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Apple Launches iPhone 17E, Upgrades iPad Air with New Chips
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Apple Launches iPhone 17E, Upgrades iPad Air with New Chips

WireByte Staff · March 9, 2026

Apple unveiled the iPhone 17E, starting at $599 with doubled 256GB storage, MagSafe charging, and an A19 processor. The iPad Air also received an upgrade to the M4 chip and Wi-Fi 7. These updates aim to enhance performance and features in Apple's mid-range devices.

Key points

  • Apple announced the iPhone 17E, priced at $599, featuring 256GB of base storage, MagSafe charging at 15W, and an A19 processor.
  • The iPhone 17E includes a 48-megapixel camera with 2x optical-quality telephoto and Ceramic Shield 2 display protection.
  • The iPad Air was updated with Apple's M4 chip and C1X/N1 wireless chips, enabling Wi-Fi 7 support.
  • The iPad Air also received an increase in RAM to 12GB, maintaining its previous price point.
  • These releases continue Apple's strategy of incremental upgrades to its lower-cost device lines.

Apple has introduced its latest entry-level smartphone, the iPhone 17E, alongside an updated iPad Air. The iPhone 17E starts at $599, offering a significant jump to 256GB of internal storage from the previous model's 128GB, at the same price point.

Key improvements for the iPhone 17E include the addition of MagSafe charging capabilities supporting up to 15W, an upgraded A19 processor, and Apple's proprietary C1X chip for enhanced wireless performance and power efficiency. The device also features a 48-megapixel camera system with an "optical-quality" 2x telephoto zoom and improved durability with Ceramic Shield 2 glass.

In parallel, Apple updated its iPad Air line, equipping it with the new M4 chip. This upgrade also brings enhanced connectivity through new wireless chips, enabling Wi-Fi 7 support. Additionally, the iPad Air sees an increase in RAM to 12GB, with Apple maintaining the device's existing price.

These releases signal Apple's ongoing effort to refresh its mid-tier product offerings, bringing advanced features and performance enhancements to more accessible price segments.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.