Get ready for a game-changer: Apple is rumored to be launching the iPhone 17e soon, and it’s packing some serious upgrades. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite soaring costs in RAM and storage, Apple might keep the price tag at a surprisingly affordable $599. Could this be the budget-friendly powerhouse we’ve all been waiting for? Let’s dive in.
According to tech insider Mark Gurman, the iPhone 17e will feature the advanced A19 chip, borrowed from the flagship iPhone 17 lineup, along with MagSafe charging and Apple’s in-house cellular chips. And this is the part most people miss—Apple is reportedly targeting emerging markets and enterprises with this device, seeing a gap in the market as competitors like Google’s Pixel 10a stall and Samsung focuses on premium models. Is Apple about to dominate the mid-range smartphone space?
But the iPhone 17e isn’t the only update on the horizon. Apple is also expected to refresh its iPad lineup, with the base-model iPad getting an A18 chip (hello, Apple Intelligence support!) and the iPad Air switching to an M4 processor and a stunning OLED display. Plus, MacBook fans can look forward to spec-bumped MacBook Pros and a MacBook Air with an M5 processor, all likely arriving by early March.
Terrence O'Brien, The Verge’s weekend editor and a seasoned tech journalist with over 18 years of experience (including a decade as managing editor at Engadget), brings this exciting update to light. With so many innovations on the table, one can’t help but wonder: Is Apple’s strategy to dominate every price point, or are they stretching themselves too thin? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on whether this move will pay off or backfire!
