Apple Inc. on Monday introduced the latest addition to its budget-friendly iPhone lineup, the iPhone 17e, priced at $599 and set to go on sale March 11.
The device is powered by the A19 chip — the same processor featured in the base iPhone 17 — and supports Apple Intelligence. The entry model now starts with 256GB of storage, doubling the base capacity offered in the previous generation.
Among the most significant upgrades is the addition of MagSafe and Qi2 compatibility, enabling wireless charging at speeds of up to 15W. The phone will be available in black, white and a new soft pink finish.
The iPhone 17e also debuts Apple’s next-generation C1X cellular modem, which the company says delivers speeds up to twice as fast as the C1 modem used in the iPhone 16e, while consuming 30% less power.
On the camera front, the device retains the 48-megapixel sensor found in the iPhone 16e. Its Fusion camera system offers a 2x optical-quality Telephoto option, effectively giving users two focal lengths in one lens for improved framing and closer shots.
Video capabilities include 4K recording with Dolby Vision at up to 60 frames per second. The phone also supports Spatial Audio recording for immersive playback when used with AirPods or Apple Vision Pro.
The iPhone 17e carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display is protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says provides three times greater scratch resistance than the previous version.
Additional features include support for Emergency SOS via satellite, Roadside Assistance, and Find My, rounding out a feature set aimed at delivering premium functionality at a more accessible price point.
