iPhone 17e: Where to Buy Apple’s Most Affordable New iPhone
Apple’s iPhone 17e, the most affordable model in the iPhone 17 lineup, is now available for preorder as of March 4, 2026, and will officially release on March 11, 2026. Starting at $599, it offers a more accessible entry point into the iPhone ecosystem.
Preorder Availability and Pricing
The iPhone 17e can be preordered through several major retailers and carriers, including:
- Apple Store: Starting at $599 with trade-in options offering $35 to $685 in credit.
- Best Buy: Starting at $599 with trade-in credits up to $600.
- AT&T: $5.99/month for 36 months with an unlimited data plan.
- T-Mobile: $0 with a new line and 24-month installment plan.
- Verizon: $0 with a new line and 36-month installment plan.
iPhone 17e Specs and Features
The iPhone 17e boasts several upgrades over its predecessor, the iPhone 16e, while remaining a more budget-friendly option compared to the standard iPhone 17. Key specifications include:
- Price: Starting at $599
- Storage: 256GB standard
- Chip: A19 chip (with fewer cores than the standard iPhone 17)
- Cellular Modem: New C1X cellular modem, offering twice the speed of the previous modem.
- Display: 6.1-inch display
- Charging: MagSafe charging at 15W
- Colors: Black, white, and soft pink
While sharing many features with the standard iPhone 17, the 17e differs in a few key areas. It’s slightly smaller with a 6.1-inch display compared to the iPhone 17’s 6.3-inch screen. It also lacks the Dynamic Island feature found in higher-complete models.
iPhone 17 Lineup
The iPhone 17e joins a broader lineup of models, including:
- iPhone 17: Starting at $799
- iPhone Air: Starting at $999
- iPhone 17 Pro: Starting at $1099
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Starting at $1199
eSIM Activation
iPhone 16, iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro models purchased in the U.S. Or Puerto Rico do not have a physical SIM tray and activate only using eSIM. Activation outside of these locations depends on carrier support for eSIM.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 17e is Apple’s most affordable new iPhone, starting at $599.
- Preorders began on March 4, 2026, with a release date of March 11, 2026.
- It features the A19 chip, 256GB of storage, and a faster C1X cellular modem.
- The iPhone 17e utilizes eSIM technology and does not have a physical SIM tray.