September 9, 2026 Apple has announced new iPhones to update the iPhone line. The changes include new models that alter the price points and the introduction of a foldable iPhone. These changes are important because the entry level iPhone 17e has a price of $699.
Entry-level iPhone 17e costs $699 with 60Hz OLED and A19 chip
This is an increase in price over previous generations. So the entry level iPhone has a price increase for people who want a budget option. Also, there's the new iPhone Duo which provides a new form factor if you are willing to pay a lot more.
Spec comparison
| Spec | iPhone 17e | iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 18 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chip | A19 | A19 | A19 Pro | A20 Pro |
| Display | 6.1-inch 60Hz | 6.3-inch 120Hz | 6.5-inch 120Hz | Not specified |
| Rear Camera | 48MP | Dual 48MP | 48MP | Triple 48MP |
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB | Not specified | Up to 2TB |
| Price | $699 | $899 | $1,099 | $1,199 |
The entry level iPhone 17e is powered by the A19. It has a 6.1" OLED screen at the standard refresh rate of 60Hz. The back camera has a single 48MP sensor and the front camera is 12MP.
The starting storage is 256GB. It has the notch design. The price is $699.
The standard iPhone 17 now has a screen size of 6.3" and supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It's powered by the same A19 as the 17e. It has a dual back camera system.
Both cameras have 48MP sensors. It has a 18MP Center Stage front camera. The starting storage is 256GB. The price is $899.
The new iPhone Air is powered by the higher end A19 Pro. The screen size is 6.5". Refresh rate of the screen is 120Hz.
It's only 5.6mm thick and 165g in weight. There's a single back camera with a 48MP sensor. The price is $1,099.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are powered by A20 Pro. Both models have a triple back camera system. All cameras have 48MP sensors.
The main camera on the 18 Pro has a variable aperture. It has an 18MP front camera. Storage options go up to 2TB.
The 18 Pro Max has mostly the same hardware but has up to 45 hours video playback. The price for 18 Pro starts at $1,199. The price for 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299.
The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable phone. It has an outer screen with a size of 5.4" and the inner screen size is 7.6" when you open it up. It's powered by the A20 Pro.
It has a dual camera system. Both cameras have 48MP sensors. The starting storage is 256GB.
The price is $1,999. Delivery for new orders of iPhone Duo is January 2027 per Apple.
iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 might be released in the spring of 2027. This is based on rumors. Nothing confirmed from Apple yet.
Apple has also recognized an issue with inner display for some of the iPhone Duo. Though they say it's a small amount returned.
Source: GIZMOCHINA
Six ninety nine for a sixty hertz screen is just painful. I ngl it feels like a insult to anyone on a budget.
Apple is pushing the standard model to eight ninety nine to clear shelf space for the new air. The 17e is dead weight.
Is the a19 chip in the 17e actually slower than the old a18 because of thermal throttling on that old screen tech?
The silicon is identical. The 60hz refresh rate is just a panel choice that saves battery but hurts the perceived speed of the ui.
Stop pretending the base model matters. Apple wants you to buy the 17 or the duo. The 17e is just a cash grab.
my friend bought the duo and says the hinge feels loose after two days 😅