ALBAWABA - A rumor quickly spread on social media suggesting that American company Apple has signed a new deal with an Israeli company to develop chips for a new iPhone 17 series.
A photo claims to show an article by the Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post, which was circulated, allegedly displayed the headline "Apple announced the iPhone17e with a chip developed in Israel."
It also read, "The new iPhone 17 model supports Apple's AI tools, features faster wireless charging, and includes the new C1X modem developed by the company's silicon team."
Pro-Palestinian activists online called to boycott Apple after an allegation claiming the tech giant inked a "state-level" contract with "Israel" to manufacture a new processor for an unannounced "iPhone 17" device.
One said, "Remember the Israeli pager & radio attacks that injured and killed thousands of Lebanese civilians?? BOYCOTT APPLE."
Many urged others not to buy it as it could be used to spy on pro-Palestinian activists, while some advised people to stick to other brands that are not linked in any way or another to Israel.
A person said, "Stick with Motorola. It's the safest overall. No chance of Israeli sabotage making it explode in your face."
An X user commented, "That's why they banned Huawei in the West. So that Israel can keep on spying on all of us."
What's the truth about developing Israeli chip for a new iPhone 17 device?
After a deep probe, it turned out that there is no such deal between Israel and Apple, considering that in reality, Apple operates via corporate supply chains and doesn't rely on state-to-state relations.
Additionally, the American company does not own fabrication plants; it designs its chips, while the physical production is done through contracts out.
As many said, the new chip would be used in the new iPhone 17s. It is worth noting that the only official types of the iPhone 17 series are the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, the ultra-thin iPhone Air, and the budget-friendly iPhone 17e.
Apple withdrew its "S" moniker years ago, and there is no official device or upcoming model named "iPhone 17s."
An activist said, "The claim needs precision. There is solid evidence Apple relies on Israeli-linked R&D for important technologies, but there is no solid public evidence that iPhone 17e chips are physically manufactured in Israel."
