‘Dried out’ iPhone 16e stock points to imminent launch of 17e

It’s an open secret that Apple is about to launch the iPhone 17e. One theory is that it will be released as early as next week, on the one-year anniversary of the launch of its predecessor. And based on new information about Apple’s inventory levels, that seems about right.

According to a post on Twitter/X from generally reliable Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, citing testimony from anonymous Apple retail employees, iPhone 16e inventory “has all but dried up.” Out-of-stocks are usually a sign that a product is about to be discontinued, most likely replaced with something new. Apple is well known for its supply chain efficiency and usually ends production near the end of a product’s lifespan to avoid getting stuck with old inventory after it is disposed of.

I checked online (using the UK Apple Store, since I’m based in London) and was able to purchase the 16th in white with 128GB of storage for delivery or collection tomorrow, and the black model for delivery tomorrow or collection today. In fact, I couldn’t find a single configuration that would arrive later than the day after purchase. I also took a quick look at the US store, using the White House zip code for delivery estimates, and the only models I had problems with were the 512GB black and white units, none of which are currently available for pickup at the president’s local store. But they could still be delivered to the Oval Office by tomorrow.

David Price / Foundry

So there are iPhone 16e. But it’s possible that what little inventory Apple has left has largely been allocated to online purchases, as the company would prefer employees divert in-store visitors to more expensive products like the iPhone 17.

The iPhone 17e could be one of the most important products that Apple will launch in 2026, as the e-class iPhones are the only ones that come even remotely close to the budget market. The iPhone 16e was criticized because it was significantly more expensive than the final iPhone SE, while also having many compromises in areas such as the lack of MagSafe and a second camera. The iPhone 17e is unlikely to cost less than the 16th, but it should at least offer MagSafe.

Gurman adds that the iPad Air is also experiencing stock shortages, although it is implied that these are not as severe as those affecting the iPhone 16e. The iPad Air 2026 is also expected to arrive soon, with an M4 processor, an N1 wireless chip, and likely very few other changes.