Yesterday, Apple shocked tech fans by quietly announcing its new iPhone 17e smartphone.
At £599 ($599 in the US), the 'budget' iPhone 17e costs the same as the previous iPhone 16e, but comes with twice as much storage.
However, many Apple fans aren't satisfied with the tech giant's upgrades, with dozens taking to social media to vent their frustrations.
'This is insanity for $600,' one furious fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another blasted the new smartphone, writing: 'iPhone 17e?? This s* looks like the iPhone 5.'
While some Apple fans welcomed the upgraded storage and relatively modest price, the lack of design changes has proved to be a source of irritation.
In particular, fans were infuriated by the fact that the iPhone 17e still uses a cutout 'notch' to hide the front camera and microphone rather than the new dynamic island.
Likewise, keen tech enthusiasts noted that the display on the iPhone 17e still only has a 60Hz refresh rate - well below the current standard of 120Hz.
On X, one commenter wrote: 'Oh my gosh. 60HZ and a notch. That's unbelievable.'
Another chimed in: 'No Dynamic Island is a joke!'
'Idc that it has a notch but 60hz makes it unusable e-waste in 2026,' one commenter viciously added.
Meanwhile, one Apple fan mused: 'I love 17e pink iPhone but why can't they make it come with two cam [camera] at least and remove the notch.'
Other tech fans were more frustrated with Apple's claim that the iPhone 17e represents a great value option.
Although the new phone is a major upgrade from the iPhone 16e at the same price, some pointed out that it was only £200 ($200 in the US) to upgrade to the significantly more feature-packed iPhone 17.
One social media user suggested: 'iPhone 17 - great value for $800. iPhone 17e - the worst value for $600.'
'Why 17e even exist in the first place? 17 base model ticks all the box. With only 200 dollar different,' another added.
In particular, fans were infuriated by the fact that the iPhone 17e still uses a cutout 'notch' to hide the front camera and microphone rather than the new dynamic island
One commenter called the budget price 'insanity' for an iPhone with only one front camera and the much-despised notch
Keen tech enthusiasts noted that the display on the iPhone 17e still only has a 60Hz refresh rate, well below the current standard of 120Hz
iPhone 17e: Key specs
- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR
- Camera: 48MP Fusion
- Colours: Black, white, and soft pink
- Price: £599/$599 for 256GB of storage
- Charging: MagSafe and Qi2 for fast wireless charging
- Availability: Pre-order March 4, with availability starting March 11
As another quipped: 'That's robbery.'
However, the iPhone 17e hasn't been universally unloved, and many fans have been extremely excited about the release.
One excited commenter wrote: 'Wait this is actually perfect, none of that camera button and dynamic island nonsense. Literally the perfect iPhone.'
'I'm loving Apple's trend of making 256GB the base storage,' added another.
And one said: 'Wait, 256GB base storage for $599? If that's real, Apple is finally listening.'
'The A19 chip in a budget model is actually insane value.'
Bucking the trend for elaborate launch events, Apple skipped the fanfare as it unveiled the new iPhone 17e yesterday evening via a post on its newsroom.
The biggest selling point is that Apple has upped the base storage from 126GB on the iPhone 16e to 256GB without increasing the price.
One of the most exciting new features is support for MagSafe charging, which many fans were disappointed was missing on the iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 17e also includes the latest-generation A19 chip, which delivers 'exceptional' speed and performance, according to Apple.
One of the most exciting new features is support for MagSafe charging, which many fans were disappointed was missing on the iPhone 16e.
This not only enables fast wireless charging up to 15W but also opens the door to a range of new accessories, including chargers, wallets and camera accessories.
Although the phone only has one rear camera, Apple claims that its 48MP 'Fusion camera' acts like 'two cameras in one'.
The company says that the camera includes 'an optical-quality 2x Telephoto', allowing standard or zoomed photography.
'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,' said Kaiann Drance, Apple's vice-president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing.
The iPhone 17e is available in three colours - black, white and a new soft pink - and in two storage options.
Pre-orders don't begin until this Wednesday, with availability from Wednesday, March 11.