The new iPhone 17E offers entry-level features, as Apple gears up for the iPhone Fold's debut later this year.
Category: Technology
Apple has officially launched its latest entry-level smartphone, the iPhone 17E, priced at $599. This model is part of the iPhone 17 lineup and comes with several notable upgrades over its predecessor, the iPhone 16E. With double the starting storage capacity at 256GB, MagSafe compatibility, and a faster A19 chip, the iPhone 17E aims to provide a solid option for those looking for a reliable device without breaking the bank.
At first glance, the iPhone 17E features a 6.1-inch OLED display, which is the smallest in the current lineup. In comparison, the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models boast slightly larger displays at 6.3 inches, and the iPhone Air has a 6.5-inch screen, with the Pro Max leading the pack at 6.9 inches. One of the trade-offs of the iPhone 17E is its 60Hz refresh rate, a step down from the 120Hz variable refresh rate available on the Air and the other iPhone 17 models. This means that animations may not be as smooth, and users will miss out on the always-on display feature. For those upgrading from older models, like the iPhone 16, the difference may not be particularly noticeable.
Design-wise, the iPhone 17E lacks the Dynamic Island feature that has become a hallmark of the more premium iPhone models, as well as a physical Camera Control button. It is encased in an aluminum frame and protected by Ceramic Shield 2, matching the durability of its more expensive siblings. Weighing in at 169 grams, the 17E is slightly heavier than the iPhone Air, which weighs 165 grams.
When it comes to photography, the iPhone 17E is equipped with a single 48-megapixel rear camera. This is similar to the configuration found in the iPhone Air, which also features a single 48-megapixel camera. In comparison, the iPhone 17 has a dual-camera setup, and the Pro and Pro Max models are equipped with three cameras, including a telephoto lens. The 17E's front-facing camera is a 12-megapixel shooter, again lacking the more advanced 18-megapixel camera found in the higher-end models. Notably, the iPhone 17E does not include the Center Stage feature, which allows for automatic switching between portrait and landcape modes, a feature available on the Air and other models.
In terms of storage and processing capabilities, the iPhone 17E's 256GB base storage is a welcome upgrade, bringing it in line with the rest of the iPhone 17 series. It also features the A19 chip, which offers efficient processing power. The iPhone 17E has a battery capacity of 4,005 mAh, slightly larger than the iPhone 17's 3,692 mAh battery and the Air's 3,149 mAh battery. This battery should support a decent performance, especially with the efficiency of the A19 processor and iOS 26's power management features. Users can also take advantage of MagSafe technology, which allows for magnetic charging and accessories, a feature that was missing in the previous 16E model.
As Apple rolls out the iPhone 17E, it is also gearing up for the highly anticipated iPhone Fold, which has just entered trial production at Foxconn. Reports indicate that if all goes smoothly, the iPhone Fold will launch alongside the iPhone 18 range in September 2026. This foldable device is said to have all physical buttons on the right side, leaving the left side clear, and is expected to be equipped with a 3D-printed hinge, a feature that could set it apart from other foldable smartphones on the market.
According to leaker Instant Digital on Weibo, the iPhone Fold is currently undergoing production tests. "If there is no accident, the iPhone Fold folding screen will be sold simultaneously around July like the iPhone 18 Pro," the leaker stated, indicating that Apple is on track with its production schedule. This aligns with Apple's tradition of launching new iPhones in September, making the upcoming months particularly exciting for Apple fans.
The iPhone Fold is expected to be priced around $2,000, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has set the standard for foldable devices. Analysts suggest that the iPhone Fold could potentially disrupt the folding phone market, as Apple typically introduces innovative features that capture consumer interest.
Meanwhile, as Apple prepares for the launch of its foldable phone, the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 are expected to have very familiar designs with minimal visual changes. The iPhone Air 2 is likely to retain a single rear camera and is projected to ship later this year, contrary to earlier rumors that suggested a 2027 release. The iPhone 18, on the other hand, will remain largely unchanged in design, with minor dimension tweaks anticipated.
In terms of features, the Dynamic Island will continue to be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro models, with no such feature expected on the more affordable versions. The iPhone 18 Pro may also introduce new color options, potentially including shades like red or coffee brown.
As Apple continues to innovate and expand its iPhone lineup, the introduction of the iPhone 17E and the impending launch of the iPhone Fold signify the company's commitment to meeting diverse consumer needs. With each new release, Apple enhances its product offerings and shapes the future of mobile technology.
The next few months will be particularly telling for Apple as it navigates the launch of its new devices. With the iPhone Fold on the horizon and the iPhone 18 range expected to follow closely behind, consumers and tech enthusiasts alike closely to see how these advancements will impact the smartphone market.