Apple
Apple has officially announced the iPhone 17e, a more affordable entry in the iPhone 17 lineup that adds key upgrades while keeping the same starting price.
The device launches with MagSafe support and 256GB of base storage for $599, doubling the entry capacity from the previous generation without raising the cost.
Pre-orders begin March 4, with availability starting March 11. The phone comes in black, white, and a new soft pink finish. Apple says the iPhone 17e is aimed at users looking for flagship-level features at a lower price point, combining updated performance, durability upgrades, and improved charging options.
One of the biggest additions to the iPhone 17e is MagSafe support, bringing fast wireless charging and compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem of magnetic accessories.
MagSafe finally arrives on iPhone 17e
After complaints that the iPhone 16e didn’t launch with it, Apple’s new iPhone 17e supports MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W, compared to 7.5W Qi charging on the previous iPhone 16e. That means users can attach chargers, wallets, cases, stands, and other accessories that snap directly to the back of the device.
Apple has also doubled the entry storage on the iPhone 17e to 256GB without raising the price of the budget lineup.
Apple
The move gives the device 2x the starting storage of the previous generation and four times more than the iPhone 12 at launch, according to Apple. The added storage is positioned for users capturing more high-resolution photos, 4K video, and larger apps.
Apple’s new launch gives customers the chance to get a smaller device as well, as the 17e features a 6.1″ screen compared to the 6.3″ one on the base model iPhone 17.
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The new budget phone runs on Apple’s latest A19 chip, which is the same one that runs in the non-Pro model iPhone 17 phones. As for the camera, the iPhone 17e features a 48MP Fusion camera capable of optical-quality 2x telephoto zoom, alongside 4K Dolby Vision video recording up to 60fps.
This won’t be Apple’s only iPhone release for 2026, however, as the Cupertino company will still introduce the iPhone 18 this fall, potentially alongside its first-ever foldable device.
