Apple has officially announced its latest smartphone, the iPhone 17e, confirming what many had anticipated. Following on from the iPhone 16e, this new model continues Apple’s trend of offering key features at a more budget-friendly price compared to its premium counterparts.
Priced at £599 to start, the iPhone 17e is over £200 cheaper than the iPhone 17 and £500 less than the 17 Pro. It now comes with a standard 256GB storage, doubling the base capacity of its predecessor.
Enhancing the performance, Apple has incorporated the speedy A19 chip, a significant improvement over the A18 processor in the 16e. The phone also features Apple’s latest C1X cellular modem, promising faster speeds for downloads and smoother streaming on cellular networks.
The front of the iPhone 17e boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with vivid visuals, protected by Apple’s durable Ceramic Shield glass. Improved anti-reflective technology reduces glare for better visibility in bright conditions.
A notable addition is MagSafe, absent in the 16e, which enables faster wireless charging and easy attachment of compatible accessories like wallets and stands to the back of the phone.
For photography enthusiasts, the 17e is equipped with a 48MP Fusion camera that effectively provides two focal lengths in one sensor, simplifying zooming and composing shots. It supports 4K video recording with Dolby Vision at up to 60 frames per second.
Safety features are a priority, including Emergency SOS via satellite for sending messages without cellular coverage and Crash Detection to automatically notify emergency services in case of a serious car accident.
Available in black, white, and a new soft pink finish, the iPhone 17e starts at £599, offering a compelling combination of performance and value, as described by Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing.