Highlights
- iPhone 17e will feature the A19 chipset, MagSafe charging up to 25W, Apple’s new C1X modem, N1 networking chip and potentially UWB support.
- Apple plans to keep the starting price unchanged at $599 (approx. ₹54,250).
- Accessory makers suggest the release could happen around February 19, likely via a press release.
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17e is shaping up to be one of the company’s most affordable launches yet. Successor to last year’s first-generation iPhone 16e, the new model is expected to bring several meaningful upgrades while keeping its pricing intact. Here’s what we know.
iPhone 17e Expected Upgrades
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone 17e is expected to arrive “imminently.” Gurman reports that the iPhone 17e will feature at least four notable upgrades. These include the new A19 chipset, support for MagSafe charging, a next-generation cellular modem, and improved wireless connectivity.
As Gurman explains, “The new iPhone 17e, which replaces the 16e from a year ago, is due imminently. The big changes include the device getting the A19 chip from the iPhone 17 and MagSafe charging. And it’s shifting to Apple’s newest in-house cellular and wireless chips, I can confirm. I’ve also been told that the company is planning to keep pricing the same, at $599, setting up a simple advertising pitch: You’ll get more features for the same cost.”
Overall, the iPhone 17e is expected to follow a straightforward upgrade path.
Along with the new chipset and MagSafe support, the phone is likely to feature Apple’s updated wireless components including the C1X modem and the new N1 networking chip. For reference, Apple’s first in-house modem the C1 debuted with the iPhone 16e, while the upgraded C1X modem and N1 chip were introduced alongside the iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air.
iPhone 17e Price Expectations
Reports suggest Apple will continue to sell the iPhone 17e at a starting price of $599, roughly Rs 54,250, the same as the iPhone 16e at launch. Gurman notes that despite adding new hardware features.
Apple is expected to position the iPhone 17e as a key offering for emerging markets and enterprise users. This approach could help the company regain ground lost to rivals like Google and Samsung, both of which have recently scaled back their presence in the budget smartphone segment.
iPhone 17e Launch Timeline
Adding to the speculation, Macworld reports that accessory makers have already begun preparing cases and accessories for the iPhone 17e. This suggests the launch could happen as early as February 19.
While Apple has not officially confirmed any date, suppliers often receive early signals through production and logistics planning.
Interestingly, February 19 falls on a Thursday, which is not Apple’s usual launch day. However, since the iPhone 16e was announced last year through a press release rather than a full event, Apple may opt for another low-key announcement this time as well.
iPhone 17e – What To Expect?
One of the biggest additions expected this year is MagSafe support. Until now, Apple’s budget iPhone lineup has relied on slower Qi wireless charging capped at 7.5W. Reports indicate that the iPhone 17e could support MagSafe charging speeds of up to 25W, a significant jump that would make everyday charging far more convenient.
This change was initially reported by The Information and has since been backed by multiple industry sources, suggesting that Apple’s lower-cost iPhone may finally shed some of its compromises.
Design-wise, major changes are unlikely. The iPhone 17e is expected to retain a single rear camera and the familiar notch. However, there are rumours that Apple could introduce the Dynamic Island to this model.
Internally, the phone is expected to be a big step forward. The which will also power the flagship iPhone 17 series. Apple’s newer C1X modem is expected to improve both 5G and LTE reliability, while the N1 chip could enable support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
Another feature to watch is ultra-wideband (UWB) support. The iPhone 16e did not include UWB, limiting features such as Precision Finding for AirTags. With Apple having recently announced a new AirTag, adding UWB to the iPhone 17e would make sense, although this upgrade has not yet been confirmed.
FAQs
Q1. What are the major upgrades in the iPhone 17e compared to the iPhone 16e?
Answer. The iPhone 17e introduces the A19 chipset, MagSafe charging (up to 25W), Apple’s new C1X modem, N1 networking chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and potentially ultra-wideband (UWB) support for features like Precision Finding.
Q2. Will the iPhone 17e be more expensive than the iPhone 16e?
Answer. No, Apple plans to keep the starting price unchanged at $599 (approx. ₹54,250), the same as the iPhone 16e, despite adding new hardware features.
Q3. When is the iPhone 17e expected to launch?
Answer. Accessory makers suggest the launch could happen around February 19, likely via a press release rather than a major event, similar to the iPhone 16e’s announcement.