Apple today announced the iPhone 17e, the newest and most affordable entry in the iPhone 17 family. Aimed at delivering high-end performance at a mid-range price point, the device introduces several significant upgrades, most notably the transition to a 256GB starting storage capacity. This is double that of the previous generation, while maintaining a $599 starting price.
High performance internals powered by A19 and Apple’s C1X modem
At the core of the iPhone 17e is the A19 chip, built on an advanced 3 nanometer process. This silicon features a 6-core CPU that Apple claims is up to twice as fast as the iPhone 11, making it highly capable of handling modern tasks and the new suite of Apple Intelligence features.
Complementing the A19 is the C1X, Apple’s latest proprietary cellular modem. The C1X offers speeds up to 2x faster than the modem found in the iPhone 16e and matches the performance of the iPhone Air. Notably, the new modem is 30% more energy efficient than the version used in the iPhone 16 Pro, contributing to the device’s all day battery life.
Ceramic Shield 2 and aerospace grade aluminum
The iPhone 17e features a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR display protected by Ceramic Shield 2. This new glass technology offers three times the scratch resistance of the previous generation and includes an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare in direct sunlight. The chassis is constructed from aerospace grade aluminum and carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, designed to withstand depths of up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
48MP Fusion camera system
Apple has equipped the iPhone 17e with a 48MP Fusion camera system that essentially provides two in one functionality. The sensor allows for high resolution 48MP shots and optical quality 2x Telephoto zoom.
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Next gen portraits: The camera automatically captures depth information for people, dogs, and cats, allowing users to adjust focus and bokeh after the photo is taken.
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4K Dolby Vision: Video recording is supported at up to 60 fps in 4K Dolby Vision.
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Spatial Audio: The device can record Spatial Audio for immersive playback on AirPods or Apple Vision Pro.
iOS 26 and the expansion of Apple Intelligence
The device ships with iOS 26, which introduces a refined Liquid Glass design language that emphasizes content while keeping the interface familiar. The iPhone 17e is fully compatible with Apple Intelligence, enabling features such as:
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Live Translation: Real time translation across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone calls.
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Visual Intelligence: Users can search and interact with content directly on their screen.
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Communication Tools: Enhanced call screening and Hold Assist to help manage phone interactions and eliminate distractions.
Pricing, colors, and availability details
The iPhone 17e will be available in three colors: Black, White, and a new Soft Pink, all featuring a premium matte finish.
| Model | Storage | Price |
| iPhone 17e | 256GB | $599 |
| iPhone 17e | 512GB | $699 |
Pre-orders for the iPhone 17e begin this Wednesday, March 4, at 6:15 a.m. PST, with full retail availability starting Wednesday, March 11. Apple is also offering trade-in credits up to $599 for eligible devices to help users transition to the new 17 series lineup.
