Apple on Tuesday introduced the iPhone 17e, a more affordable addition to its iPhone 17 lineup, aiming to offer high-end performance and features at a lower price point as competition intensifies in the global smartphone market.
Priced from $599, the iPhone 17e starts with 256GB of storage, doubling the entry capacity of the previous generation at the same price, Apple said. Pre-orders open on March 4, with availability beginning March 11 in more than 70 countries.
The device is powered by Apple’s latest A19 processor, built on advanced 3-nanometer technology, delivering up to twice the CPU performance of iPhone 11, according to the company. It also debuts C1X, Apple’s newest in-house cellular modem, which Apple says is up to 2x faster than the modem used in the iPhone 16e while consuming less power.
Apple is positioning the iPhone 17e as a long-lasting upgrade option, combining performance gains with durability improvements. The phone features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display protected by Ceramic Shield 2, offering improved scratch resistance and reduced glare, and carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
On imaging, the iPhone 17e includes a 48-megapixel Fusion camera, enabling optical-quality 2x zoom and enhanced portrait photography using machine learning. Video recording supports 4K Dolby Vision at up to 60 frames per second, along with Spatial Audio for immersive playback on compatible devices.
The model also brings MagSafe back to Apple’s lower-priced iPhone tier, enabling faster wireless charging and compatibility with a wide range of accessories. Wired charging via USB-C can reach 50% in about 30 minutes, Apple said.
Safety and connectivity features include Emergency SOS, Messages, Find My, and Roadside Assistance via satellite, as well as Crash Detection, extending capabilities first introduced on higher-end models.
iPhone 17e ships with iOS 26, introducing Apple Intelligence features such as Live Translation, call screening, and on-screen visual intelligence, though some functions remain in beta and vary by region and language.
Available in black, white, and soft pink, Apple said the iPhone 17e is manufactured with 30% recycled content as part of its broader Apple 2030 carbon-neutral initiative.
“With iPhone 17e, we’re bringing powerful performance, smarter cameras, and long-term value to more customers,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing.
Apple is offering trade-in credits of up to $599 in select markets through carrier and Apple Trade In programs, the company said.