Apple on Monday announced the iPhone 17e, a more affordable addition to its iPhone 17 lineup that starts at $599 and is set to hit shelves March 11.
The device arrives as Apple looks to broaden its smartphone reach amid heightened competition in the AI space and a broader industry slowdown. The International Data Corporation estimates the global smartphone market will contract 6.8% in the first quarter of 2026.
Here’s what to know about the new phone.
What is the iPhone 17e?
The iPhone 17e is Apple’s budget-friendly entry into the iPhone 17 family. It carries the same A19 chip found in pricier iPhone 17 models but features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, a single 48MP Fusion camera, and lacks the Dynamic Island notification bar found on higher-end models.
It comes in three colors — black, white, and a new soft pink — with a premium matte finish.
How much does the iPhone 17e cost?
The iPhone 17e starts at $599 for 256GB of storage, which Apple notes is double the entry-level storage of its predecessor at the same price. A 512GB option is also available. Monthly financing is offered at $24.95 per month for 24 months.
Customers can pre-order the device beginning Wednesday, with availability starting March 11 in more than 70 countries and regions.
What’s new compared to the iPhone 16e?
Beyond the doubled base storage, the iPhone 17e introduces several notable upgrades:
- Faster connectivity: The phone features Apple’s new C1X cellular modem, which the company says is up to twice as fast as the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e and uses 30% less power than the modem in the iPhone 16 Pro.
- MagSafe support: For the first time on a budget iPhone, the 17e supports MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging at up to 15W, compared to 7.5W on the 16e.
- Better durability: The front cover uses Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says offers three times better scratch resistance than the previous generation.
- Improved camera: The 48MP Fusion camera enables an optical-quality 2x Telephoto and next-generation portrait features that can recognize people, dogs, and cats to automatically apply background blur.
What else does it include?
The iPhone 17e ships with iOS 26, Apple’s latest operating system featuring a redesigned interface Apple calls “Liquid Glass.” It supports Apple Intelligence features, including Live Translation, Call Screening, and Visual Intelligence, which Apple says can help close the gap between the company and competitors in the AI race.
The phone also supports satellite connectivity features including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages and Find My via satellite for use outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
Why is Apple releasing a new budget iPhone?
The iPhone 17e appears to reflect growing consumer demand for lower-cost devices. According to CNN Business, the iPhone 16e was popular with consumers following a relatively muted reception of the iPhone Air. Apple CEO Tim Cook described demand for the iPhone 17 line as “simply staggering” on the company’s January earnings call, citing record upgrades and double-digit growth in Android switchers.
The cheaper device could also help Apple expand its Apple Intelligence user base by bringing AI-capable hardware to a wider audience.
What are the trade-in options?
With a carrier offer, customers can receive up to $400 in credit when trading in an iPhone 11, or up to $599 in credit when trading in an iPhone 13. Through Apple Trade In, credits of up to $100 for an iPhone 11 and $195 for an iPhone 13 are available.
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Steve Fink, Director of Artificial Intelligence, at sfink@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
