Apple Unveils the iPhone 17e: A Powerful Budget Successor Starting at RM2,999
TL;DR: Apple has launched the iPhone 17e in Malaysia, starting at RM2,999. The budget-friendly phone features the new A19 chip, a 48MP Fusion camera, double the base storage at 256GB, and runs on iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence. Pre-orders begin 4 March, with general availability on 11 March.
Apple has announced the iPhone 17e, the highly anticipated successor to the budget-friendly iPhone 16e. This new addition promises significant upgrades, including a faster processor, a superior camera system, and double the base storage, all while maintaining an attractive starting price.
Next-Generation Performance and Connectivity
Powered by the new 3nm A19 chip, the iPhone 17e features a 6-core CPU that is twice as fast as the older iPhone 11. Its 4-core GPU with Neural Accelerators supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, enabling console-level gaming on the go.
Connectivity receives a major boost from Apple’s custom C1X mobile modem. Matching the speeds of the iPhone Air, the C1X is twice as fast as the previous generation and consumes 30 per cent less energy, significantly improving all-day battery life.
Display and Enhanced Durability
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display hits 1,200 nits of peak HDR brightness for clear outdoor viewing. For durability, the screen is protected by Ceramic Shield 2, offering three times better scratch resistance and reduced glare. The device also features a tough aerospace-grade aluminium frame and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Advanced 48MP Fusion Camera
The upgraded 48MP Fusion camera captures sharp, high-resolution photos and includes an optical-quality 2x Telephoto zoom.
A new advanced image pipeline introduces next-generation portraits. The camera automatically recognises people and pets, saving depth data so users can apply background blur even after the shot is taken. For video, the device records 4K Dolby Vision at 60 frames per second.
iOS 26, Charging, and Apple Intelligence
Running on iOS 26, the iPhone 17e delivers powerful Apple Intelligence features out of the box, including Live Translation, smart call screening, and enhanced visual intelligence via the Action button.
The phone supports 15W MagSafe and Qi2 fast wireless charging, and can reach a 50 per cent charge in 30 minutes via USB-C. It also features Apple’s satellite connectivity for Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance.
Pricing and Availability
Available in matte black, white, and a new soft pink, the iPhone 17e starts at RM2,999 for the 256GB model. This gives consumers double the entry storage of the previous generation for the same price, with a 512GB option also available.
Pre-orders in Malaysia open on Wednesday, 4 March, with retail availability beginning 11 March.
