Apple today introduced the iPhone 17e, positioning it as the most affordable model in the iPhone 17 family, with a starting price of $599. The new device notably includes MagSafe connectivity, a feature absent in the previous generation’s iPhone 16e and doubles the base storage to 256GB.
The iPhone 17e is powered by the A19 chip, the same processor found in the standard iPhone 17, and features the C1X cellular modem, offering up to twice the cellular performance of the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e. Apple highlighted the A19 chip’s 6-core GPU and 4-core Neural Engine, optimized for generative AI models.
The device boasts a 48MP Fusion camera capable of capturing next-generation portraits and 4K Dolby Vision video, and includes an optical-quality 2x Telephoto feature. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display incorporates Ceramic Shield 2, offering three times better scratch resistance than the previous generation, and reduced glare.
Beyond hardware improvements, the iPhone 17e supports wireless charging up to 15W with a 20W adapter or higher via MagSafe, a significant upgrade from the 7.5W wireless charging supported by the iPhone 16e. Wired charging is also faster, achieving up to 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes.
The iPhone 17e will be available in black, white, and a new soft pink color option. Pre-orders begin Wednesday, March 4, with availability starting Wednesday, March 11. A 512GB storage option is available for $799.
Apple’s announcement of the iPhone 17e comes alongside the unveiling of a new iPad Air featuring the M4 chip. The company is also expected to debut a lower-cost iPad and a more affordable MacBook at a “special experience” event on Wednesday, signaling a broader strategy to address a wider range of price points in its product lineup.
Despite the upgrades, the iPhone 17e remains $200 less expensive than the standard iPhone 17. But, that price difference grants access to a superior main camera, an ultra-wide lens, a larger 6.3-inch display with ProMotion and Dynamic Island, and slightly improved graphics performance. The 17e’s doubled base storage and the new A19 chip, however, present a more compelling alternative to the $699 iPhone 16, which offered only 128GB of storage and lacked a ProMotion display.
