iPhone 17e: Apple revises its entry-level smartphone
Apple is adding an entry-level model to the popular iPhone 17 series. The 17e addresses a peculiar feature gap of its predecessor.
(Image: Apple)
Joining the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro is the new 17e: Apple revamped the entry-level model on Monday, completing the 17 series. Externally, the 17e is no different from the 16e: it continues to be based on the iPhone 13/14 design with a 6.1-inch OLED and uses a camera system with a single lens and a 48-megapixel sensor. Pink is new as a third color option.
Apple has updated the components: the A19 chip is used as the processor in the 17e, which made its debut in the iPhone 17 in autumn 2025. The company is also integrating the newer C1X version of its in-house cellular modem.
MagSafe on board
The display coating on the front is now said to be significantly more scratch-resistant than before thanks to "Ceramic Shield 2" – on par with the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, as Apple announced. The more expensive models are distinguished by several display elements that the iPhone 17e still lacks. These include the always-on function, the "Dynamic Island" for displaying background functions, and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz – all of which remain exclusive to the iPhone 17, 17 Pro (Max), and iPhone Air.
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At least MagSafe for contactless charging and magnetic accessories is now on board, which was surprisingly missing from the 16e. This means the iPhone 17e supports Apple's expensive MagSafe accessories as well as Qi2 charging accessories. While not the thinnest, the 17e remains the smallest iPhone in Apple's current lineup with a width and height of 14.7 x 7.2 cm and a thickness of 7.8 mm. Weighing 169 grams according to the manufacturer, it is only a few grams heavier than the iPhone Air.
(Image:Â Apple)
iPhone 17e: Prices, Size, and Colors
The base model now comes with 256 GB of storage instead of the previous 128 GB. The iPhone 17e costs an unchanged 700 Euros from the manufacturer in Germany, making it comparatively expensive – the iPhone 17 can be found in stores for around 850 Euros. The prices of its predecessor, the 16e, were recently closer to the more appropriate 500 Euro mark. In addition to black or white, Apple offers the 17e in "Light Pink"; sales start on March 11th.
With the update on Monday, the iPhone 17e fits into the typical annual cycle in which the manufacturer updates its other smartphone models. Observers expect Apple to deviate from the previously customary release cycle in the future: iPhone 18 Pro (Max) and the foldable "iPhone Fold" are expected in autumn 2026, followed by the base version of the iPhone 18 and the 18e in spring 2027.
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