Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai. Apple is preparing for a busy March, with plans to introduce a more affordable iPhone 17e globally while expanding its retail footprint in India with a sixth exclusive store in Mumbai’s Borivali. The twin developments underline the company’s sharper focus on emerging markets like India, both through competitively priced hardware and stronger on-ground presence.
Affordable iPhone 17e may debut in March
Apple is likely to unveil the iPhone 17e next month as part of its budget-friendly lineup. The device is expected to run on the latest A19 chipset, which currently powers the flagship iPhone 17 series. Despite rising costs of RAM and storage components, Apple may price the phone at 599 dollars, roughly Rs 50,000, positioning it aggressively in the mid-premium segment.
According to a report by The Verge, Apple sees limited competition in this category at present. Google’s upcoming Pixel 10a is not expected to bring major upgrades, while Samsung’s focus remains largely on premium smartphones. With a powerful chipset at a relatively accessible price, Apple appears keen to target high-growth markets such as India.
Key expected highlights include:
- Latest A19 chip, already used in iPhone 17 series
- Possible price around 599 dollars
- Focus on emerging markets like India
- Limited competition in upper mid-range segment
In-house modem and MagSafe support likely
The iPhone 17e may also mark a strategic shift for Apple by introducing its first in-house cellular modem, reducing dependence on Qualcomm for connectivity chips. This would be a significant step in Apple’s long-term effort to control more of its hardware ecosystem.
The device is also expected to support MagSafe wireless charging. It will likely serve as an upgraded version of last year’s iPhone 16e, offering better performance and improved features while maintaining a comparatively lower price point.
New iPad and Mac updates in pipeline
Apple is not limiting its March event to smartphones. The company is expected to refresh its tablet and laptop portfolio as well.
In the tablet segment:
- A new base model iPad may feature the A18 chip
- Support for Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI system
- A new iPad Air could get the M4 chip
- OLED display may be introduced in iPad Air
Apple Intelligence is the company’s proprietary artificial intelligence system designed to assist with writing, photo editing and making Siri more responsive. With AI integration in iPhone 17e and new iPads, users may find advanced tools more accessible in everyday use.
On the laptop front, Apple may update MacBook Pro specifications and introduce a new MacBook Air powered by the latest M5 processor. The new chip is expected to deliver improved performance and enhanced battery efficiency.
Sixth Apple store to open in Mumbai
Parallel to its product push, Apple is strengthening its physical presence in India. The company will open its sixth exclusive store in the country on February 26 in Borivali, Mumbai. This will be Apple’s second outlet in the financial capital, after the store at Bandra Kurla Complex.
The Borivali store will offer Apple’s latest products, including:
- iPhone 17 series
- MacBook lineup
- iPad range
- Apple Watch models
The store has been designed according to Apple’s global standards and will feature a Genius Bar, where trained experts provide on-the-spot technical support. Customers will also be able to use the trade-in programme to exchange old devices for new iPhones.
With two stores each in Mumbai and Delhi and one each in Bengaluru and Pune, Apple is steadily expanding in cities with strong premium consumer bases. The combined strategy of launching a competitively priced iPhone and deepening retail reach suggests that India is becoming central to Apple’s next growth phase.
