Apple unveils iPhone 17e at $599

Apple’s iPhone 17e is here, and $599 buys more than it used to. The new model, with preorders open on March 4, packs the A19 chip, doubles storage to 256GB, restores MagSafe, and ships with Apple Intelligence built in. The iPhone:

• Restores MagSafe and adds Qi2, boosting wireless charging to 15W, and comes in white, black, and a soft pink color (similar to that of iPhone 15).
• Has a new 48MP main camera delivers 2x optical‑quality zoom, improved low‑light performance, and Dolby Vision 4K/60 video capture.
• Incorporates in its on‑device Apple Intelligence suite, enabling features like smarter photo cleanup, call screening, and translation.

It is also rolling out a refreshed iPad Air alongside the 17e, a modest update built around Apple Intelligence with newer silicon and a longer support window.

Apple is turning its entry phone into the default Apple Intelligence device, pushing flagship‑class silicon, more storage, and modern charging down to $599. That raises the floor for what a midrange phone — and even Apple’s entry‑level iPad — has to deliver, and puts real pressure on Android makers.