Apple Introduces the $599 iPhone 17e: More Storage, MagSafe and Enhanced Performance

Apple has officially expanded its smartphone lineup with the introduction of the iPhone 17e. Priced at $599 — the same starting price as last year’s model — the new device delivers meaningful upgrades while keeping its budget-friendly positioning. Notably, the base model now starts with 256GB of storage, effectively doubling the capacity. A new pink color option has also been added.

The iPhone 17e is powered by the same A19 chip found in the base iPhone 17, ensuring strong performance for everyday tasks as well as support for Apple Intelligence, the company’s suite of AI-powered features.

One of the most significant additions this year is the return of MagSafe charging. With Qi2 support, the iPhone 17e can now charge wirelessly at 15W — a major upgrade from the 7.5W limitation of the previous model.

Apple has also equipped the device with its new C1X cellular modem, which the company claims is up to twice as fast as the C1 modem used in the iPhone 16e. The 6.1-inch Super Retina display is protected by Ceramic Shield 2, offering up to three times better scratch resistance and reduced glare compared to the previous generation.

On the camera front, the 48-megapixel Fusion camera returns. Using a single hardware sensor, it delivers dual camera pipelines, including an optical-quality 2x telephoto experience — essentially providing the functionality of two cameras in one.

The iPhone 17e is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance and supports Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite. Externally, it closely resembles its predecessor, maintaining the same overall design, notch, and button layout.

Apple continues to promise all-day battery life, now supported by the efficiency of the C1X modem and the advanced power management of iOS 26.

Pre-orders begin on March 4, with availability starting March 11.