Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 17e imminently, signalling an update to its lowest-cost smartphone that focuses on internal upgrades rather than changes to overall design.
In the latest edition of the Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple plans to position the iPhone 17e as a more capable entry point into its ecosystem.
Apple plans to bring the A19 chip to the iPhone 17e, extending the same performance baseline introduced with the iPhone 17 lineup to its lowest-priced model.
That processor upgrade would narrow the performance gap between Apple’s entry-level and midrange phones, particularly for everyday tasks and long-term software support across multiple iOS versions.
Gurman also reports that Apple plans to add MagSafe support, addressing one of the most notable omissions from the current low-cost iPhone generation.
MagSafe compatibility would allow the iPhone 17e to support Apple’s expanding ecosystem of chargers, wallets, and accessories that higher-end models already use.
The report further suggests Apple will include its latest C1X cellular modem, reflecting a broader effort to bring more in-house connectivity hardware into mainstream devices.
Apple will pair the new modem with its N1 chip to handle Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Thread connectivity, bringing the iPhone 17e in line with newer smart home standards.
Despite these additions, Gurman reports that Apple plans to keep the iPhone 17e’s starting price at $599, matching the launch price of the iPhone 16e.
Holding the same price while adding features would strengthen Apple’s position in the lower-mid smartphone segment, where competition has intensified over the past two years.
Those trade-offs echo earlier leaks indicating the iPhone 17e may not receive a meaningful display upgrade, despite expectations of broader hardware improvements across the lineup.
Apple reportedly plans to market the iPhone 17e heavily to enterprise buyers and users in emerging markets, where reliability and ecosystem integration often outweigh premium hardware features.
Gurman notes that reduced pressure from competitors like Google and Samsung could give Apple more room to push the iPhone 17e as a default choice in its price bracket.
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