Apple Launches iPhone 17e with A19 Chip at Rs 64,900; New iPad Air Gets M4 Boost

Apple Introduces iPhone 17e with More Storage and Faster A19 Chip

Apple has added the iPhone 17e to its iPhone 17 lineup, bringing a more affordable option that still carries meaningful upgrades where performance and storage see clear improvement. The phone starts at ₹64,900, and unlike the previous generation, the base model now offers 256GB storage which is double the earlier entry level capacity offered at the same price. Pre-orders begin March 4, while regular sales will start from March 11.

Performance Gets a Boost with A19 and New C1X Modem

At the center of the iPhone 17e sits Apple’s new A19 chip which improves speed during gaming, video editing and heavy multitasking. Alongside this processor, Apple has introduced the C1X cellular modem that is designed in-house and claimed to deliver up to twice the speed of the earlier C1 modem found in the iPhone 16e.

Stronger modem performance usually improves network stability where calls remain clearer and mobile data performs better in areas with fluctuating signal strength.

Battery life is designed to last through the day, supported by Apple silicon efficiency and the power management improvements in iOS 26.

Camera System Focuses on Practical Use

The iPhone 17e includes a 48MP Fusion rear camera that supports next generation portrait photography and 4K Dolby Vision video recording. It also enables optical-quality 2x zoom, which works like having a second telephoto camera built into the system without adding extra hardware.

This makes the phone more flexible for everyday photography where users often switch between wide shots and closer framing.

Display and Durability Improvements

The device features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says improves scratch resistance compared to the previous version while also reducing glare in bright outdoor conditions. The matte finish body is available in black, white and a new soft pink colour option.

Kaiann Drance, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, said the iPhone 17e is designed to deliver long term performance and value for customers upgrading within the iPhone ecosystem.

New iPad Air with M4 Chip Also Announced

Apple also introduced a refreshed iPad Air powered by the M4 chip, bringing a noticeable jump in processing speed compared to earlier models. The company states that this version is up to 30 percent faster than the M3 iPad Air and up to 2.3 times faster than the M1 generation.

The new iPad Air includes Apple’s N1 and C1X connectivity chips and supports Wi-Fi 7, improving wireless speeds for streaming, downloads and remote work. It also comes with 50 percent more unified system memory than the previous version.

The 11-inch model starts at ₹64,900, while the larger 13-inch version begins at ₹84,900, and education pricing lowers these starting figures to ₹59,900 and ₹79,900 respectively. Pre-orders open March 4 with availability beginning March 11.

Bob Borchers, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, said the updated iPad Air is built to help users remain productive and creative without increasing its starting price.

 For Buyers

The iPhone 17e focuses on doubling storage and improving performance rather than redesigning the device completely, which makes it a practical upgrade for users coming from older models. The addition of the faster modem and improved camera system strengthens its position as a balanced option within the iPhone 17 range.

Meanwhile, the new iPad Air leans toward performance gains and improved connectivity where students and professionals who rely on tablets for serious work may see clear benefits.

Instead of dramatic visual changes, Apple’s updates this cycle concentrate on speed, storage and long term usability, areas that tend to matter more in daily use than cosmetic adjustments.