17e debuted at $599 with 256GB of storage. Whether Apple will maintain that starting price for the iPhone 18e remains unclear, particularly as pricing expectations for other upcoming iPhone models continue to evolve.
If these reports prove accurate, the iPhone 18e could become a more compelling option in Apple’s lineup, combining a larger display, improved battery capacity and a newer processor. Nevertheless, its final specifications, pricing and launch schedule remain unconfirmed, and Apple has yet to announce any details about the device.