Apple employees confirm: iPhone 16e inventory has "run dry," countdown to 17e release begins

Apple's new entry-level model, the iPhone 17e, is about to be launched.

According to the latest report from Bloomberg, Apple retail employees have confirmed that the inventory of the iPhone 16e has nearly run out, a stock signal that typically indicates an imminent new product release.

The iPhone 17e is expected to be Apple's first hardware product in 2026. Compared to its predecessor, the new model will adopt the Dynamic Island design instead of the notch screen and will be upgraded to the A19 chip, while retaining the C1 5G modem, with cellular connectivity performance on par with the iPhone 16e. Due to limited design changes, Apple may release this product via a press release rather than holding a special event.

Inventory Clearance Signals Release

The inventory dynamics of Apple's retail channels have always been an important indicator of new product launches.

Bloomberg senior analyst Mark Gurman stated on social media that Apple retail employees reported that the inventory of the iPhone 16e has nearly dried up, and the iPad Air is also facing supply shortages. This phenomenon typically means that Apple is clearing channel space 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 not only avoids the backlog of old products but also ensures that there is sufficient channel inventory for new product launches. This transitional approach is particularly common for product lines with limited design changes.

Limited Upgrade Strategy

The hardware upgrades of the iPhone 17e focus on two aspects: the screen changes from a notch design to Dynamic Island, and the processor is upgraded to the A19 chip from the previous generation. However, the key 5G modem still uses the C1 solution, meaning users will not see improvements in network connection speed and stability.

This incremental upgrade strategy aligns with Apple's positioning of its entry-level product line. By retaining most components and design schemes, Apple can effectively control manufacturing costs while simplifying supply chain management. The M4 version of the iPad Air follows the same logic, only upgrading the chip while keeping the appearance unchanged.

Supply Chain Has Started Stockpiling

According to supply chain information, BOE, as the exclusive supplier of OLED screens for the iPhone 17e, has delivered approximately 8 million display panels to Apple. Although this shipment volume is relatively small compared to other Apple models, it is sufficient to support market demand in the first quarter of 2026.

This stockpiling scale reflects Apple's cautious attitude towards 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 strategy