Apple Enters Its Entry-Level Era: All About the iPhone 17e and MacBook Neo
As the tech titan unveils a pair of its most accessibly priced devices to date, we can’t help but wonder, is a $599 USD MacBook or iPhone a recession indicator?
As Apple‘s big week continues, another day of big announcements is upon us. On today’s docket came two major innovations for both the iPhone and the MacBook in what marks one of the tech imprint’s most accessible forays to date. The pair of new products revealed at this morning’s junket included the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo, both of which retail for a light $599 USD.
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MacBook Neo
Nick Llanton/Hypebeast
Boasting all-day battery life and encased in a durable aluminum enclosure – available in shades of blush, indigo, silver, and a sleek new citrus – the 13-inch Liquid Retina display comes equipped with a A18 Pro, which runs up to 50 percent faster for a range of essential everyday tasks including web browsing, as well as up to 3x faster when running on-device AI workloads. With that being said, the device’s $599 USD price point is almost too good to be true. Not to mention, it’s super light, weighing in at just 2.7 pounds. The device’s color extends down to the keyboard in what just might be the most cohesive, clean design yet, whereas an anti-reflective coating covers the entirety of the display. Elsewhere, the integrated 5-core GPU takes on-screen graphics to the next level, while a 16-core Neural Engine ensures only the quickest on-device Apple Intelligence and everyday AI usage. To close out, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera provides optimized image processing, complemented by dual mics with directional beamforming to reduce background noise and dual side-firing speakers with support for Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos for an immersive sound experience.
iPhone 17e
Nick Llanton/Hypebeast
As for the new iPhone 17e, an advanced camera system, the magic of MagSafe, and double the amount of starting storage – 256GB, that is – are the leading trifecta of features. Signalling a more affordable addition to the iPhone 17 lineup, the 17e also clocks in at the same $599 USD price, and comes centered around the latest-generation A19 software in tandem with C1X, the latest-generation cellular modem, which is up to 2x faster than C1 in iPhone 16e. A 48MP Fusion camera flicks up only the finest, assisted by an optical-quality 2x Telephoto lens. The phone’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display features Ceramic Shield 2 for 3x better scratch resistance, as well as reduced glare, with MagSafe offering up wireless charging across all three hues of black, white, and a new blush pink.
