Apple has officially announced the new iPhone 17e, setting the starting price at $599 while bringing significant upgrades to the more affordable iPhone lineup. This announcement was made ahead of the March 4 event.

Among the biggest changes are MagSafe support, doubled base storage, and a new "soft pink" color option.

MagSafe Finally Comes to the 'e' Model iPhone

Despite last year’s iPhone 16e supporting basic wireless charging without magnetic alignment, the iPhone 17e now offers full MagSafe capabilities.

This allows users to attach magnetic accessories such as wallets, battery packs, and stands while benefiting from more reliable wireless charging alignment.

iPhone 17e Comes with A19 Chip and New Modem

Inside, the iPhone 17e is powered by Apple’s latest A19 chip - the same processor used in the standard iPhone 17.

It also comes with Apple’s C1X modem, introduced for the first time in iPhone Air, offering speeds that are 2 times faster compared to the C1 modem found in the 16e.

17e Model Launches with Advanced 4k Camera

The iPhone 17e features a 48MP Fusion camera capable of next-gen portrait photography and 4K Dolby Vision video recording. Apple states that the system provides two focal lengths with a single lens by offering a 2x telephoto option in optical quality.

Apple is Investing in More Affordable Devices

One notable change is Apple’s decision to update its entry-level model annually. Historically, years would pass between updates for the iPhone SE series. With the transition from the iPhone 16e to the 17e, Apple is treating its low-cost model more like a flagship device and offering annual upgrades.

Apple has maintained the starting price at $599 but has doubled the base storage:

  • $599 for 256GB
  • $799 for 512GB

For comparison, the 512GB iPhone 16e was launched at $899, indicating that this year’s model is significantly more competitive in terms of value.

iPhone 17e Colors and When to Order

The iPhone 17e comes in three colors: Black, White, and the new Soft Pink. Pre-orders will begin on March 4 at 6:15 AM PT / 9:15 AM ET. The device will officially launch on March 11.

Offered at $599 with 256GB storage and MagSafe, the iPhone 17e positions itself as a much stronger value proposition than its predecessor, featuring the capabilities that last year’s model should have had from the start.