Apple has announced a new variant of the iPhone 17 series, named iPhone 17e.
The company says the model is designed to offer strong performance at a lower starting price than its flagship devices.
The phone will be available for pre-order from March 4, 2026, with sales beginning on March 11. It comes in black, white and a new soft pink colour.
Apple says the iPhone 17e is aimed at customers who want a modern iPhone with updated features, but at a more accessible price point.
Performance and display
At the centre of the iPhone 17e is Apple’s latest A19 chip, built on 3-nanometre technology.
The company says the new processor is faster and more efficient than older models, handling everyday tasks as well as gaming and artificial intelligence features.
The device features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display.
It includes ceramic shield 2, which Apple says offers improved scratch resistance and reduced glare compared with the previous generation.
The phone supports Face ID and includes an Action button for quick access to selected features.
Camera and battery
The iPhone 17e has a 48-megapixel Fusion camera system. It allows users to shoot at 24MP by default or at full 48MP resolution.
The camera also supports a 2x telephoto option and improved portrait photography.
Video can be recorded in 4K with Dolby Vision at up to 60 frames per second. The device also supports Spatial Audio recording.
Battery life is described as all-day, supported by the efficiency of the A19 chip and Apple’s new C1X cellular modem.
The phone charges through USB-C and supports MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging.
Satellite features and software
Like other recent iPhones, the 17e includes satellite-based services.
These allow users to send messages, contact emergency services, request roadside assistance, and share their location when outside mobile and Wi-Fi coverage.
The device runs iOS 26. Apple says the software includes new design updates and expanded artificial intelligence features, including live translation and call screening tools.
Price and storage
The iPhone 17e starts at $599 in the United States.
The base model includes 256GB of storage, which Apple says is double the entry-level storage of the previous generation at the same starting price.
A 512GB version will also be available.
iPhone 17e: Key specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Chip | A19 (3nm technology) |
| Camera | 48MP Fusion camera with 2x telephoto |
| Video | 4K Dolby Vision up to 60fps |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery | All-day battery life |
| Charging | USB-C fast charging, MagSafe, Qi2 |
| Modem | Apple C1X |
| Satellite features | Emergency SOS, Messages, Roadside Assistance, Find My |
| Colours | Black, White, Soft Pink |
| Starting price | $599 (US) |
| Availability | Pre-order March 4, on sale March 11 |
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