Apple has announced the new Apple iPhone 17e. It’s designed to be the affordable offering in the iPhone family. However, it still features an advanced camera system and comes with 256 GB storage which is double the memory of last year’s entry level model.
Durable design
Despite its budget pricing, the iPhone 17e still offers a strong yet lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum design. It’s also splash, water and dust resistant with an IP68 rating. In addition, the iPhone 17e features the Ceramic Shield 2 front cover that’s featured across the iPhone 17 family. Apple says this is tougher than any smartphone glass. It has an Apple-designed coating that provides 3x better scratch resistance than the previous generation. It delivers improved anti-reflection to reduce glare as well.
A19
The iPhone 17e is powered by the latest-generation A19 chip built with advanced 3-nanometer technology. It’s faster, more efficient 6-core CPU is up to 2x faster than the iPhone 11 and can handle advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities like Clean Up. Apple also says that the iPhone 17e’s 4-core GPU with Neural Accelerators “unlocks console-level gaming on the go.” It supports demanding AAA titles and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic lighting and reflections.
Additionally, the upgraded 16-core Neural Engine is optimized for large generative models. Combined with the Neural Accelerators built into each GPU, this enables Apple Intelligence and other AI models to run faster than on the previous generation.
Super Retina display
The iPhone 17e uses a Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology. This delivers up to 1200 nits peak HDR brightness so it should be easy to view the screen even on brighter days. The iPhone 17e also features C1X, the latest-generation cellular modem designed by Apple. This is up to 2x faster than C1 in iPhone 16e and uses 30 percent less energy than the modem in the iPhone 16 Pro. Together with the efficiencies of Apple silicon, and the advanced power management of iOS 26, this delivers all-day battery life. Also, the iPhone 17e can charge up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes with fast wired charging using USB-C. It supports MagSafe and Qi2 for fast wireless charging up to 15W as well.
Advanced camera system
Apple says that the iPhone 17e takes “gorgeous photos with excellent detail”, including in low light with Night mode. It’s 48MP Fusion camera enables an optical-quality 2x Telephoto, giving you two cameras in one to get closer to your subject. The iPhone 17e also recognizes people, dogs and cats, and automatically saves depth information. This means that you can turn your photos into portraits with background blur after capture.
Plus, you can record videos in 4K with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps and Spatial Audio for immersive listening with AirPods or Apple Vision Pro. Powerful machine learning algorithms automatically reduce unwanted noise for better audio quality, as well.
Safety features
The iPhone 17e has a range of features to keep you safe in an emergency. If you are outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, you can text friends and family with Messages via satellite. You can also connect with emergency services using Emergency SOS via satellite and reach roadside assistance providers with Roadside Assistance via satellite. In addition, the Find My app means that you can share your location via satellite when you are travelling off the grid. Crash Detection can detect a severe car accident and automatically dial emergency services if you are unconscious or unable to reach your iPhone as well.
iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence
The iPhone 17e comes with iOS 26 with its Liquid Glass design and Apple Intelligence capabilities. You can communicate across languages with Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, Phone and with AirPods. Visual intelligence also now extends to your iPhone screen, so you can search, ask questions and take action on the content you’re viewing.
Call Screening can screen calls from unknown numbers and automatically ask the reason for calling. Hold Assist can hold on the line until a live agent is available as well.
What we think
The iPhone 17e delivers a lot of the iPhone experience at a big saving against the other models in the current family. You also still get a great camera system and enhanced durability with the new body design. Apple’s decision to double the base level storage to 256 GB while keeping the starting price the same as last year is a welcome surprise as well.
The iPhone 17e has the processing power to deliver the Apple Intelligence experience and the features it brings. If you are considering moving to an iPhone but are put off by the costs, the new iPhone 17e is worth a look.
Pricing and availability
The iPhone 17e with 256 GB of storage costs $599. You can preorder from Wednesday, March 4, with the phone shipping from March 11. Apple says the phone has a premium matte finish and three color options of black, white and soft pink.
