Apple has announced the iPhone 17E, its latest budget smartphone starting at $599. The device features upgrades including MagSafe support and 256GB base storage, doubling the capacity of last year's iPhone 16E. Preorders begin on March 4, with availability starting March 11.
Apple introduced the iPhone 17E on March 2, 2026, via an online press release, ahead of a "Special Apple Experience" event in New York City. This follows the iPhone 16E from 2025 and maintains the $599 starting price, with a 512GB option at $799.
The iPhone 17E is powered by the A19 chip, which includes a six-core CPU and quad-core GPU, compared to the five-core GPU in the standard iPhone 17. It also incorporates the C1X cellular modem, described by Apple as twice as fast as the C1 in the iPhone 16E. The phone supports Apple Intelligence features such as Live Translation, Call Screening, and Clean Up, accessed via an Action button and the Control Panel for Visual Intelligence.
Key enhancements include MagSafe charging at 15 watts, up from 7.5 watts on the predecessor, enabling faster wireless charging and accessory attachment. The base model now offers 256GB storage, and the 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display uses Ceramic Shield 2 glass, which Apple claims provides three times the scratch resistance of the iPhone 16E and reduces glare.
The camera setup features a 48-megapixel rear sensor with 2x magnification through sensor cropping and a 12-megapixel front camera, without Center Stage functionality. It weighs 169 grams with an aluminum frame and IP68 rating. Battery life supports 26 hours of video playback, reaching 50% charge in 30 minutes via wired USB-C.
Available in black, white, and soft pink, the iPhone 17E lacks a Dynamic Island, always-on display, ProMotion, and Camera Control button, distinguishing it from higher-end models. It runs iOS 26 with advanced power management.
