Apple has unveiled the iPhone 17e, a lower-priced addition to the iPhone 17 line-up. It raises the starting storage to 256GB while keeping the starting price at US$599. The handset will be available in black, white and a new soft pink. Orders open on March 4 and shipping starts from March 11, Apple said.
For Australian buyers, Apple has listed the iPhone 17e from A$999 for the 256GB model. The 512GB version is priced from A$1,399. Pre-orders are set to begin at 1:15am AEDT on March 5. Local availability starts from March 11.
The update centres on the A19 chip, built on 3 nanometre technology. It also includes Apple’s latest C1X modem. Apple says the C1X is up to twice as fast as the C1 used in the iPhone 16e.
Apple said it is designed to improve efficiency as well as performance. The iPhone 17e ships with iOS 26. Apple is positioning it as a more accessible way into Apple Intelligence features.
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The camera system also improves. Apple is fitting the 17e with a 48MP Fusion camera. It uses computational photography to deliver what Apple describes as a two-in-one setup.
It pairs the main sensor with an optical quality 2x Telephoto option. Video goes up to 4K Dolby Vision at up to 60 frames per second.
Hardware changes focus on durability and charging. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display gets Ceramic Shield 2. Apple says it offers three times better scratch resistance than the previous generation and reduced glare.
The body is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance. MagSafe is also coming to the “e” model. It has Qi2 support for wireless charging up to 15W, along with USB-C for wired charging.
Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, said in a press release: “A compelling option for customers looking to upgrade to the iPhone 17 family.”
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