GADGETS | Apple launches iPad Air with M4, iPhone 17e
Both devices were announced in Cupertino, California, as Apple continues updating its mobile lineup with improved performance, artificial intelligence capabilities and expanded connectivity.
Apple introduced new mobile devices this week, unveiling the iPad Air powered by the M4 chip alongside the iPhone 17e, a lower-priced model in the iPhone 17 lineup designed to expand access to the company’s latest technologies.
Both devices were announced in Cupertino, California, as Apple continues updating its mobile lineup with improved performance, artificial intelligence capabilities and expanded connectivity.
Affordable addition to the iPhone lineup
The iPhone 17e is positioned as the most affordable model in the iPhone 17 family. It runs on Apple’s latest A19 processor, built on advanced 3-nanometer technology to improve performance and energy efficiency. The device also introduces Apple’s C1X cellular modem, which the company said is up to twice as fast as the previous C1 modem and uses less energy.
Apple said the phone includes a 48-megapixel Fusion camera capable of capturing high-resolution photos and recording 4K Dolby Vision video. The camera system also supports optical-quality 2x zoom, allowing users to frame closer shots without additional hardware.
The device features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple said offers three times better scratch resistance than previous generations while reducing screen glare.
The phone supports MagSafe wireless charging, USB-C fast charging and satellite connectivity features, including Emergency SOS, roadside assistance and messaging when cellular or Wi-Fi networks are unavailable.
Apple also highlighted safety features such as crash detection and satellite-based location sharing through the Find My app.
The iPhone 17e will start with 256GB of storage and will be offered in black, white and soft pink. In the Philippines, Apple said the device will start at P44,990.
Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of worldwide iPhone product marketing, said the device aims to deliver flagship features at a lower price point.
“iPhone 17e combines powerful performance and features our users love at an exceptional value, making it a compelling option for customers looking to upgrade to the iPhone 17 family,” Drance said.
iPad Air upgraded with M4
Alongside the new smartphone, Apple also introduced an updated iPad Air powered by the M4 chip, bringing the tablet closer to the performance levels previously reserved for the company’s professional iPad models.
The M4 chip enables faster processing, improved graphics performance and enhanced support for Apple Intelligence features. Apple said the new chip architecture is designed to accelerate demanding workloads such as creative applications, gaming and generative AI tasks.
The updated iPad Air is designed for both productivity and creative use, offering compatibility with accessories such as the Apple Pencil and keyboard attachments. The device continues Apple’s strategy of positioning the Air lineup as a middle tier between the entry-level iPad and the iPad Pro.
Focus on AI and ecosystem integration
Both the iPad Air and iPhone 17e run on iOS 26, which introduces Apple Intelligence features including real-time language translation, on-device generative AI tools and enhanced system personalization.
The software also expands visual intelligence features, allowing users to analyze on-screen content and perform tasks such as searching or extracting information from images and text.
Apple said the devices are part of its broader push to integrate AI capabilities across its hardware ecosystem while maintaining on-device processing for privacy and efficiency.
Sustainability and materials
Apple said the iPhone 17e is manufactured using 30% recycled materials, including recycled aluminum in the enclosure and recycled cobalt in the battery. The company added that production relies on renewable electricity across parts of its supply chain.
The device packaging is also designed to be fully fiber-based and recyclable.
Expanding the lineup
The release of the iPad Air with M4 and the iPhone 17e reflects Apple’s strategy of refreshing its mobile devices with incremental performance gains while expanding the reach of new technologies such as AI processing and satellite connectivity.
With the iPhone 17e positioned as a lower-cost entry point and the iPad Air gaining more advanced processing power, Apple is targeting a wider range of users across smartphones and tablets.
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