Apple has announced the iPhone 17e, a lower priced addition to its iPhone 17 lineup that starts at $599 with 256GB of storage. The device includes the A19 chip, a 48MP camera system, MagSafe support, and satellite connectivity features for use outside traditional network coverage.
At the heart of the new phone is Apple’s A19 silicon, built on a 3nm process. The 6-core CPU handles everyday tasks and more demanding features in iOS 26, while the 4-core GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing for games that use it.
iPhone 17e features
The C1X modem replaces C1 from iPhone 16e and delivers up to 2x faster cellular speeds. It also uses 30 percent less energy than the modem in iPhone 16 Pro, contributing to longer battery life when using mobile data. The new iPhone supports 5G, Wi-Fi, and satellite-based features when outside traditional coverage.
When there’s no cellular or Wi-Fi signal, users can send Messages via satellite, contact emergency services with Emergency SOS via satellite, request Roadside Assistance via satellite, and share their location in Find My.
Crash Detection can automatically contact emergency services if a severe car accident is detected and the user can’t respond.
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The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display offers up to 1200 nits peak HDR brightness. Ceramic Shield 2 improves scratch resistance by 3x over the previous generation and reduces glare. The device has an aerospace-grade aluminum enclosure and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Storage now starts at 256GB, double the entry level of the previous generation at the same $599 price. A 512GB option is also available.
The 48MP Fusion camera enables a 2x optical-quality telephoto option by cropping into the high-resolution sensor, effectively offering two focal lengths in one camera.
Photos can be captured at 24MP by default for balanced file sizes or at 48MP for higher detail. Portrait mode stores depth data automatically for people, dogs, and cats, allowing focus adjustments after capture. Night mode and HDR processing aim to preserve highlights, midtones, and shadows while maintaining natural skin tones.
Video recording supports 4K Dolby Vision at up to 60 fps. Spatial Audio recording and Audio Mix provide additional control over sound in post-production, and wind noise reduction minimizes background interference.
MagSafe supports wireless charging up to 15W with compatible chargers, compared with 7.5W Qi charging on iPhone 16e.
Kaiann Drance, Apple’s VP of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, said, “iPhone 17e combines powerful performance and features our users love at an exceptional value, making it a compelling option for customers looking to upgrade to the iPhone 17 family. We know our customers want a product that will last, and iPhone 17e delivers just that. With A19 for incredible performance, double the entry storage, a smarter camera system, and enhanced durability, iPhone 17e is designed to stay fast, secure, and valuable for years to come.”
iPhone 17e is available in black, white, and a new soft pink finish. Storage options include 256GB and 512GB and pricing starts at $599. Pre-orders begin March 4, and the phone will be available to buy from March 11.
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