Apple today introduced iPhone 17e, a more affordable addition to the iPhone 17 lineup, starting at $599 with 256GB of storage. The new model doubles the entry storage of the previous generation at the same starting price and delivers upgraded performance, durability, camera capabilities, and MagSafe support.
Preorders begin Wednesday, March 4, at 6:15 a.m. PST in more than 70 countries and regions, with availability starting Wednesday, March 11. iPhone 17e will be available in black, white, and soft pink with 256GB and 512GB storage options.
At the core of iPhone 17e is Apple’s latest-generation A19 chip, built on advanced 3-nanometer technology. The 6-core CPU is up to 2x faster than the iPhone 11, while the 4-core GPU with Neural Accelerators supports AAA gaming and hardware-accelerated ray tracing. A 16-core Neural Engine is optimized for large generative models and powers Apple Intelligence features. The device also includes C1X, Apple’s newest cellular modem, which is up to 2x faster than C1 in iPhone 16e and uses 30 percent less energy than the modem in iPhone 16 Pro.
iPhone 17e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with up to 1200 nits peak HDR brightness. The display is protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says provides 3x better scratch resistance than the previous generation and reduced glare through an Apple-designed anti-reflective coating. The device is built with aerospace-grade aluminum and carries an IP68 rating for splash, water, and dust resistance.
Battery performance is supported by Apple’s silicon efficiency and iOS 26’s power management. With a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter, iPhone 17e can charge up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes. The device supports MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W, expanding compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem of chargers and accessories.
The camera system centers on a 48 megapixel Fusion camera that enables an optical-quality 2x Telephoto option, effectively delivering two cameras in one. Users can capture images at 48 megapixel resolution or use a 24 megapixel default setting optimized for file size and detail. Portrait mode benefits from an advanced image pipeline and next-generation depth capabilities, allowing users to adjust focus after capture. The camera supports Night mode and HDR improvements designed to deliver accurate skin tones, bright highlights, and preserved detail. Video recording supports 4K Dolby Vision up to 60 fps, Spatial Audio capture, Audio Mix editing, and wind noise reduction.
iPhone 17e includes Apple’s satellite-based connectivity features, allowing users outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage to access Emergency SOS via satellite, Roadside Assistance via satellite, Messages via satellite, and Find My via satellite. Crash Detection is also supported.
The device ships with iOS 26, featuring a redesigned interface called Liquid Glass and expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities. New features include Live Translation across Messages, FaceTime, Phone, and compatible AirPods; on-screen visual intelligence for contextual search and actions; Call Screening for unknown numbers; Hold Assist; and enhanced filtering for messages from unknown senders.
As part of Apple’s environmental initiatives, iPhone 17e is made with 30 percent recycled content, including 85 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. The device is manufactured with 55 percent renewable electricity across the supply chain, and its packaging is 100 percent fiber-based.
In the U.S., customers can receive up to $400 in carrier credit when trading in an iPhone 11 or up to $599 when trading in an iPhone 13 toward an iPhone 17e. Through Apple Trade In, customers can receive up to $100 for an iPhone 11 or up to $195 for an iPhone 13.
KEY QUOTE:
“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.”
Kaiann Drance, Vice President Of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, Apple
