# Starting at $599, it features 256 GB of storage at a minimum, whereas the iPhone.

*genai · news · 2026-04-07 · BGR*

## Key points

- The iPhone 17e replaces the iPhone SE series as Apple's new budget smartphone line.
- iPhone 17e starts at 256 GB storage, double the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 base models.
- Apple's new C1X 5G modem in the 17e is twice as fast and 30% more efficient than before.
- Ceramic Shield 2 on the iPhone 17e offers three times the scratch resistance of the 16e.
- The iPhone 17e is the only new budget iPhone available, as the 16e is no longer sold.

**Companies:** Apple
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on BGR](https://www.bgr.com/2136795/cheapest-iphone-buy-new-in-2026/)

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Canonical: https://newsio.io/n/5c5e9794-45b7-4559-bc77-8128ccbf120c/starting-at-599-it-features-256-gb-of-storage-at-a-minimum-whereas-the-iphone
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