iPhone 17e launch imminent with A19 chip and MagSafe, says Gurman

Apple's iPhone 17e is set to launch 'imminently' with significant upgrades whilst maintaining its $599 starting price, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The budget-friendly iPhone will finally get MagSafe connectivity and the A19 chip, addressing key omissions from its predecessor in February 2026.

What's new in the iPhone 17e

The iPhone 17e will feature four major upgrades over the iPhone 16e. The A19 chip, first introduced with the iPhone 17 last year, represents a significant performance boost for the budget line. More importantly for daily use, the device finally gets MagSafe connectivity — something that should've been included in last year's iPhone 16e.

Apple is also equipping the iPhone 17e with its latest C1X cellular modem and N1 chip for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Thread connectivity. These aren't just spec-sheet improvements — they should translate to better network performance and more reliable wireless connections.

Same price, better value proposition

The iPhone 17e will maintain its predecessor's AED 2,599 / $599 starting price, making it a more compelling option in the budget smartphone segment. This pricing strategy puts pressure on competitors like Samsung and Google, who have struggled to match Apple's build quality at this price point.

Apple is reportedly planning to market the device heavily to users in emerging markets and enterprises. The combination of upgraded features at the same price could make it particularly attractive for business deployments, where MagSafe compatibility opens up new accessory and mounting options.

Impact on the competitive landscape

Gurman notes that Apple could benefit from 'weakened competition' in the mid-range segment. Samsung's Galaxy A-series has faced criticism for inconsistent performance, whilst Google's Pixel a-series remains limited in global availability. The iPhone 17e's upgraded feature set could help Apple regain market share in price-sensitive markets.

The addition of MagSafe is particularly significant for the UAE market, where wireless charging accessories are increasingly popular. This feature brings the iPhone 17e in line with more expensive iPhone models and opens up compatibility with the growing ecosystem of Qi2 wireless chargers available locally.

iPhone 17e pricing and UAE availability

The iPhone 17e is expected to start at $599 globally. Based on current iPhone pricing in the Emirates, expect the base model to cost around Dhs 2,599 when it launches locally.

Gurman describes the launch as 'imminent' but doesn't specify exact dates. Apple typically announces budget iPhone models in spring, with the iPhone 16e having been announced in February 2025. UAE availability usually follows the global launch by a few weeks, suggesting local customers could see the device in February or early March 2026.

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