Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman states that Apple’s iPhone 17e, due imminently, will maintain the $599 entry-level price of its predecessor while incorporating MagSafe charging and the A19 chip from the iPhone 17 base model.
The iPhone 16e, announced approximately one year ago, served as Apple’s more affordable smartphone option. Reviews of the iPhone 16e highlighted its limited camera capabilities, especially in comparison to the iPhone 17, which launched a few months after the budget model’s debut.
In his latest Power On report, Gurman details further enhancements for the iPhone 17e. The device will feature Apple’s latest in-house cellular and wireless chips, building on the core processor upgrade to the A19 chip shared with the higher-end iPhone 17 base model.
These specifications enable the iPhone 17e to compete directly with Google’s Pixel 10a in the budget smartphone segment, all while preserving the unchanged $599 price point that defines Apple’s entry-level iPhone strategy.
Gurman indicates that Apple plans to direct the iPhone 17e toward specific markets, including emerging economies and enterprise users, to broaden its reach in segments sensitive to cost and functionality.
Apple encounters increased competition in overseas markets, yet iPhone sales have shown resurgence in China. The company projects robust sales performance for iPhones throughout Asia, with particular strength anticipated in China and India.
