Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 17e, a new iteration of its most affordable smartphone. The device features the latest A19 processor, a 48 MP camera, and MagSafe technology. Simultaneously, the Cupertino-based company has updated the iPad Air line, equipping it with the M4 chips. Despite global turbulence in the semiconductor market, the manufacturer has decided to maintain the previous starting prices while offering twice the storage capacity.
iPhone 17e Debut
The new budget model receives the A19 processor, a 48 MP camera, and support for MagSafe technology while maintaining the previous price.
Dual Memory Upgrade
Apple has decided to double both the RAM and storage in the iPhone 17e model, offering 256 GB as standard.
iPad Air with M4 Chip
The refreshed Air tablet line transitions to the M4 architecture, which was previously reserved exclusively for the Pro series.
T-Mobile and SpaceX Collaboration
Telecom companies plan to use the Starlink constellation to eliminate mobile coverage dead zones in Europe by the end of 2027.
Apple has refreshed its product portfolio, focusing on the budget and mid-range segments. The main announcement is the iPhone 17e, which replaces previous SE-series models and — according to some sources — also the base iPhone 16e. The new smartphone is characterized by the use of the modern A19 processor, which represents a significant performance leap in this price category. Apple has opted for an aggressive market strategy, maintaining the entry price at $599 in the USA, which translates to approximately €719 in Europe (PLN 2999 in Poland). A key improvement is the doubling of the base operational and mass storage, which now stands at 256 GB in the cheapest variant. Furthermore, the device now supports the magnetic charging system MagSafe, opening up the wide ecosystem of accessories to users of cheaper iPhones. Alongside the smartphone launch, Apple has released a new generation of iPad Air tablets. These devices are now powered by M4 chips, previously known only from the most expensive Pro models. This move aligns with a broader market trend where the barrier between professional and consumer hardware is further blurring. Commentators, however, point to the challenges facing the entire industry, including the sharp rise in component costs, especially RAM. Experts suggest Apple is trying to compensate for these costs by increasing sales volume in the popular device segment, which some media describe as a "fight for every penny" in the face of a saturated premium market. Since 2016, the SE series (now 17e) has served as Apple's tool for attracting users from the Android ecosystem, offering an entry point to the company's digital services at a lower financial threshold. Beyond hardware news, this day also brought important telecommunications announcements. The German giant Deutsche Telekom and T-Mobile announced a strengthening of cooperation with the company SpaceX. The goal of the partnership is to utilize Starlink satellites to eliminate so-called white spots, i.e., areas lacking mobile coverage in Europe. The project envisions the introduction of a new generation of satellites by mid-2027, which is expected to enable data transmission at speeds of up to 150 Mb/s directly to smartphones. This initiative is crucial for public safety and the digital development of rural areas, offering stable connectivity where building ground-based masts is unprofitable. „Our goal has always been to deliver the best technologies in a way that is accessible to as many people as possible.” — Tim Cook Evolution of the Budget iPhone: Processor: Apple A15/A16 → Apple A19; Base Storage: 128 GB → 256 GB; Main Camera: 12 MP → 48 MP; Charging: Lightning/Qi → MagSafe/USB-C