Apple has officially announced the new iPhone 17e, which brings a number of upgrades and innovations. This new model incorporates Apple's MagSafe wireless charging technology, unlike the iPhone 16e which featured Qi wireless charging. The base version of the iPhone 17e now starts at 256GB of storage, offering twice the space compared to the previous model.
See also: What to expect from the iPhone 17e?
Inside, the iPhone 17e is powered by Apple's A19 chip, the latest processor also used in the base iPhone 17 model. It features the same Apple C1X modem as the iPhone Air, compared to the C1 modem found in the iPhone 16e.
At the heart of iPhone 17e is the latest-generation A19 chip, delivering exceptional performance for every user activity. iPhone 17e also features the C1X, the latest-generation Apple-designed cellular modem that is up to 2x faster than the C1 in iPhone 16e. The 48MP Fusion camera captures stunning photos, including next-generation portraits and 4K Dolby Vision video.
See also: iPhone 17e update may not be as fast as expected
It also allows for optical quality 2x Telephoto, like having two cameras in one. Like the iPhone 16e from last year, the iPhone 17e starts at $599. However, the starting price now includes 256GB of storage instead of 128GB. The higher-capacity option doubles the storage to 512GB for $799. For comparison, Apple charged $899 for the iPhone 16e with 512GB.
Apple is also offering three color options this time around: black, white, and a new soft pink. Perhaps most notably, Apple is now upgrading its base iPhone every year. Before the iPhone 16e last year, Apple offered the iPhone SE for about three years between upgrades. The move from the iPhone 16e to the iPhone 17e sees the budget model in the same way that flagship models see annual upgrades.
See also: iPhone 17e may be released soon with A19 chip and MagSafe
Pre-orders begin March 4 at 6:15 a.m. PT/9:15 a.m. ET. iPhone 17e will be available in stores and will arrive with customers a week later, on March 11.
