Apple iPhone 17e, iPad Air Features, Prices, Specs (Complete Guide)
Apple opened a new week of product launches on Monday with the introduction of a refreshed low-cost iPhone and an upgraded iPad Air, signaling the start of what appears to be a broader multi-day hardware push.
The headline announcement is the iPhone 17e, a new budget model in the iPhone 17 lineup that starts at $599, positioning it below the $799 standard iPhone 17. The launch highlights Apple’s strategy to strengthen its position in the mid-tier smartphone market, where it faces stronger competition from more affordable devices.
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Apple also introduced an updated iPad Air, which keeps its existing design and pricing but adds a faster M4 chip for improved performance.
iPhone 17e: Apple’s New Mid-Range Smartphone
The iPhone 17e is designed to compete directly with lower-priced smartphones from companies such as Samsung, Google, and Chinese phone makers, particularly in markets where buyers are more price sensitive.
Despite its lower price, the device includes several upgrades compared with the previous entry-level model.
Key Features of the iPhone 17e
- 6.1-inch display (same size as previous model)
- Tougher glass for improved durability
- Apple A19 chip
- New C1X modem
- MagSafe charging support
- 256GB starting storage, double the base capacity of last year’s version
- Apple Intelligence support
By adding more storage and new features while keeping the starting price at $599, Apple appears to be making its entry-level iPhone more appealing without reducing the price of its flagship models.
The smartphone will be available in pink, black, and white.
- Preorders begin: March 4
- In-store availability: March 11
Apple Updates iPad Air With Faster M4 Chip
Alongside the new iPhone, Apple also refreshed the iPad Air lineup.
The updated tablets keep the same design and pricing but now run on Apple’s M4 chip, replacing the previous M3 processor.
iPad Air Pricing
| Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 11-inch iPad Air | $599 |
| 13-inch iPad Air | $799 |
Apple said the new processor delivers up to 30% faster performance compared with the previous generation.
The new iPad Air also features:
- Faster wireless performance
- Improved cellular connectivity on models with mobile data
Building Momentum in the Tablet Market
The iPad refresh comes after strong performance in Apple’s tablet business during the holiday quarter.
According to the company, roughly half of iPad buyers during the most recent holiday season were purchasing their first iPad, indicating continued demand from new customers.
By updating the tablet with faster chips rather than redesigning the device, Apple appears to be focusing on performance improvements to sustain momentum in the category.
More Apple Announcements Expected This Week
The company has indicated that additional product announcements are planned over the next several days as part of its latest launch cycle.
Apple has also told its retail stores to prepare for a large surge in customers, according to a Bloomberg report.
That level of preparation suggests Apple expects at least one of the new products announced this week to attract broad mainstream interest, rather than just upgrades from existing users.