Apple’s first hardware launch of 2026 is the new iPhone 17e, following the underwhelming reception of last year’s iPhone 16e. Priced at $599, the iPhone 17e introduces important upgrades, including MagSafe, but it keeps the same 6.1-inch OLED display and 60 Hz refresh rate as the previous model.
MagSafe Upgrade in iPhone 17e
One of the standout upgrades in the iPhone 17e is the inclusion of MagSafe, Apple’s magnetic charging system. Unlike the iPhone 16e, which lacked this feature, the iPhone 17e now supports faster magnetic wireless charging at 15 watts. This also gives users access to MagSafe accessories, adding versatility to the device.
Display and Design
The iPhone 17e retains the 6.1-inch OLED display and the same old-school notch design, meaning it doesn’t feature the sleek Dynamic Island available in the higher-end models. While the display doesn’t have ProMotion’s 120 Hz refresh rate, it still benefits from the durable Ceramic Shield 2 glass, making it tough enough to withstand everyday use.
iPhone 17e Performance and Features
Powered by the A19 chipset, the iPhone 17e offers solid performance but has one less graphics core than the iPhone 17. While this reduces its graphics performance slightly, it still provides a reliable experience. The iPhone 17e comes with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, a step up from its predecessor.
Despite the lack of a 120 Hz display, the iPhone 17e provides significant value for its price, making it a worthy option for those seeking a budget-friendly iPhone with improved features like MagSafe.
The iPhone 17e is available for preorder today and will be officially released on March 11.
