iPhone 17e announced with A19 chip, double the storage and MagSafe price, release date and all the upgrades

Published: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 2:26 pm

Apple Announces iPhone 17e with Enhanced Features and Same Price

Apple has unveiled the iPhone 17e, the latest addition to its budget-friendly lineup. The new device boasts several upgrades while maintaining the same starting price as its predecessor. The iPhone 17e features the A19 chip, also found in the iPhone 17 series and the iPhone Air, promising improved performance.

A key highlight is the doubling of base storage to 256GB, with a 512GB option available. The device also incorporates MagSafe compatibility, a feature previously absent in the iPhone 16e. The display has been upgraded with a more durable design and a new pink color option.

The iPhone 17e retains the 6.1-inch OLED display and 48MP main camera from the previous model. It will be available in three colors: Black, White, and Soft Pink. The phone will retail for $599 for the 256GB model and $799 for the 512GB model.

Connectivity has been enhanced with the latest-generation C1X cellular modem, offering up to twice the speed of the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e. The Ceramic Shield 2 front cover, found in the iPhone 17 lineup, has been added to the iPhone 17e, promising improved scratch resistance and reduced glare.

The iPhone 17e can charge up to 50% in approximately 30 minutes using fast wired charging via USB-C. Wireless charging is also improved, with MagSafe and Qi2 supporting up to 15W charging.

Pre-orders begin on Wednesday, March 4, with full availability starting March 11. While the device offers improvements in performance, storage, and connectivity, the camera system remains unchanged.

BNN's Perspective: The iPhone 17e appears to be a solid incremental upgrade, offering enhanced features at the same price point. The inclusion of MagSafe and the increased base storage are welcome additions. While the unchanged camera system may disappoint some, the overall package presents a compelling option for consumers seeking a more affordable iPhone.

Keywords: iPhone 17e, Apple, A19 chip, MagSafe, storage, price, release date, upgrades, OLED display, 48MP camera, C1X modem, Ceramic Shield 2, fast charging, wireless charging, budget phone, new iPhone

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