iPhone 17e Is Apple’s Cheapest New iPhone
Apple’s cheapest new iPhone of 2026 is the iPhone 17e, but its price may not be what many people expect. The device starts at $599 in the United States, making it the entry-level model in the iPhone 17 family. At first glance, $599 may not sound particularly cheap for a smartphone. However, Apple has doubled the base storage compared with the previous generation. The iPhone 17e starts with 256GB of storage, while the previous iPhone 16e started at 128GB at the same $599 price point.
What Do You Get for $599?
The iPhone 17e comes with several features that make it more competitive than its price might suggest. The phone is powered by Apple’s A19 chip, the same generation of processor used in the iPhone 17 lineup. It also features a 48MP Fusion camera, USB-C connectivity, and MagSafe wireless charging. Apple has also equipped the device with Ceramic Shield 2 for improved scratch resistance. The phone is available in three colors: black, white, and soft pink. Buyers can choose between 256GB and 512GB storage options. The 512GB version starts at $799 in the United States.
Why the Price Is Getting Attention
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the iPhone 17e is that Apple has kept the starting price at $599 while increasing the base storage to 256GB. That means consumers are effectively getting twice the starting storage without paying more than they did for the equivalent entry-level iPhone 16e. Macworld noted that, when storage is taken into account, the new model is effectively $100 cheaper than its predecessor. This makes the 17e particularly interesting for people who want a new iPhone but do not want to spend $799 or more on the standard iPhone 17.
How It Compares With the iPhone 17
The standard iPhone 17 starts at $799, while the iPhone 17e begins at $599, creating a $200 difference between the two models. The 17e is therefore aimed at consumers who prioritize Apple’s processor, software, and core iPhone experience over having every premium feature. It does make some compromises. The 17e has a simpler camera setup and lacks some of the more advanced features found on higher-end iPhone models. However, for everyday activities such as messaging, social media, photography, streaming, and general productivity, it remains a powerful option.
The Timing Makes the iPhone 17e Even More Interesting
The iPhone 17e is also arriving at an interesting point in Apple’s product cycle. With Apple preparing to introduce its next-generation iPhone models in September 2026, existing iPhone 17 devices are already receiving discounts from retailers and carriers. That means shoppers now have more choices. Someone looking for the lowest official starting price can consider the iPhone 17e, while customers willing to spend more may find discounted deals on other iPhone 17 models.
What About the Price in Pakistan?
The official U.S. price does not directly translate into the final price in Pakistan. Local prices can vary significantly depending on taxes, import costs, retailer margins, and whether a device is officially approved for local cellular networks. Some Pakistani retailers currently list the iPhone 17e around the Rs 240,000 range, although actual prices can vary by seller, storage capacity, and approval status. So while $599 makes the iPhone 17e Apple’s cheapest new iPhone in the U.S., Pakistani buyers should expect a considerably higher local price.
Is the iPhone 17e Worth Buying?
For buyers who specifically want a new iPhone at the lowest possible official starting price, the iPhone 17e is an appealing choice. Its 256GB starting storage, A19 chip, 48MP camera, MagSafe support, and USB-C port give it a strong feature set for an entry-level iPhone. However, buyers who care heavily about display technology, camera versatility, or premium design may find the additional cost of higher-end models worthwhile. For everyone else, the iPhone 17e shows that Apple’s entry-level iPhone strategy is changing. Instead of simply offering an older design with limited storage, Apple is giving its cheapest new iPhone considerably more capacity and modern hardware while keeping the starting U.S. price at $599.
