Apple's entry-level iPhone gets its biggest upgrade in years with Dynamic Island technology arriving at the $599 price point ahead of a March 4 launch event.
The iPhone 17e will reportedly replace its traditional notch with Apple's software-driven Dynamic Island interface, extending a feature previously reserved for higher-end models to the budget lineup. This marks the first time the interactive cutout appears on a lower-priced iPhone model.
Apple confirmed a March 4 media event in New York and London where multiple new products are expected. The company typically launches hardware when sending out invitations in this format, with rumors pointing to an entry-level MacBook alongside refreshed iPads and the iPhone 17e successor.
Pricing remains unchanged from last year's model at $599 for the base configuration featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. In the UK, prices start from £599 according to previous generation patterns, positioning the device as a more affordable alternative to the £799 iPhone 17.
Display specifications show refinement rather than revolution. The phone retains a 6.1-inch OLED panel with a 60Hz refresh rate while adopting slimmer bezels for an updated appearance.
ProMotion technology with higher refresh rates continues to be limited to premium models.
Performance upgrades center on Apple's A19 chip in a non-Pro configuration, though reports suggest it may be downclocked compared to flagship versions. The processor should deliver performance comparable to last year's A17 Pro found in iPhone 15 Pro models while offering better efficiency through Apple's newer C1X modem.
Camera hardware sees minimal changes with a single 48MP rear sensor likely continuing from previous generations. Image processing improvements from the A19 chip could deliver modest quality gains, and some reports indicate Apple may introduce Fusion computational photography to enhance results.
Battery capacity estimates range between 4,000 mAh and 4,500 mAh, matching previous models with charging speeds capped around 24W through USB Power Delivery. The most notable addition could be MagSafe wireless charging support arriving on the budget model for the first time.
YouTuber Jon Prosser shared renders suggesting these changes in February, though his prediction of a "next week" launch proved premature before Apple's official March announcement confirmation on February 16.
Construction materials follow established patterns with an aluminum frame and glass front and back panels maintaining IP68 water resistance ratings. The chassis reportedly mirrors last year's iPhone 16e design rather than introducing major structural changes.
Apple's broader product strategy includes testing a deep red finish for future iPhone 18 Pro models according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, building on strong consumer response to this year's Cosmic Orange variant that proved particularly popular in Chinese markets where color associations carry cultural significance.
