Apple announced the lower-priced iPhone 17e, starting at $599, to expand its smartphone lineup and counter concerns about its standing in artificial intelligence. The new device launches on March 11 and is a pared-back version of the iPhone 17.
Key points
- The iPhone 17e has the same processor as the iPhone 17 but a smaller screen, one camera instead of two, and lacks the Dynamic Island bar.
- The launch follows the introduction of the iPhone 16e last year, suggesting increased demand for cheaper phones.
- The new model costs $200 less than the iPhone 17 and may boost adoption of Apple Intelligence by appealing to users with older phones.
- The launch occurs during a challenging time for the smartphone industry, with IDC estimating a 6.8% global market decline in Q1 due to the memory shortage driven by AI.
- Apple also announced a new version of the iPad Air on Monday.
- The iPhone 17e includes a new cellular modem claimed to be twice as fast as the one in the iPhone 16e.
Why it matters
The iPhone 17's success has been instrumental in quelling Wall Street's concerns about Apple's position in the AI race, and the 17e aims to further boost adoption of Apple's AI features.
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