Apple has unveiled the iPhone 17e with meaningful upgrades including MagSafe wireless charging and doubled storage to 256GB at the same $599 price point. However, the budget model retains the controversial notch design that Apple has phased out of its flagship lineup. This decision makes the brand new iPhone appear dated compared to competitors.

Industry watchers had widely expected Apple to introduce the Dynamic Island to the iPhone 17e, following the feature's debut on higher-end models. Instead, Apple preserved the notch to maintain differentiation between its budget and premium offerings. The strategy prevents potential cannibalization of standard iPhone 17 sales but creates an immediate aesthetic disadvantage.

When compared to Android alternatives at the same price point, the iPhone 17e's design looks particularly dated. Samsung's Galaxy A36 offers a punch-hole display for $399, while Google's Pixel 9a provides the same feature for $599. Even Nothing Phone (3) includes a punch-hole camera for roughly $40 more than the iPhone 17e. The notch design, while necessary for Face ID functionality, makes Apple's budget offering appear behind the curve on launch day.