In 2025, Apple discontinued its popular iPhone SE line in favor of the all-new iPhone 16e model. This product, which launched a little more expensive than its predecessor, has become a way for Apple to appeal to a broader audience who want the newest devices but are not willing to pay more money. Even though Apple pairs its “E” series with its current flagship models, there are many differences between an iPhone 17e, released in early 2026, and an iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro released in September 2025, such as design, camera capabilities, and other added benefits.
Basically, Apple is following a strategy that Samsung has been using for years with its Galaxy S series. First, the company launches its all-new Galaxy S models, and a few months later it launches an FE model, which is also part of the same lineup, but with several features missing. This way, customers who want the latest Samsung phones can get a newer model without overpaying for the fancy features.
In Apple’s case, there’s a $200 difference between an iPhone 17 ($799) and the iPhone 17e ($599). While both have generous storage options, starting with 256GB, and support for Apple Intelligence, several features set them apart. Here’s what you need to know about the iPhone “E” series, including the latest iPhone 17e model.
What sets the iPhone 17e and iPhone 17 apart
If you go to an Apple Store and check out the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e, you will realize that their designs are different: the iPhone 17 has a dynamic island and two main cameras, while the iPhone 17e has a notch and a single main camera. Color availability is also limited. The iPhone 17 comes in five colors, while the cheapest model comes in three. The screen is also smaller on the iPhone 17e, and it lacks features recently added to the iPhone 17, such as ProMotion and Always-On Display.
The iPhone 17e also lacks the Camera Control feature, the A19 chip, also found in the iPhone 17, actually has fewer GPU cores and the battery life lasts up to 26 hours, instead of up to 30 hours of video playback. For the selfie camera, Apple uses an innovative 18 MP Center Stage lens, while the iPhone 17e still features the same 12 MP TrueDepth camera available with previous iPhone models. For the main camera, we’re talking about Apple’s 48MP Fusion camera system, instead of the Dual Fusion camera system available with the iPhone 17. With a smaller lens and worse aperture, photos and videos with this iPhone won’t look the same.
Users also lose macro photography support, the latest generation of photographic styles, and faster MagSafe wireless charging, as the iPhone 17e can be charged at up to 15W and the iPhone 17 at up to 25W. That said, all of these compromises make the iPhone 17e cheaper for Apple.
Who is the iPhone 17e for?
It’s easier to understand the $200 price difference when comparing the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e. Although this new budget model is much more interesting than the previous version of the iPhone 16e, this device is not designed for those who upgrade annually or use all the features of their phone. The iPhone 17e is an interesting option for regular customers who don’t consider themselves tech-savvy, and out of all the smartphone options, they would still have an iPhone instead of an Android.
With this option, they can still have the latest and greatest iPhone, lose some of the features they probably didn’t even have with a previous version of their phone, and enjoy a fast, newer device. Third-party marketplaces are also offering the ‘E’ phone at a discount, making the deal even better.
One thing that’s important to note is that once Apple is set to release a new iPhone “E”, stock of the previous model all but disappears, so those waiting to get an iPhone 17e once the iPhone 18e is released might have a hard time tracking down one. More interestingly, while users could theoretically opt for an iPhone 16, which costs $100 more than the iPhone 17e, they would gain some camera features, but would lose double the storage, a better processor, and other little things that make the iPhone 17e a better choice than “last year’s” model.
