SAN FRANCISCO: Apple is preparing to launch a more affordable version of its next-generation smartphone, the iPhone 17e, featuring upgraded hardware and new connectivity capabilities, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The iPhone 17e is expected to follow last year’s iPhone 16e, a lower-cost model that relied on older components to keep prices down. Unlike its predecessor, however, the new device is set to receive significant performance upgrades.
The iPhone 17e will be powered by the same advanced processor as the standard iPhone 17, marking a notable shift in Apple’s strategy for its budget-friendly models.
The device is also expected to feature Apple’s in-house cellular modem and Wi-Fi chips, further reducing the company’s reliance on external suppliers.
In another first for Apple’s lower-priced lineup, the iPhone 17e is reportedly set to support wireless MagSafe charging, a feature previously reserved for higher-end models.
Despite the hardware improvements, Apple is not expected to raise the price. The iPhone 17e is likely to retain its $599 or £599 price tag, making it one of the most competitively priced iPhones with flagship-level performance.
Apple formally unveiled its broader iPhone 17 lineup during its annual product event on September 9, 2025, introducing several major updates across its device ecosystem.
The company revealed the iPhone 17 series alongside a new ultra-slim model dubbed the iPhone Air, updated Apple Watch models, and the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3.
The iPhone Air emerged as the centrepiece of the event, measuring just 5.6 millimetres thick and earning the title of Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date.
The device is part of a multi-year redesign strategy aimed at redefining the iPhone’s form factor. Alongside it, the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max were also introduced, featuring upgraded cameras and refined designs.
In wearables, Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 11, which brings 5G connectivity, improved durability, and enhanced health-monitoring features, including hypertension alerts.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 debuted with satellite connectivity, a larger edge-to-edge display, and up to 42 hours of battery life.
Apple also refreshed its entry-level smartwatch with the Apple Watch SE 3, adding an always-on display, the faster S10 processor, sleep apnea detection, and 5G support, with prices starting at $249.
