The iPhone 17e is here: 6 ways Apple just upgraded its cheapest phone
Apple's new entry-level iPhone 17e features the flagship A19 chip and doubles base storage to 256GB.
Apple has kicked off a busy week of announcements with the launch of the iPhone 17e, a new, more affordable addition to the iPhone 17 lineup. Priced starting at $599, the device represents a significant upgrade over previous entry-level models by incorporating the same A19 chip found in the standard iPhone 17. This move effectively brings flagship-level processing power, including a faster six-core CPU and a 16-core Neural Engine for on-device Apple Intelligence tasks, to the budget segment. The phone also doubles the base storage to 256GB and finally adds MagSafe compatibility, features previously reserved for higher-end models.
The iPhone 17e sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1200 nits peak HDR brightness and Ceramic Shield 2 for improved durability. Its camera system consists of a single 48-megapixel Fusion camera on the back, similar to the iPhone 17 Air. While it lacks a high refresh rate screen and the Dynamic Island feature, it includes an IP68 rating and a new C1X cellular modem that Apple claims is up to twice as fast as its predecessor. This strategic release allows Apple to capture the value-conscious market with a device capable of advanced gaming, AI tasks, and multitasking, pressuring competitors in the mid-range smartphone space.
- Powered by the flagship A19 chip with a 16-core Neural Engine for AI tasks.
- Doubles base storage to 256GB and starts at $599, adding MagSafe support.
- Features a 6.1-inch OLED display and a 48MP Fusion camera in a durable IP68 body.
Why It Matters
Brings near-flagship performance and storage to the budget tier, reshaping expectations for affordable smartphones.