Apple unveiled its latest budget iPhone and M4 chip-equipped iPad Air on Monday (local time). The company is expected to introduce at least five products through Wednesday.
Apple announced the release of the iPhone 17e, the budget model in the iPhone 17 series. The device features enhanced performance for running AI models, including Apple's artificial intelligence platform "Apple Intelligence."
The iPhone 17e is equipped with the A19, Apple's latest chip based on a 3-nanometer process. Upgrades have been applied to the central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), and neural engine.
For the cellular modem, the device features the C1X, an improved version of Apple's in-house designed C1 modem that first appeared in the previous iPhone 16e. It delivers speeds up to twice as fast as its predecessor while consuming 30% less power compared to the modem used in the iPhone 16 Pro.
The rear features a single 48-megapixel Fusion camera with 2x optical zoom. The 6.1-inch display uses "Ceramic Shield 2" material, which offers three times better scratch resistance than its predecessor, matching other iPhone 17 series models released late last year.
Unlike its predecessor, the new model supports MagSafe wireless charging using magnets. The wireless charging standard has also been upgraded to "Qi2," enabling fast charging up to 15 watts. The device comes in white, black, and Soft Pink.
While the previous model came in three storage options—128GB, 256GB, and 512GB—the iPhone 17e is available in two configurations: 256GB and 512GB. The 256GB model is priced at 990,000 won ($599), matching the price of the previous 128GB model.
Apple also introduced the iPad Air equipped with the M4 chip, which was unveiled in 2024. Computing speed is 30% faster than the previous model with the M3 chip. Considering demand for AI performance, the device includes 12GB of system memory, a 50% increase from the previous generation. The cellular model features the C1X modem, same as the iPhone 17e.
The iPad Air comes in two sizes—11-inch and 13-inch—with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. It is available in four colors: blue, purple, Starlight, and Space Gray.
Based on the 128GB configuration, prices are: 11-inch Wi-Fi model at 949,000 won ($599) and cellular model at 1,199,000 won ($749); 13-inch Wi-Fi model at 1,249,000 won ($799) and cellular model at 1,499,000 won ($949)—unchanged from the previous generation.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 17e and new iPad Air begin Wednesday, with sales starting on the 11th.