Apple is set to maintain its aggressive entry-level pricing for the next generation of its budget-friendly smartphone. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the upcoming iPhone 17e will launch at $599, the same price point as its predecessor. With the iPhone 16e now roughly a year old, this “imminent” successor aims to offer premium performance at a more accessible price.
Read: The Switch overtakes the DS as Nintendo best-selling console
Despite its lower cost, the iPhone 17e is expected to pack significant hardware upgrades that bring it closer to Apple’s flagship lineup:
- A19 Chip: The device will reportedly feature the same high-performance processor found in the base iPhone 17.
- Proprietary Connectivity: It is slated to include Apple’s latest in-house cellular and wireless chips.
- MagSafe Integration: The new model will finally support MagSafe charging, expanding its compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem of accessories.
The iPhone 17e arrives as a direct competitor to Google’s anticipated Pixel 10a, with Apple specifically targeting enterprise clients and emerging economies. While the previous iPhone 16e faced criticism for its limited camera capabilities compared to flagship models, the inclusion of the A19 chip may provide the performance “tailwinds” needed to attract price-sensitive buyers.
Apple is currently forecasting strong growth across Asia, particularly in China and India. Despite stiff competition from local manufacturers in overseas markets, iPhone sales have seen a notable resurgence in China, and the $599 price point is expected to be a key driver in sustaining that momentum throughout 2026.
