Apple to launch affordable iPhone 17e with upgraded Siri assistant

Apple is preparing to unveil a more budget-friendly version of its upcoming iPhone 17, named the iPhone 17e, alongside an upgraded version of its Siri voice assistant, according to a recent Bloomberg report.

The iPhone 17e will follow in the footsteps of last year's iPhone 16e, a lower-priced model that utilized older hardware to cut costs. The new iPhone 17e will feature a more powerful processor, on par with the standard iPhone 17, and will incorporate Apple’s proprietary cellular and Wi-Fi chips.

For the first time, the iPhone 17e will also include wireless MagSafe charging, further enhancing its appeal. Despite these improvements, Apple is expected to keep the price of the iPhone 17e at $599 or £599, with no increase anticipated from the previous model.

In September 2025, Apple unveiled its iPhone 17 lineup, which included the standard iPhone 17, the premium iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max, all featuring upgraded cameras and design enhancements. The highlight of the event was the introduction of the iPhone Air, Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever, at just 5.6mm, marking a significant step in the company’s multi-year redesign strategy.

Apple also debuted the Apple Watch Series 11, featuring 5G connectivity, new health-monitoring tools, and satellite connectivity for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The entry-level Apple Watch SE 3 received updates including an always-on display, faster processor, and 5G support, with a starting price of $249.