Apple unveils budget iPhone 17e

Apple has launched the iPhone 17e, its most affordable model in the iPhone 17 lineup, priced at $599. The new device brings several premium upgrades, including MagSafe support, 256GB base storage, and the latest A19 chip.

The iPhone 17e marks the first time Apple has added MagSafe to its budget iPhone range. The magnetic charging system allows users to attach wireless chargers, wallets, stands, and other accessories.

Apple has also doubled the starting storage to 256GB, giving users more space for apps, photos, videos, and games without paying extra for higher variants.

The phone features a modern flat-edge design and an OLED display, offering brighter colors and deeper contrast. It is expected to maintain smooth everyday performance, although it may not include ProMotion high refresh rate technology.

For photography, the iPhone 17e comes with a 48-megapixel Fusion main camera with optical image stabilization and improved low-light capabilities. It also supports 2x telephoto-quality zoom, Night Mode, Portrait Mode, Smart HDR 5, and 4K Dolby Vision video recording at up to 60 frames per second.

A 12-megapixel TrueDepth front camera handles selfies, video calls, and Face ID functions.
Powered by Apple’s A19 processor, the device is expected to deliver fast performance for gaming, streaming, browsing, and multitasking.

The iPhone 17e is likely to attract first-time iPhone buyers, students, and users upgrading from older models such as the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12.

Analysts say the launch could intensify competition in the global mid-range smartphone market, where Android brands have traditionally dominated.