Apple launches iPhone 17e at $599 and boosts base storage to 256GB amid chip shortages

Apple launched the iPhone 17e at $599 with 256GB of storage, doubling the base capacity from its predecessor at the same price point, a move analysts are calling an effective price cut as the company looks to attract new users and defend market share in a competitive global handset market. The device is powered by Apple's A19 chip and new C1X modem, which the company says delivers faster cellular speeds at lower power consumption, and gains MagSafe support for the first time in the “e” series, enabling wireless charging speeds of up to 15 watts. Pre-orders open Wednesday at 6:15 a.m. Pacific Time across more than 70 countries, with the phone going on sale March 11.