iPhone 17e Reportedly Entering Trial Production, Tipped for May 2026 Launch

Apple is reportedly moving forward with the development of the iPhone 17e, which is expected to follow last year’s debut of the iPhone 16e. After discontinuing the iPhone SE (2022), the tech giant introduced the 16e as its new entry-level option. While the iPhone 16e received mixed reviews, recent sales data indicates it has outperformed its SE-branded predecessor. Now, leaks suggest that the next installment, the iPhone 17e, could arrive as early as next year.

According to a post shared on Chinese social media platform Weibo by tipster Fixed Focus Digital, Apple is planning to stick to a yearly release cycle for its ‘e’ series. The leak claims that trial production for the iPhone 17e is already on Apple’s internal schedule, signaling a steady push to establish this new line as a consistent part of the iPhone lineup.

The same source suggests that production lines for the iPhone 16e are being retooled to prepare for the upcoming model. With the SE branding now phased out, the iPhone 17e will likely be Apple’s second officially recognized budget iPhone in the numbered series. The iPhone 16e currently retails at ₹59,900 in India and is available in two color options, offering a more affordable entry point into the Apple ecosystem, albeit with fewer features than flagship models.

Despite its limitations, the iPhone 16e introduced Apple’s C1 modem and runs on the A18 chip—the same processor found in the latest iPhone 16 series. Although models like the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus offer premium features such as Dynamic Island, MagSafe, and faster charging, they lack compatibility with Apple’s upcoming Intelligence features. That makes the 16e—and by extension, the 17e—a more future-proof option for those seeking long-term software support at a lower price point.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE May Reuse Exynos Chip from Galaxy S24 FE, Report Claims

Samsung appears to be working on the Galaxy S25 FE, the next entry in its popular ‘Fan Edition’ line of smartphones. While the company has yet to officially confirm the device, industry sources suggest it could launch by late Q3 or early Q4 of 2025. Designed as a more budget-friendly alternative to the flagship Galaxy S25, the upcoming model may carry over several specifications from its predecessor—including the processor.

According to a report from Android Authority, the Galaxy S25 FE is internally codenamed R13, following the naming sequence used for previous models (R12 for the Galaxy S24 FE and R11 for the S23 FE). Leaked firmware information reveals that the device is expected to use the same Exynos 2400e chipset found in last year’s S24 FE, with the codename “siop_r13s_s5e9945” hinting directly at the processor’s part number.

If these details are accurate, Samsung may be opting to reuse its Exynos 2400e chip in the new FE model, rather than upgrading to a newer SoC. This could help the company manage production costs, especially with the Fan Edition series aimed at offering flagship-like features at a more affordable price point. However, sticking with the same chip means the S25 FE may lag behind competitors powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chips—possibly even trailing the older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in performance benchmarks.

In related news, the report also notes that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy M36 5G for the Indian market will be powered by the same Exynos 1380 processor used in the Galaxy M35 5G. This further suggests Samsung is focused on maintaining consistency across its midrange devices, though some fans may be disappointed by the lack of significant performance upgrades in the S25 FE. As always, more details are expected to emerge closer to the official launch window.

Oblivion Remaster Surprise-Launches on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S

In a surprise move following weeks of leaks and speculation, Bethesda has officially announced and released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. The upgraded version of the 2006 RPG classic is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and is included with Xbox Game Pass at no additional cost. The remaster brings updated visuals and smoother gameplay to one of the most beloved entries in The Elder Scrolls franchise.

The Standard Edition of the remastered release includes the full base game along with its two major expansions—Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine—plus all previously released downloadable content, including the famously mocked yet iconic Horse Armor Pack. For those looking for more, a Deluxe Edition adds a selection of new quests, a digital artbook, and the original soundtrack.

Bethesda revealed that the remaster has been in development since 2021 in partnership with Virtuos, a studio known for high-quality remaster projects. Contrary to earlier rumors suggesting a full remake, the developers emphasized that this release is a faithful upgrade of the original, with refined mechanics, improved lighting and textures, and carefully balanced updates to systems like leveling and combat. The goal, according to Bethesda, was to enhance the experience without losing the soul of the original game.

“We wanted the remaster to feel like a memory—how you thought the game looked back then, but now brought to life with modern tools,” the company said in a blog post. Every artistic asset, animation, and effect has been reworked, while retaining the atmosphere and pacing of the 2006 experience. Bethesda also noted that original voice performances have been preserved where possible, with new recordings subtly blended in. Above all, the team stressed that while the game has been modernized, its classic identity remains intact.