After months of leaks and speculation, Apple today officially unveiled its latest budget iPhone. As expected, the iPhone 17e looks largely the same as its predecessor, but introduces a handful of useful upgrades while keeping the price unchanged.
The iPhone 17e features Apple’s A19 chip, the same processor that powers the flagship iPhone 17, offering a significant increase in performance and efficiency over last year’s model. The device also features the C1X modem, which Apple says is twice as fast as the iPhone 16e’s C1 modem.
Apple responded to one of users’ biggest complaints with the iPhone 16e by adding MagSafe support, unlocking 15W Qi2 wireless charging and enabling compatibility with a wide range of magnetic accessories such as wireless chargers, cases and magnetic card holders. Durability has also been improved: The iPhone 17e’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display is now protected by Apple’s Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says offers three times better scratch resistance.
A better deal without a higher price
Storage also gets a welcome boost: the base model now starts at 256GB, effectively doubling the entry-level capacity for the same price. The rest of the hardware remains unchanged, including the single 48-megapixel rear camera, 12-megapixel front camera, and a battery rated for up to 26 hours of video playback on a full charge.
The iPhone 17e costs $599 and is available for pre-order starting March 4th. General availability begins March 11th. The phone is available in three matte finishes, including last year’s black and white, as well as a new soft pink option.
The iPhone 17e continues Apple’s strategy of offering a cheaper entry point to the iPhone range by being below the standard iPhone 17 but retaining many of the same core features. With faster performance, improved durability, MagSafe support, and double the base storage, iPhone 17e refines the formula rather than reinventing it, making it a more attractive upgrade for buyers of older iPhone models.
