The most affordable smartphone in Apple’s current lineup is the new iPhone 17e, which starts at $599. The regular iPhone 17, announced last September, starts at $799. In this post, we tell you about all the wonderful upgrades you get by paying an extra $200!
iPhone 17e is Apple’s latest and most affordable smartphone in its current lineup. It’s a big improvement over last year’s iPhone 16e, with notable refinements like 256 GB of base storage, MagSafe support, stronger Ceramic Shield 2 display protection, A19 chip, and faster wireless charging. It comes in white, black, and a new soft pink finish, and each has its own corresponding marketing wallpaper, which you can download in high quality from here.
Apple announced the newest model of its most affordable iPhone, the iPhone 17e, via a press release on March 2, 2026.
Compared to last year’s iPhone 16e, the new iPhone 17e has more base storage, supports MagSafe accessories, and comes in a new pink color, which can appeal to many buyers.
Apple’s iPhone 17e is set to drop the outdated notch for a sleek Dynamic Island, and get an A19 chip, but don't expect it to arrive before spring 2026.
Apple should release the iPhone 17e sometime next spring, featuring the same OLED panel as the iPhone 16e that launched in February 2025.
There will allegedly be an “iPhone 17e” as Apple is rumored to have kicked off trial production of this mid-range smartphone.