Apple’s entry-level iPhone is getting a new edition: The iPhone 17e looks identical to its predecessor, but promises some upgrades under the hood.
As a successor to the iPhone 16e (for testing) It is the cheapest model of the current iPhone generation. It houses the current A19 chip and the improved C1X cellular modem is also used.
Externally, Apple is once again relying on the classic “notch”, which was first introduced with the iPhone X in 2017. The pill-shaped “Dynamic Island” of the more expensive sibling models is also denied to the 17e.
The 6.1-inch display, which is identical to its predecessor, comes with the more scratch-resistant “Ceramic Shield 2” display glass. Since there is no mention of a “ProMotion display” in the Apple report, the iPhone is probably back to a not entirely up-to-date refresh rate of 60 Hz.
There is only space for a single 48 MP camera on the back. Similar to the iPhone Air (test) According to Apple, this should offer a double zoom “in optical quality” – we are excited to see how the lens performs in our test.
A real advantage over the successor: The entry-level iPhone now finally supports Magsafe, meaning it can be expanded and charged with magnetic accessories.
Same price but with twice the storage
The iPhone 17e will be released on March 11th in black, white and pink. It can be pre-ordered from Wednesday, March 4th. As with the previous version, the starting price is 699 euros – but you now get twice as much storage space, 256 GB. There is no longer a 128 GB version like the 16e.
Announced parallel to the Mobile World Congress
On the Mobile World Congress 2026 (MWC) in Barcelona these days, cell phone manufacturers from all over the world are once again presenting their new devices – Apple is staying away from the trade fair as usual and has presented the iPhone 17e as well as a new iPad Air via press release. On March 4th, a “Special Apple Experience“The event mentioned will be followed by further announcements.
CHIP at MWC 2026 in Barcelona
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