By adx
Apple has unveiled its newest smartphone, the Apple iPhone 17e, a more affordable but still powerful addition to the iPhone family.
The announcement was made on 2 March 2026 in Cupertino, California, and it’s designed to bring many of the features found in Apple’s high-end models to a wider group of users around the world.
Apple says the iPhone 17e will start retailing at about US $599 (roughly KES 80,000-90,000 depending on exchange rates) with 256 GB of storage, double the space compared with the previous entry-level model without raising the price. Pre-orders begin 4 March, and general availability starts 11 March in over 70 countries.
The iPhone 17e keeps the popular 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, which is perfect for watching videos, browsing social media, and gaming, but now with much stronger durability thanks to Ceramic Shield 2, which resists scratches and glare even under bright sun.
Under the hood, it runs on Apple’s latest A19 chip, meaning faster performance whether you’re switching between apps, editing photos, or playing demanding games. It also includes Apple’s new C1X modem, which improves cellular speed and efficiency.
The camera system has been upgraded too. The new 48-megapixel Fusion camera captures sharper, more detailed photos, and includes an optical-quality 2× telephoto, basically two cameras in one. Video recording is in stunning 4K with Dolby Vision, making it great for capturing life’s moments.
For safety and connectivity, the iPhone 17e includes satellite features like Emergency SOS, messaging via satellite, and Find My location services when there’s no cellular or Wi-Fi signal, a big advantage for travellers or people in remote areas.
A first for this more budget-oriented iPhone, MagSafe charging is supported, meaning you can use magnetic chargers, wallets, and other accessories easily. Charging is quicker too, with up to 50 % battery in about 30 minutes using a USB-C charger.