iPhone 17e and iPad M4 pricing might be the most important feature
Apple has kept the prices of its iPad Air and iPhone 17e the same despite some hullaballoo surrounding RAM prices
Apple has chosen to keep prices the same for the newly-announced iPhone and iPad models, despite the rising prices of RAM around the world.
The iPhone 17e is a minor upgrade that keeps more the same than it changes and in the case of the price tag that’s a good thing.
Apple has maintained the $599/£599 price tag within the phone that adds MagSafe connectivity, the A19 processor (same as the iPhone 17), the new Apple-made C1X modem and more base storage than the year before.
When you consider all of the hullaballoo around memory pricing around the world – caused by completely unnecessary AI needs – and the price hikes taking effect, it’s reassuring to see Apple hang fire on the price increases. If you’re looking for a cute baby pink iPhone, then you won’t be paying any more for Apple’s cheapest phone than you would have yesterday.
It’s the same story with the new iPad Air, which has been upgraded with the M4 processor. That too starts at $599/£599 for the 11-inch model. And there’s also more starting storage here too, this time it’s 128GB. Furthermore Apple is offering the CX1 and N1s chip for improved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Thread connectivity.
So if you’re thinking the latest iPhone and iPad models have scrimped on major upgrades so far this week, you might pause to be thankful you aren’t being asked to pay more for your troubles of upgrading your iPhone and iPad. Let’s hope Apple continues the trend with the MacBook launches scheduled for this week.
Whether the company is taking a financial hit by keeping the prices the same remains to be seen. It might also be that tech companies are using the RAM shortage as an excuse to build in higher prices.
Chris Smith
