According to recent reports, the iPhone 17e is about to be launched. Apple is once again planning an affordable entry-level model within the new iPhone generation. No major surprises are expected. Instead, Apple is focusing on targeted technical improvements, while one aspect will remain deliberately unchanged: the price.
Last year's iPhone 16e already clearly demonstrated Apple's approach to its budget strategy. The device was cheaper than other models, but still not a real bargain for many. With the iPhone 17e, Apple is continuing down the same path. A price reduction is not planned; instead, new hardware features are intended to increase the perceived value.
The most important known details about the iPhone 17e
Publication and classification
The iPhone 17e is planned as the direct successor to the iPhone 16e and is intended to completely replace this model. According to Bloomberg, its release is imminent. In terms of features, it will be a typical annual upgrade without any fundamental redesign.
The three confirmed upgrades
New A19 chip
The iPhone 17e is expected to be equipped with the A19 chip, which is also used in the regular iPhone 17. This means the most affordable iPhone in the series will have the same processor as the base model of the main series. This translates primarily to more performance, better efficiency, and longer-term support for iOS updates.
MagSafe returns
A key hardware upgrade is MagSafe support. This feature was missing from the iPhone 16e. With the iPhone 17e, magnetic chargers and accessories can once again be used, making everyday life significantly more convenient.
New Apple-designed radio and cellular chips
Apple is switching to its latest in-house wireless and cellular solutions for the iPhone 17e. The new N1 network chip and the improved C1X modem are expected. For context:
- The first Apple modem, the C1, was introduced with the iPhone 16e.
- The N1 chip and the C1X modem were already used in the iPhone 17 and the iPhone Air.
The goal of this change is better energy efficiency, more stable connections and more control over one's own hardware.
Price remains unchanged
Despite the technical improvements, the price of the iPhone 17e is expected to remain at €699 or $599. Apple is thus relying on a simple message: more features for the same price. Many had hoped for a price reduction after the iPhone 16e. According to the report, this expectation will not be met.
Base memory not yet confirmed
The question of internal storage remains open. Apple has increased the base storage to 256 GB for all other iPhone 17 models. Whether this also applies to the iPhone 17e is not yet known.
The iPhone 17e in the current Apple lineup
In terms of price, the iPhone 17e seems somewhat unusually positioned within the product range:
- iPhone 16e: from €699
- iPhone 16: from 848 euros
- iPhone 17: from €949
- iPhone Air: from €1,199
- iPhone 17 Pro: from €1,299
Should the iPhone 17e actually launch with 256 GB of storage, it would be more attractive than the iPhone 16 with 128 GB at a higher price. At the same time, the price difference to the iPhone 16 remains small. For around €150 more, the latter offers, among other things, an ultra-wide camera and additional features that the iPhone 17e is likely to still lack.
iPhone 17e: A typical Apple update with a clear target audience
In summary, the iPhone 17e is an expected but consistent update. Apple hasn't delivered a radical overhaul, but rather focused on improving performance, charging capabilities, and wireless technology. The unchanged price might not satisfy everyone, but the upgrades make it seem more justified than with its predecessor.
The list price may play a minor role in the actual market success anyway. The iPhone 17e is expected to be sold primarily through mobile carriers at discounts. In this context, the overall package is more important than the MSRP – and this is precisely where the iPhone 17e is likely to shine. (Image: Shutterstock / Yu_Nus)
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