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Apple delighted its fans this week with the launch of no less than seven new devices.
On Monday, it kicked things off with a new iPad Air and the iPhone 17e, before unveiling new Studio Displays, a MacBook Pro and and a MacBook Air on Tuesday.
As if that wasn't enough, the tech giant introduced a new budget MacBook on Wednesday, dubbed the MacBook Neo.
The new gadgets aren't available until next week, with the first customers receiving them from 11 March.
However, the Daily Mail's Science & Technology Editor, Shivali Best, was able to get her hands on the iPhone 17e and MacBook Neo at an exclusive event in London.
So, is it worth splashing out on the new devices?
Both priced at £599, the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo are some of Apple's cheapest products, yet are packed with many of the features you see in more high-end devices.
I think they're set to become the must-have gadgets for students - here's why.
The new gadgets aren't available until next week, with the first customers receiving them from 11 March. However, the Daily Mail's Science & Technology Editor, Shivali Best, was able to get her hands on the iPhone 17e and MacBook Neo at an exclusive event in London
@shivalibest
Come with me to Apple's MacBook Neo launch in London! #apple #macbookneo
♬ Midnight Sun - Zara Larsson
| iPhone 17e | Product Specs |
|---|---|
| Storage | 256GB or 512GB |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR |
| Availability | Pre-order March 4, with availability starting March 11 |
| Charging | MagSafe and Qi2 for fast wireless charging |
| Colourways | Black, white, and soft pink |
| Camera | 48MP Fusion |
| What we love | Storage: Double the storage of the previous model; Charging: MagSafe feature allows fast charging |
| What could be better | Camera: Single lens |
The iPhone 17e is Apple's latest 'budget' smartphone, coming in at just £599.
Admittedly, in terms of features, it isn't particularly different to its predecessor, the iPhone 16e.
However, where Apple has really taken this up a notch is with the storage.
Last year's device cost £599 for 128GB, while the iPhone 17e is the same price but with double the storage (256GB).
For today's social media-obsessed students, that's more than enough space for photos, videos and apps!
Another new feature that is bound to prove popular is MagSafe - Apple's magnetic charging system, which was notably missing last year.
This not only allows for faster charging, but also opens the door to a range of new accessories, including camera accessories, wallets, and stands.
While many people will opt for the black or white versions, I think the new 'soft pink' colour will be a huge hit. It's a lovely, subtle shade of pink, and used alongside the matching case and crossbody strap, it's a chic option for stylish students.
Budding photographers might initially be put off by the rear camera, which only feature a single lens.
This might not seem like much, especially compared to the hefty triple lens set-up of Apple's Pro iPhones.
However, don't let the single lens deceive you - the iPhone 17e's 48MP Fusion camera is more than sufficient at snapping photos with excellent detail.
Next up is the MacBook Neo - Apple's brand new budget MacBook.
Like the iPhone 17e, this is priced at just £599 - almost half the price of the MacBook Air 13-inch (£1,099) which Apple also announced this week.
So, how has Apple managed to created such a cheap laptop?
Where Neo has taken a huge hit is with memory.
The budget MacBook has just 8GB of unified memory, compared with the 16GB, 24GB, and 32GB options we see in Apple's other laptops.
For everyday work this is fine - so if you're just looking for a MacBook to browse the web, store a few documents, and send emails, you're laughing.
However, if you plan any heavy multitasking or pro apps, you might struggle.
Apart from the memory, I think the MacBook Neo punches above its weight.
Its 13-inch Liquid Retina display is lovely and bright, while its dual-speaker sound system provides rich and loud sound for watching movies or listening to music.
At just 2.7lbs (1.23kg), it's the same weight as the MacBook Air 13-inch - making it light enough to pop in a handbag.
The on-device Apple Intelligence tools are bound to be a hit with students, with writing tools, smart summarisation, and Siri just a click away.
What I think students will particularly enjoy are the range of fun colour options with the MacBook Neo.
While many of Apple's more premium MacBooks come in more muted tones, Apple has gone all out with Neo's options, including Indigo, Blush, and Citrus.
For each of these shades, Apple has even colour-matched the keyboard; which is a classy touch.
Is it worth upgrading?
Overall, I think the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo are perfectly suited to students...depending on what you're studying.
They have many of the same features as Apple's more expensive offerings, yet at £599, they're not going to break the bank.
The iPhone 17e's MagSafe charging, improved storage, and two-in-one camera system are excellent new addition, while the new Soft Pink shade is worthy of the most perfectly-curated Instagram feeds.
Meanwhile, the MacBook Neo is ideal for everyday use, such as writing up essays, playing music, or browsing social media.
However, if you're studying a subject that requires heavy editing or advanced apps, you'll probably struggle with the 8GB of memory.