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Netopia AI Joins 917Ventures Velocity Program to Scale Predikta Behavioral AI Platform

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March 6, 2026

Netopia AI Joins 917Ventures Velocity Program to Scale Predikta Behavioral AI Platform

Netopia AI has joined the Velocity program by 917Ventures, integrating into the Globe ecosystem to expand its behavioral AI platform, Predikta. The partnership enables Netopia AI to validate and scale its technology through Globe’s omnitech subsidiary, Brave Connective Holdings.

Predikta aims to address the uncertainty behind marketing campaigns by simulating human sentiment and behavior using digital populations. The platform allows organizations to predict how audiences may respond to messages, products, or campaigns before they launch in the real world.

Predikta Uses Behavioral AI to Predict Audience Reactions

Predikta combines behavioral science with artificial intelligence to simulate human responses in minutes. This allows companies to test messaging strategies and forecast reactions without relying solely on traditional research methods.

Through the collaboration with Globe’s venture builder, Netopia AI will gain access to real-world environments to further validate its simulations and improve prediction accuracy. The collaboration aims to help organizations move from reactive decision-making toward proactive, data-led strategies powered by predictive insights.

Scaling Behavioral AI Through the Globe Ecosystem

Velocity by 917Ventures is designed to help startups validate and deploy technologies through pilot programs and enterprise partnerships within the Globe Group.

HONOR brings HONOR X9d 5G to Tutulari Avatar Gorge

Ciara Alarcon

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March 5, 2026

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It’s one thing to claim durability on a spec sheet. It’s another to bring a smartphone to a rain-soaked trail filled with sand and rocks, and see if it still works at the end of the day.

That was exactly the premise when HONOR brought the HONOR X9d 5G to Tutulari Avatar Gorge in Porac, Pampanga, a rugged outdoor location known for its dramatic rock formations, uneven terrain, and unpredictable weather.

The question was simple: can the HONOR X9d 5G survive?

A Scenic but Harsh Testing Ground

Tutulari Avatar Gorge is visually stunning. Towering sandstone cliffs, flowing streams, and open skies make it an ideal backdrop for photography. In good lighting, the HONOR X9d 5G’s 108MP main camera captured sharp, detailed shots of the landscape.

Colors leaned slightly vivid but remained natural. Rock textures looked crisp, and the overall clarity was impressive for a midrange device. Dynamic range was decent, although highlights could clip under direct sunlight.

However, when switching to the 5MP ultra-wide camera to capture the full scale of the gorge, image quality noticeably dropped. Details were softer, and in shaded areas noise became more visible. The ultra-wide lens is functional for group shots and wide framing, but it’s clearly more of a convenience feature than a highlight.

The 16MP front camera, on the other hand, performed reliably for selfies during the hike. In good lighting, skin tones looked natural, and exposure remained balanced even with bright skies in the background.

Here are our sample photos:

IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K — Yes, All of Them

The HONOR X9d 5G comes with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings. The “K” in IP69K means it can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets of up to 85°C, a level of protection typically associated with industrial equipment.

On paper, that already sounds excessive for a smartphone.

In reality, it meant the device had no problem dealing with rain showers, muddy splashes, and fine sand particles along the gorge trail. Despite wet hands, damp pockets, and exposure to grit, the phone continued operating normally throughout the event.

Add to that a claimed drop resistance of up to 2.5 meters, and the positioning becomes clearer: this is a midrange phone built to take punishment.

READ HERE: HONOR X9d 5G FULL REVIEW

Verdict: Built for the Unexpected

After a full day at Tutulari Avatar Gorge — with sand getting everywhere, and phones constantly pulled in and out for photos — the HONOR X9d 5G walked away without issue.

And that, ultimately, is the point.

The cameras are solid for its class. The 108MP main sensor delivers sharp, vibrant shots in good lighting, while the ultra-wide remains more of a supporting option than a standout feature. It won’t redefine mobile photography, but it’s reliable enough to document your adventures.

However, durability is where this device clearly separates itself. Between the rare combination of IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings and its 2.5-meter drop resistance claim, this is a phone designed for real-world unpredictability.

More importantly, it achieves that without looking like a rugged brick. It still feels like a sleek, everyday midrange smartphone. That balance — toughness without bulk — is what makes it compelling.

So, can it survive?

Based on a sandy, rain-soaked trail in Porac, the answer is yes.

MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max Announced with Faster AI and 1TB Base Storage

Jam Ancheta

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March 5, 2026

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Apple has officially introduced the new MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max. The latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with the same design but it now features a faster SSD speeds and increased starting storage, beginning at 1TB for M5 Pro and 2TB for M5 Max.

MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max

The MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max features a new CPU architecture and next-generation GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core. M5 Pro and M5 Max use Apple’s Fusion Architecture, combining two dies into a single system-on-chip. The chips support up to an 18-core CPU optimized for multithreaded professional workloads.

The updated models deliver up to 2x faster SSD read and write speeds, reaching up to 14.5GB/s. MacBook Pro with M5 Pro now starts at 1TB of storage, while MacBook Pro with M5 Max starts at 2TB. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 also now starts at 1TB of storage, offering better value for users

The new MacBook Pro includes Apple’s N1 wireless chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for improved wireless performance and reliability. Apple says the new MacBook Pro delivers up to 24 hours of battery life while maintaining full performance whether plugged in or on battery.

The laptop also features a Liquid Retina XDR display with a nano-texture option, a 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View support, studio-quality microphones, and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio.

Available in space black and silver, the new MacBook Pro is positioned as Apple’s most powerful pro laptop yet.

Apple Announces MacBook Neo: A18 Pro, 13-inch Display and CA$799 Starting Price

Jam Ancheta

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March 4, 2026

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Apple Announces MacBook Neo: A18 Pro, 13-inch Display and CA$799 Starting Price

Apple has unveiled the new MacBook Neo, a more affordable MacBook designed to bring the Mac experience to more users. The laptop features an aluminum design, a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, A18 chipset, and up to 16 hours of battery life.

Starting at CA$799, MacBook Neo becomes Apple’s most affordable Mac laptop, targeting studentsand first-time Mac users.

The MacBook Neo comes with a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2408 × 1506 resolution and 500 nits of brightness. The display also includes an anti-reflective coating for improved visibility in different lighting conditions.

At the core of the MacBook Neo is the A18 Pro chip, the same one on the iPhone 16 Pro chips. The chip includes a 5-core GPU for graphics performance and a 16-core Neural Engine for AI features like image editing and intelligent productivity tools. It starts at 256GB and goes up to 512GB.

MacBook Neo features a lightweight aluminum body weighing 2.7 pounds, making it easy to carry for school or work. It comes in four colors: Blush, Indigo, Silver & Citrus. The laptop also includes a color-matched Magic Keyboard and large Multi-Touch trackpad. The Touch ID is exclusive to 512GB SSD variant.

MacBook Neo delivers up to 16 hours of battery life on a single charge as well which makes it a perfect laptop for everyday usage. It also features a 1080p Facetime HD Camera, two USB-C ports (USB 3 x1 and USB 2 x1), and then there’s WiFi 6e and Bluetooth 6 as well and headphone jack.

MacBook Neo runs macOS Tahoe, which includes built-in apps like Safari, Messages, Photos, and FaceTime. It also supports Apple Intelligence. The laptop integrates with iPhone through features like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and iPhone Mirroring.

MacBook Neo Price and Availability

MacBook Neo starts at CA$799 and $679 for education. It is available in blush, indigo, silver, and citrus colors.

Pre-orders begin immediately, with availability starting March 11.

HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro and HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 to arrive in PH this April

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Ciara Alarcon

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March 4, 2026

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Huawei has confirmed that the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro and HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 are coming to the Philippines this April, following their global debut at the “Now is Your Run” launch event in Madrid, Spain.

With the return of its flagship Mate series and the evolution of its performance-focused wearable line, Huawei is positioning both devices as key pillars of its premium smartphone and fitness ecosystem in 2026.

HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro Marks the Return of the Mate Series

The upcoming launch of the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro signals the comeback of the Mate series after a two-year hiatus. Historically known for introducing some of the brand’s most advanced technologies, the Mate lineup has long represented Huawei’s flagship ambitions.

AI-Powered Camera and Flagship Performance

At the center of the Mate 80 Pro is its AI-powered True-to-Color Camera, designed to deliver accurate color reproduction across complex lighting conditions and mixed color temperatures. Huawei says the system aims to provide lifelike results, reinforcing the device’s premium photography focus.

In terms of design, the Mate 80 Pro features the brand’s signature Dual Space Ring aesthetic. Meanwhile, durability remains a priority, with 2nd Gen Kunlun Glass protection and IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance.

To support sustained performance, the smartphone integrates what Huawei calls an industry-first SuperCool Dual Phase Change Heat Dissipation system, engineered to maintain peak output without thermal throttling. Combined with enhanced AI capabilities, the Mate 80 Pro is positioned as a high-performance flagship built for demanding everyday use.

HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 Focuses on Precision and Performance

Alongside the Mate 80 Pro, Huawei is reintroducing its performance-focused smartwatch line with the WATCH GT Runner 2. The original WATCH GT Runner debuted in 2021, and the new generation reflects five years of continued research and development in professional-grade sports tracking.

Enhanced Positioning and Marathon Mode

The WATCH GT Runner 2 introduces a new 3D floating antenna architecture aimed at improving GPS precision. For the first time in the series, it incorporates an intelligent positioning algorithm capable of maintaining trajectory and distance calculations even during temporary signal loss.

Additionally, the smartwatch debuts an intelligent marathon mode designed to act as a race companion, offering structured race-day guidance and performance monitoring in real time.

Huawei emphasized that the device caters not only to elite athletes but also to amateur runners seeking professional-grade insights and training tools.

During the global launch event, two-time Olympic athlete and global ambassador Eliud Kipchoge shared his involvement in product development, highlighting collaboration aimed at improving the smartwatch experience for runners at all levels.

Philippine Availability Set for April

Both the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro and the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 will launch in the Philippines this April. The Mate 80 Pro marks the long-awaited return of the Mate series in the local market, while the WATCH GT Runner 2 revives Huawei’s dedicated running watch category.

Pricing and full local availability details are expected to be announced closer to the official Philippine launch date.

With these releases, Huawei strengthens its 2026 lineup, combining flagship smartphone innovation with advanced sports wearable technology as it continues to expand its ecosystem offerings in the country.

HONOR advances AI Vision at MWC 2026 with Robot Phone, Humanoid Robot, and HONOR Magic V6

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Ciara Alarcon

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March 4, 2026

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At MWC 2026, HONOR expanded its Augmented Human Intelligence (AHI) strategy with the unveiling of a concept “Robot Phone,” its latest flagship foldable Magic V6, and new AI-powered ecosystem devices. The announcements underscore the company’s broader ambition to integrate intelligent hardware and software across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even robotics.

During its keynote in Barcelona, HONOR outlined the next phase of its ALPHA PLAN, structured around three pillars: Alpha Phone, Alpha Store, and Alpha Lab. According to CEO James Li, the initiative aims to combine IQ and EQ in future AI devices while building a more collaborative ecosystem.

Robot Phone Previewed as a New Category of Embodied AI Smartphone

The highlight of HONOR’s showcase was the preview of its Robot Phone, described as a new “species” of smartphone designed to merge AI intelligence with physical motion and spatial awareness.

Unlike conventional smartphones that rely solely on touch and voice, Robot Phone introduces embodied AI interaction powered by a self-developed micro motor and an ultra-compact 4DoF gimbal system. This allows the device to physically move, adjust angles, and track users during video calls or content capture.

AI Motion and Cinematic Imaging

Robot Phone integrates a 200MP sensor with a stabilized gimbal camera system capable of:

Three-axis stabilization for smoother video
AI Object Tracking for real-time subject following
AI SpinShot with 90° and 180° intelligent rotation
Super Steady Video mode for dynamic environments

Additionally, the device demonstrates expressive interactions, including gesture-like nods, head shakes, and even rhythmic movements synced to music. HONOR positions this as a step toward more natural, emotionally responsive human-device interactions.

While still a preview, Robot Phone signals HONOR’s intent to explore embodied AI beyond static smartphone designs.

HONOR Magic V6 Sets a New Benchmark for Foldables

Alongside its robotics-focused concept, HONOR officially introduced the Magic V6, its latest flagship foldable smartphone.

Ultra-Thin Yet Durable Design

The Magic V6 features an ultra-slim 8.75mm folded profile, reinforced hinge architecture, and IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance. Despite its thin design, it houses a substantial 6,660mAh battery powered by HONOR’s fifth-generation silicon-carbon technology, developed in partnership with ATL.

Notably, the battery incorporates 25% silicon content, enabling higher energy density without increasing thickness. At the event, HONOR also showcased its next-generation Silicon-carbon Blade Battery, featuring 32% silicon content and over 900 Wh/L energy density, designed to push foldables toward 7,000mAh capacity.

Advanced Dual LTPO Displays

Magic V6 sports dual LTPO 2.0 displays:

6.52-inch external screen
7.95-inch internal foldable display

Both support adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rates and peak HDR brightness of up to 6,000 nits (outer) and 5,000 nits (inner). The inner panel features ultra-thin flexible glass with SGS Minimized Crease Certification and a reported 44% reduction in crease depth compared to its predecessor.

Additional display technologies include:

Silicon nitride anti-reflection stack with 1.5% reflectivity
4320Hz PWM dimming
AI Defocus Display for improved eye comfort

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and equipped with advanced vapor chamber cooling, Magic V6 targets users demanding sustained performance for gaming, multitasking, and productivity.

HONOR also emphasized cross-ecosystem compatibility, positioning the foldable as capable of working alongside Apple’s ecosystem tools.

Availability for Magic V6 is scheduled for select markets in the second half of the year, with regional pricing and configurations to be announced locally.

MagicPad 4 and MagicBook Pro 14 Expand HONOR’s AI Ecosystem

Beyond smartphones, HONOR introduced two new flagship ecosystem devices: the MagicPad 4 tablet and MagicBook Pro 14 laptop.

MagicPad 4

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 mobile platform, the MagicPad 4 features:

12.3-inch 3K OLED display
165Hz refresh rate
Ultra-slim 4.8mm profile

The tablet integrates AI-enhanced multitasking tools and cross-device collaboration features. HONOR also demonstrated the deployment of the OpenClaw AI assistant via a new Linux Lab option in Developer Settings, hinting at expanded productivity use cases.

MagicPad 4 will be available in Grey and White, starting at €699, with regional availability and bundles varying by market.

MagicBook Pro 14

The MagicBook Pro 14 is powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and features a 14.6-inch OLED display. Designed for creative and professional workloads, the laptop focuses on sustained performance, intelligent performance management, and long battery life in a lightweight chassis.

Together, these devices reinforce HONOR’s strategy to build a connected AI ecosystem spanning multiple device categories.

HONOR Introduces Its First Humanoid Robot

In addition to Robot Phone, HONOR unveiled its first humanoid robot, marking a significant expansion beyond consumer electronics.

The company stated that its robotics efforts will focus on three primary scenarios:

Shopping assistance
Workplace inspections
Supportive companionship

Unlike traditional robotics firms, HONOR aims to leverage its experience in smartphones and connected devices to enable robots capable of recognizing users and delivering personalized assistance from the outset.

Availability and What Comes Next

While Robot Phone and the humanoid robot remain exploratory at this stage, Magic V6, MagicPad 4, and MagicBook Pro 14 are positioned as near-term commercial products.

Magic V6 will launch in select markets in the second half of 2026, with pricing details to be announced regionally. MagicPad 4 starts at €699, while further configuration details for the MagicBook Pro 14 are expected closer to market rollout.

With its announcements at MWC 2026, HONOR signals a broader evolution—from smartphone manufacturer to AI-driven ecosystem company—integrating embodied intelligence, advanced battery innovation, and cross-device collaboration into what it describes as the next generation of intelligent hardware.

Smart Q4 2025 Revenue Growth Hits 5% as 5G Adoption and ARPU Rise

Jam Ancheta

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March 4, 2026

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Smart Q4 2025 Revenue Growth Hits 5% as 5G Adoption and ARPU Rise

Smart ended 2025 on a stronger success after posting a 5% quarter-on-quarter revenue growth in the fourth quarter. The improvement signals a turnaround in Smart’s wireless business.

Following a 2% revenue decline at the end of Q1 2025, Smart shifted its strategy toward value-led growth supported by targeted customer initiatives and digital offers. Smart’s fourth-quarter performance was primarily driven by higher Average Revenue Per User (ARPU).

Smart Prepaid recorded a 5% sequential ARPU increase, while TNT posted a 3% uplift during the same period. These gains reflect improved customer engagement through personalized digital promos and data-driven offers.

Subscriber momentum also improved. Smart added 606,079 net subscribers in the fourth quarter while maintaining churn at 2.5% by end-2025. Smart’s 5G expansion played a major role in its recovery. As of end-2025, Smart’s network supported 11.2 million 5G-latched devices, representing a 35% year-on-year increase. The wider availability of more affordable 5G smartphones contributed to an 88% surge in 5G data traffic.

Fixed Wireless Access revenues also grew 22% to PHP 1.8 billion for the full year, driven by rising demand for 5G wireless routers. Smart also secured the “Best Mobile Latency” recognition from Ookla based on first-half 2025 data, highlighting improvements in network responsiveness for livestreaming, mobile gaming, video calls, and digital payments.

Apple Unveils New MacBook Air with M5, 512GB Base Storage and Wi-Fi 7

Jam Ancheta

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March 3, 2026

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Apple Unveils New MacBook Air with M5, 512GB Base Storage and Wi-Fi 7

Apple has announced the new MacBook Air with M5 and it’s bringing faster performance and double the starting storage. The updated MacBook Air now starts with 512GB of storage and is available in both 13-inch and 15-inch models.

MacBook Air with M5 Delivers Faster AI and Graphics Performance

The MacBook Air with M5 features a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core. Apple says the new chip delivers up to 4x faster AI performance compared to M4 and up to 9.5x faster performance compared to M1.

The MacBook Air now starts with 512GB of storage, double the previous generation. It can also be configured up to 4TB. The updated SSD delivers up to 2x faster read and write speeds, allowing quicker file transfers, faster project imports, and improved workflow performance for creators and students.

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thunderbolt 4

The MacBook Air with M5 introduces Apple’s N1 wireless chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for improved speed and reliability. It also features two Thunderbolt 4 ports with support for up to two external displays, along with MagSafe charging for secure power connectivity.

Liquid Retina Display and All-Day Battery

The MacBook Air is available with a 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch display with 500 nits brightness. Battery life remains strong at up to 18 hours, making it suitable for work, study, and travel. The laptop also includes a 12MP Center Stage camera, a three-mic array, and Spatial Audio.

Macbook Air M5 Price and Availability in Canada

Pre-orders begin March 4, with availability starting March 11. The 13-inch model starts at CAD 1,499, while the 15-inch model starts at CAD 1,799.

Apple Announces New iPad Air with M4 Starting at PHP 42,990

Jam Ancheta

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March 2, 2026

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Apple has unveiled the new iPad Air with M4, delivering faster performance, more memory, enhanced connectivity, and powerful iPadOS 26 features. The new iPad Air starts at PHP 42,990 for the 11-inch model and PHP 54,990 for the 13-inch model.

iPad Air with M4 comes with a faster performance

The iPad Air with M4 features an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU. The upgraded GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and second-generation mesh shading for improved graphics and gaming.

Enhanced Connectivity with N1 and C1X

The new iPad Air introduces Apple-designed N1 and C1X connectivity chips. N1 enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support for faster and more reliable wireless connections.

Cellular models feature the C1X modem, delivering up to 50 percent faster cellular performance and improved energy efficiency. The device also supports 5G and eSIM for seamless connectivity.

Display, Accessories, and Colors

The iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, offering portability or a larger display for multitasking. It supports Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), and the Magic Keyboard as well.

Color options include blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, with storage configurations from 128GB up to 1TB.

iPad Air with M4 Price in the Philippines

• 11-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi) – PHP 42,990
• 11-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi + Cellular) – PHP 52,990
• 13-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi) – PHP 54,990
• 13-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi + Cellular) – PHP 64,990

Apple iPhone 17e Announced in the Philippines Starting at PHP 44,990

Jam Ancheta

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March 2, 2026

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Apple iPhone 17e Announced in the Philippines Starting at PHP 44,990

Apple has officially introduced the iPhone 17e, the most affordable model in the iPhone 17 lineup. Starting at PHP 44,990, the iPhone 17e delivers a more powerful performance thanks to its chipset, a 48MP camera system, MagSafe support, andit now starts at 256GB.

It comes with A19 Chip and New C1X Modem

The iPhone 17e is powered by Apple’s latest A19 chip. It features a 6-core CPU, a 4-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and a 16-core Neural Engine optimized for Apple Intelligence features. It also comes with the C1X cellular modem, which is up to 2x faster than the previous-generation C1 and improves energy efficiency.

48MP Fusion Camera with 2x Telephoto

The iPhone 17e features a single 48MP Fusion camera that enables an optical-quality 2x Telephoto, effectively offering two cameras in one system. The device also records 4K Dolby Vision video up to 60 fps, along with Spatial Audio and advanced Audio Mix controls.

6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Display with Ceramic Shield 2

The iPhone 17e comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with up to 1200 nits peak HDR brightness. It features Ceramic Shield 2, offering 3x better scratch resistance and a tougher display as well.

It comes with an aluminum body and rated IP68 for dust and water resistance. It also includes Face ID and the customizable Action button for quick access to essential features.

MagSafe, Fast Charging, and Satellite Safety

The iPhone 17e supports MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W, along with fast wired charging via USB-C that can reach up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes.

It also includes satellite features such as Emergency SOS via satellite, Roadside Assistance, Messages via satellite, Find My via satellite, and Crash Detection for added safety when outside cellular coverage.

Storage, Colors, and Availability

The iPhone 17e starts at 256GB of storage and is available in black, white, and soft pink. It also comes in a 512GB configuration.