Apple has unveiled the iPhone 17e, a more budget-friendly addition to the iPhone 17 series. The iPhone 17e is equipped with Apple’s advanced A19 chip utilizing 3-nanometer technology. It boasts a 6-core CPU that is twice as fast as the iPhone 11, a 4-core GPU with Neural Accelerators for high-quality gaming, and hardware-enhanced ray tracing. Additionally, it features a 16-core Neural Engine optimized for AI models.
The iPhone 17e sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a peak HDR brightness of up to 1200 nits and Ceramic Shield 2. Constructed with aerospace-grade aluminum, it holds an IP68 rating for resistance against water, dust, and splashes. The phone supports satellite functionalities such as Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My even in the absence of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Introducing the C1X cellular modem, Apple claims it is twice as fast as the C1 in the iPhone 16e and 30% more energy-efficient than the modem in the iPhone 16 Pro. The device comes with a base storage of 256GB and operates on iOS 26. It houses a 48 MP Fusion camera system, providing a 2x Telephoto option and the ability to record 4K Dolby Vision videos at up to 60fps. The iPhone 17e supports fast wired USB-C charging, reaching 50% in approximately 30 minutes, and MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 17e will commence on March 4, with availability starting from March 11. It will be offered in black, white, and soft pink matte finishes, with the 256GB model starting at $599. Apple also emphasized its commitment to sustainability by revealing that the iPhone 17e incorporates 30% recycled materials and is produced using renewable energy throughout its supply chain.