Apple has officially unveiled its latest smartphone, the iPhone 17e, as anticipated by many. Following the iPhone 16e, this new model continues Apple’s trend of offering essential features at a more budget-friendly price point compared to its flagship counterparts.
Priced at £599, the iPhone 17e is more affordable than the iPhone 17 by over £200 and £500 cheaper than the 17 Pro. It now comes with a base storage of 256GB, double the capacity of its predecessor.
The standout features of the iPhone 17e include the upgraded A19 chip for enhanced performance, surpassing the A18 processor in the 16e. It also boasts the latest C1X cellular modem from Apple, promising faster speeds compared to the previous C1, translating into quicker downloads and seamless streaming on cellular networks.
The device sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display on the front, providing vivid visuals and is shielded by Apple’s durable Ceramic Shield glass for protection against impacts. The improved anti-reflective technology reduces glare for better visibility in bright environments.
A notable addition is the MagSafe feature, absent in the 16e, which enables faster wireless charging and easy attachment of compatible accessories to the phone’s back, such as wallets and stands.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 48MP Fusion camera on the iPhone 17e. While lacking a dual-camera setup like higher-end models, the advanced sensor offers two focal lengths in one, simplifying zooming and framing shots. The camera also supports 4K video recording with Dolby Vision at up to 60 frames per second.
Safety features are a priority, with Emergency SOS via satellite for messaging without cellular coverage and Crash Detection for automatic emergency service contact in case of severe car accidents.
The iPhone 17e will be available in black, white, and a new soft pink finish, with prices starting at £599.
Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, highlighted that the iPhone 17e combines powerful performance and beloved features at a great value, making it an attractive choice for customers seeking to upgrade within the iPhone 17 series. Designed for longevity, the iPhone 17e features the A19 chip for exceptional performance, doubled storage capacity, an advanced camera system, and enhanced durability.