Apple has introduced the iPhone 17e, still at the same $599/£599 price point as the iPhone 16e was last year. The new sub-flagship smartphone has a few upgrades over the previous model, notably MagSafe and and an upgraded starting storage level of 256GB.
As well as the same A19 chip from the iPhone 17, the 17e also features C1X, the latest-gen cellular chip designed by Apple (also in the iPhone Air).
So what’s not been changed. A lot as it turns out. The single 48MP Fusion camera is retained with the sensor cropped 2x telephoto zoom equivalent. The phone’s OLED display doesn’t have a 120Hz refresh rate unlike other iPhone 17 series models. The display also doesn’t have the Dynamic Island cut-out, instead retaining the notch at the top of the display.
It’s available in three matte finishes — black, white, and a new soft pink. The front glass has the same Ceramic Shield 2 coating as the rest of the iPhone 17 range.
The pink is a bit of a departure, so expect that to fly off the shelves.
“iPhone 17e [is] a compelling option for customers looking to upgrade to the iPhone 17 family,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing.
“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.”
The new device will be available from 11 March, with pre-orders beginning this Wednesday, 4 March.
