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Earlier this year, we gave Apple’s budget iPhone — the iPhone 17e — a rave review.
We said the 17e was “one of the most beautiful iPhones ever made,” thanks to its simple, clean design.
Although the 17e is an entry-level handset, we argued it’s got just about everything most consumers care about — a fast processor, a great camera, a nice screen and finally, MagSafe.
Yeah, it’s on the smaller size, so fans of big screens might skip it. And it doesn’t have an array of cameras or support high-end photography modes. Incoming Apple CEO John Ternus probably isn’t going to be shooting keynotes with it, but for many people, the device’s single camera still takes great pictures and videos.
Then there’s the price. Starting at just $600, it costs a lot less than other iPhone models.
That cost difference is going to be ever more important as the prices of Apple’s handsets rise. Rumors suggest iPhone pro models might see $200 or $300 price bumps this fall, putting starting prices in the $1,400 range.
I’ve always had Pro iPhone models, but now that my kids are grown and flown (sob!), I have fewer reasons for the latest, greatest cameras. I like taking pics, but I really don’t need — or even use — the Pro’s super-advanced camera systems.
If I wasn’t planning to buy the foldable iPhone, I would seriously consider the upcoming iPhone 18e, which rumors suggest will be a fantastic update.
Also in today’s newsletter:
What’s going on with Apple and some of its privacy tools? First it was Hide My Email doesn’t in fact hide your email. Now it appears iCloud Private Relay isn’t very private.
By coincidence, VPNs still offer great privacy protection, and this lifetime deal on a great VPN is a huge steal.
It looked like Apple TV’s Ted Lasso wrapped up with season three, but the hit show is too big to die — so it’s getting a reboot.
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Here’s something else that’s underrated: Split View on iPad. It’s a great way to use your tablet and arguably simpler than iPad’s Windowed Apps layout. Check out our short guide — with a handy video — for getting the best out of it.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
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People know how to deal with a desktop intuitively. If you walk into an office, there are papers on the desk. The one on the top is the most important. People know how to switch priority. Part of the reason we model our computers on metaphors like the desktop is that we can leverage this experience people already have.
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