Apple Launches iPhone 17, 'Cheapest' Cellphone

Apple unveiled the iPhone 17 on Monday, presenting it as a more accessible model within the iPhone 17 series, with pre-sales in Brazil starting March 9. The budget-friendly iPhone 17e is priced at $599 (Brazilian pricing for the 256 GB version starts at R$ 5,799), while the base model of the iPhone 17 costs $799, and the iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099. The iPhone Air is priced from $999. Available in black, white, and a new soft pink finish, the iPhone 17e offers 256GB of base storage—double that of the previous model at the same price point. Pre-orders begin on March 4, and it will be available in stores on March 11. According to Kaiann Drance, Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, the iPhone 17e delivers powerful performance and popular features at an exceptional value.

The iPhone 17e features a single 48MP Fusion camera on its back and includes MagSafe for wireless charging, as well as access to related accessories. The device also provides satellite features like Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My, which can be used without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. With iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence, users gain access to live translation in Messages, FaceTime, Phone, and AirPods, plus on-screen visual intelligence. Powered by the A19 chip and Apple's latest cellular modem, C1X, the iPhone 17e is reportedly twice as fast as the iPhone 16e. The camera system captures detailed 48MP photos and offers a 2x Telephoto with optical quality. In terms of design, the iPhone 17e is built with an aerospace-grade aluminum body, containing 30% recycled content, including 85% recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100% recycled cobalt in the battery. Furthermore, Apple says its manufacturing relies on 55% renewable electricity across the supply chain, making it an eco-conscious choice. The device is rated IP68 for splash, water, and dust resistance and features Ceramic Shield 2 for improved scratch resistance and antireflection.

The Super Retina XDR display uses OLED technology and provides up to 1200 nits peak HDR brightness. It also incorporates Face ID for secure facial unlocking and an Action button for quick access to preferred features. The device will be available in 256GB and 512GB storage versions and manufactured in Brazil. Alongside the iPhone 17 release, Apple has discontinued the iPhone 15, which launched in 2023. The iPhone 17 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen—the same size as the iPhone 16—and features a notch for the Face ID sensor. According to G1, the iPhone 17's look resembles that of the iPhone 14 and carries features similar to the conventional iPhone 17, released in September of the previous year. In related news, the iPad Air has been upgraded with the newer M4 chip, replacing the M3. The updated iPad Air promises faster wireless performance and improved cellular connectivity on models that support mobile data. The relevance of this upgrade is similar to the features found in the 128 GB iPhone 16, which was released in 2025.

Affordable iPhone 17e - Bringing Latest Apple Technology to More Users

With its array of features and focus on affordability, the iPhone 17e aims to make the latest Apple technology accessible to a broader audience.

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