Apple has introduced the iPhone 17e, a new entry-level smartphone powered by its latest A19 chip. The device was announced on March 2 as part of a series of hardware updates released through press announcements rather than a traditional keynote event.

The iPhone 17e price starts at $599 while offering upgraded storage, a redesigned camera system, and support for Apple’s MagSafe wireless charging ecosystem. The model sits below the flagship iPhone 17 lineup but shares several core technologies.

Apple Expands Entry iPhone Lineup with iPhone 17e

The iPhone 17e introduces Apple’s A19 processor, the same generation chip used in the main iPhone 17 series. The device also includes a new C1X cellular modem designed to deliver faster connectivity and improved network performance compared with the previous generation.

Apple says the modem is roughly twice as fast as the one used in the iPhone 16e. The phone features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims offers three times better scratch resistance than the earlier version.

Camera hardware has also been upgraded. The iPhone 17e includes a 48-megapixel Fusion camera system that allows a 2x optical-quality zoom through sensor cropping. Portrait mode now uses improved image processing that can automatically detect subjects such as people, dogs, and cats while capturing depth data.

The device also supports post-capture portrait editing. Users can apply background blur effects after taking a photo, a capability that previously required portrait mode to be enabled at the time of capture.

MagSafe charging arrives on the 17e for the first time in the entry iPhone series. Wireless charging now supports speeds up to 15 watts using Apple’s magnetic accessory system, compared with the 7.5-watt Qi charging limit on the previous generation.

Storage capacity has also been increased. The base model now starts at 256GB, double the standard storage offered in earlier “e” models, while maintaining the same starting price of $599.

Broader Apple Hardware Announcements This Week

The iPhone 17e launch came alongside several other Apple hardware updates released during the same week. Apple refreshed the MacBook Air lineup with the new M5 chip, promising significantly faster AI processing and improved storage performance.

A new budget laptop called MacBook Neo was also introduced. It runs on the A18 Pro chip and starts at $599, making it Apple’s most affordable Mac computer so far.

Apple also updated the MacBook Pro lineup with new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, aimed at developers, engineers, and creative professionals who run demanding workloads such as local AI models and advanced media production.

In addition, the company announced an updated iPad Air powered by the M4 chip, along with new external displays including the Studio Display and a new Studio Display XDR designed for high-brightness professional workflows.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 17e opened on March 4. Apple says the phone will begin shipping on March 11. The device will be available in black, white, and a new soft pink color.

The iPhone 17e represents Apple’s latest attempt to offer flagship-level performance in a more affordable model. With faster silicon, improved cameras, and expanded storage, the iPhone 17e price positions it as one of the most accessible entries into the current iPhone generation.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

What is the starting iPhone 17e price?

The iPhone 17e price starts at $599 for the base model with 256GB of storage. Apple kept the same entry price as the previous model while doubling the default storage capacity.

When will the iPhone 17e be available?

Apple opened pre-orders for the iPhone 17e on March 4. The smartphone is scheduled to start shipping and become available in stores on March 11.