The Morning After: Apple’s big week starts with the iPhone 17e

Engadget

by Daniel Cooper

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Apple's latest lineup kicked off with the iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4, both offering significant upgrades while maintaining or even lowering prices. The iPhone 17e stands out as a budget-friendly option with its $599 price tag, doubling storage to 256GB compared to last year’s model. It features MagSafe at Qi2 speeds for faster wireless charging and Apple's C1X chip for improved efficiency over Qualcomm alternatives. Meanwhile, the iPad Air M4 enhances performance with an upgraded M4 chip, Wi-Fi 7 compatibility, and increased RAM to 12GB without a price increase. Starlink is set to revolutionize satellite internet by targeting 150 Mbps speeds by late 2026, aiming to compete with terrestrial 5G networks. Vivo's X300 Ultra introduces a 400mm Zeiss telephoto lens for professional-grade photography, while Lenovo showcased its Modular AI PC concept at MWC, featuring hot-swappable components that allow users to customize their setup for different needs. Honor’s Robot Phone steals the spotlight with an articulating camera gimbal capable of movement and even dance-like motions. This unique feature complements its primary function as a smartphone. Additionally, the potential merger of Paramount+ and HBO Max into a single streaming service could create a 200 million subscriber platform, offering enhanced content variety while ensuring HBO's independence. These advancements highlight Apple's commitment to improving affordability and efficiency, while other companies push boundaries in innovation. From satellite technology to modular computing and robotic cameras, these developments underscore the dynamic evolution of tech, promising exciting options for consumers and professionals alike.

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Originally published on Engadget on 3/3/2026