Highlights
- iPhone 17e starts at 256GB storage priced at Rs 64,900
- Powered by A19 chip and Apple’s new C1X modem
- New iPad Air features M4 chip and up to 50% more unified memory
- Pre-orders begin March 4; availability from March 11
iPhone 17e doubles down on storage and speed
Apple Inc. has expanded its smartphone and tablet lineup with the launch of the iPhone 17e and a refreshed iPad Air, focusing on faster performance and higher base storage while keeping starting prices steady.
The iPhone 17e joins the iPhone 17 family as a more affordable option, now starting with 256GB of storage at Rs 64,900. That is double the entry-level storage of its predecessor at the same price point, and four times the base capacity offered with the iPhone 12.
At its core is the new A19 chip, designed to deliver faster overall performance. The device also introduces C1X, Apple’s latest in-house cellular modem, which the company says is up to twice as fast as the C1 modem found in the iPhone 16e.
The handset features a 48MP Fusion camera capable of capturing next-generation portraits and recording 4K Dolby Vision video. An optical-quality 2x telephoto option allows users to frame shots as though using two cameras in one.
A 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display is protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says offers three times better scratch resistance than the previous generation while reducing glare. The phone is available in black, white and a new soft pink finish with a matte texture.
Pre-orders open March 4, with general availability beginning March 11.
Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, said the iPhone 17e combines performance and durability with features customers value, positioning it as an appealing upgrade within the iPhone 17 range.
Battery life is supported by the efficiency of Apple silicon, including the C1X modem, along with power management improvements in iOS 26.
iPad Air gets M4 boost at same entry price
Apple also refreshed the iPad Air with the M4 chip and increased memory, promising a significant jump in performance without raising the starting price.
According to the company, the new iPad Air is up to 30 percent faster than the M3 version and up to 2.3 times faster than models powered by M1. With a faster CPU and GPU, it is positioned for demanding tasks such as video editing and gaming. The updated Neural Engine and higher memory bandwidth also strengthen its capabilities for AI-driven features.
The tablet includes the latest Apple-designed connectivity chips, N1 and C1X, enabling faster wireless and cellular connections and support for Wi-Fi 7.
The 11-inch model starts at Rs 64,900, while the 13-inch version is priced from Rs 84,900. Education pricing lowers the starting cost to Rs 59,900 for the 11-inch model and Rs 79,900 for the 13-inch variant.
Pre-orders for the new iPad Air begin March 4, with availability from March 11.
Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, said the iPad Air continues to offer a blend of performance and versatility aimed at users seeking both creativity and productivity in a single device.
