Apple's latest budget-friendly smartphone, the iPhone 17e, is now open for pre-orders ahead of its official launch next week on Wednesday, March 11. Network providers began offering pre-order deals yesterday, with some including attractive freebies to entice customers.
Standout Pre-Order Offer from iD Mobile
A particularly compelling deal has been unveiled by Mobiles.co.uk, a comparison website, in partnership with iD Mobile. New customers can secure a free pair of Apple AirPods 4 earbuds, valued at £119, when signing up for a 24-month contract for the iPhone 17e. This offer applies exclusively to the 256GB model of the device.
Contract Details and Pricing
The contract is priced at £36.99 per month, with an upfront cost of £9 for the handset. It includes unlimited data on 5G networks, unlimited calls, and unlimited texts. However, it is important to note that the monthly price will increase to £38.49 starting from April 1, 2027. The iPhone 17e with 512GB of storage is also available, but the free AirPods 4 are not included with this higher storage option.
This deal has been highlighted by tech experts as one of the best currently available for the new iPhone model. The iPhone 17e itself retails for £599, positioning it as a more affordable alternative at £200 cheaper than Apple's flagship device.
Competitive Offers from Other Networks
Rival network providers are also offering competitive pre-order deals. For instance, Sky has a deal on the iPhone 17e (256GB) priced at £19 per month with a £12 upfront cost, which works out to approximately 61p per day over a 31-day month.
For consumers who prefer to purchase the phone outright without a contract, it will be available for general sale next week at retailers such as Amazon and Argos, likely at the retail price of £599.
Customer Reviews and Experiences
Customers who have previously used Mobiles.co.uk have shared mixed reviews on Trustpilot. Positive feedback includes praise for quick delivery, smooth setup processes, and good value for money. One user noted, "The whole experience from ordering, delivery and setting up the iPhone 17 Pro was super quick. Email confirmation every step of the way, giving me peace of mind."
However, not all experiences have been flawless. Some customers reported network coverage issues, while others highlighted seamless transactions, particularly with eSIM activations and refurbished models.
Apple's Official Announcement
Announcing the iPhone 17e, Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, stated, "The 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. With A19 for incredible performance, double the entry storage, a smarter camera system, and enhanced durability, iPhone 17e is designed to stay fast, secure, and valuable for years to come."
The device features an advanced camera system, Artificial Intelligence capabilities, and starts with 256GB of storage, doubling the base storage of previous models in the series.
