Apple has introduced the iPhone 17e, its latest lower-cost iPhone, keeping the entry price the same as last year’s model while doubling the base storage to 256 GB.
The launch appears to confirm recent speculation that Apple now plans to release a more affordable iPhone annually. Following the iPhone 16e last year, the new iPhone 17e is positioned as a budget-friendly companion to the iPhone 17 announced in September. On the outside, the changes are modest: the handset retains the screen notch design first popularised with the iPhone X. Most of the upgrades, Apple says, are on the inside.
A19 processor and new Apple modem promise major performance gains
At the heart of the iPhone 17e is Apple’s A19 chip-the same processor used in the iPhone 17. Apple claims this delivers a CPU that is twice as fast as the iPhone 11’s, alongside a GPU capable of running AAA games. The company also says the chip improves the responsiveness of AI-powered features.
The phone also adds Apple’s C1X cellular modem. According to Apple, the C1X is up to twice as fast as the C1 used in the iPhone 16e, while cutting power consumption by 30% compared with the iPhone 16 Pro.
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and 48-megapixel rear camera
On the front, the iPhone 17e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, protected by Ceramic Shield 2. Around the back, the device includes a 48-megapixel camera.
Apple says the handset can be charged to 50% in 30 minutes using a 20 W power adaptor, and it supports MagSafe accessories.
Entry price holds as base storage increases to 256 GB
Apple is keeping the iPhone 17e’s starting price at €719-the same as the iPhone 16e-at a time when wider component constraints, including memory supply pressures, have raised concerns about price rises across the smartphone market.
The key change for buyers is storage: Apple has doubled the base capacity, meaning the €719 model comes with 256 GB.
Colours, pre-orders and release date
The iPhone 17e will be sold in pastel pink, white and black. Pre-orders open on 4 March, with the phone going on sale from 11 March.
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