iPhone 17e set to launch soon with new chip, MagSafe, and no price hike: Report

Apple may soon reveal iPhone 17e, with the latest report suggest several key upgrades and no price hike this time.

Apple is preparing to introduce its next entry-level smartphone, the iPhone 17e, and the launch could happen soon, according to a new report. The device will succeed last year’s iPhone 16e and is expected to arrive with several hardware updates while keeping the same price point.

iPhone 17e could launch sooner than expected with new chip and MagSafe support. (Apple)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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iPhone 17e: Pricing Expected to Remain Unchanged

According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman on his latest Power On newsletter, Apple plans to roll out the iPhone 17e in the near term. The company aims to offer more features without raising the cost, continuing its approach from the previous generation. The iPhone 17e is expected to carry a price tag of $599 in the U.S (around Rs. 54,250). If Apple follows its earlier strategy, the Indian price could remain close to the iPhone 16e’s launch price of Rs. 59,900 for the 128GB variant.

The report states three main changes coming to the iPhone 17e. First, Apple plans to equip the phone with the A19 chip, the same processor expected to power the main iPhone 17 series. This shift would place the entry-level model on the same chip platform as higher-end versions. Second, Apple will add MagSafe support, a feature missing from the iPhone 16e. This will allow users to attach accessories and use compatible wireless chargers.

The third change involves Apple’s wireless technology. The iPhone 17e will reportedly use the company’s updated in-house cellular and networking components. Sources indicate that Apple may include its newer C1X modem along with the N1 networking chip. Apple introduced its first modem, the C1, with the iPhone 16e. The newer versions have already appeared in the iPhone 17 lineup and the iPhone Air.

Aside from these updates, Apple does not plan major changes to the phone’s design or feature set. The company appears focused on delivering a straightforward upgrade path rather than repositioning the device. While some buyers expected a lower price after last year’s launch, the report suggests Apple will stick to its current pricing strategy.