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It looks like Apple is definitely deciding to make its more affordable "e" iPhone models an annual release. While the iPhone SE was sporadically announced, the company has backed up last year's iPhone 16e announcement today with the new iPhone 17e.
The most immediate win for Australian consumers is the storage capacity. Apple has finally ditched the 128GB floor, starting the iPhone 17e at 256GB for the same $999 entry price we saw last year.
Under the hood, the device is powered by the A19 chip. Built on a 3-nanometer process, this is modern silicon designed to handle the generative AI tasks found in iOS 26.
We also see the introduction of the C1X cellular modem, which Apple claims is twice as fast as the previous generation while being 30 per cent more power-efficient.
Modern features and toughened glass
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display now features Ceramic Shield 2. This updated glass offers three times better scratch resistance than the previous generation, which should help the phone maintain its trade-in value over time.
Apple has also added a new coating to help reduce glare, a welcome change for anyone trying to use their phone in the harsh Australian sun.
The Action button has also made its way to the 17e, replacing the traditional mute switch. This allows users to set physical shortcuts for the torch, camera, or the new visual intelligence features.
“With A19 for incredible performance, double the entry storage, a smarter camera system, and enhanced durability, iPhone 17e is designed to stay fast, secure, and valuable for years to come,” said Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, Kaiann Drance.
Refined cameras and satellite safety
The camera system uses a 48MP Fusion setup similar to the iPhone Air, that essentially acts as two lenses in one, providing an optical-quality 2x Telephoto zoom. The updated image pipeline now handles portraits more intelligently, allowing you to adjust the focus point of a photo after you’ve already taken it.
On the safety front, the iPhone 17e retains Apple’s satellite capabilities. This includes Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance via satellite, which is particularly relevant for Australians travelling through the vast areas of the country that sit outside traditional mobile coverage.
Pricing and availability
The iPhone 17e is available to pre-odrer from Thursday, 5 March in black, white, and a new soft pink. The phone will ship from Wednesday 11 March.
There are two storage capacities:
- 256GB Model: $999
- 512GB Model: $1,169
