Apple Unveils the iPhone 17e – An “Affordable” 256 GB Model Starting at $599 (€511.27)
Apple launched the iPhone 17e on Monday, positioning it as a budget‑friendly smartphone with 256 GB of storage and a starting price of $599 (≈ €511.27). The move aims to solidify Apple’s market share in an increasingly competitive sector.
Why the 17e Matters Now
- Rising memory‑chip costs: Global shortages have driven up the price of memory components. Apple appears ready to absorb part of this cost pressure, making the new model more attractive to price‑sensitive buyers.
- More storage for the same price: By offering a larger storage capacity at the same price point as rivals, the iPhone 17e is positioned to win over new users, especially those facing tighter supply constraints from competing brands.
Availability
- Pre‑orders: Customers in over 70 countries and regions can pre‑order the iPhone 17e starting at 06:15 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday.
- Official launch: The device will be on sale starting March 11.
Redesigned iPad Air with the New M4 Chip
Alongside the iPhone, Apple introduced a refreshed iPad Air equipped with the M4 chip:
| Model | Screen Size | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Air (base) | 11‑inch | $599 |
| iPad Air (premium) | 13‑inch | $799 |
Google’s Potential Role in Siri’s Next Generation
According to The Information (Monday), Google is exploring the possibility of hosting servers in its data centers to power a future version of Siri that will run on Gemini, Google’s AI model. This collaboration would respect Apple’s privacy standards, as requested by the tech giant.
- Status: Neither Apple nor Google responded immediately to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Source: Reuters (translated from French)
