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Apple delighted its fans this week with the launch of no less than seven new devices.
On Monday, it kicked things off with a new iPad Air and the iPhone 17e, before unveiling new Studio Displays, a MacBook Pro and and a MacBook Air on Tuesday.
As if that wasn't enough, the tech giant introduced a new budget MacBook on Wednesday, dubbed the MacBook Neo.
The new gadgets aren't available until next week, with the first customers receiving them from 11 March.
However, the Daily Mail's Science & Technology Editor, Shivali Best, was able to get her hands on the iPhone 17e and MacBook Neo at an exclusive event in London.
So, is it worth splashing out on the new devices?
Both priced at £599, the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo are some of Apple's cheapest products, yet are packed with many of the features you see in more high–end devices.
I think they're set to become the must–have gadgets for students – here's why.
The new gadgets aren't available until next week, with the first customers receiving them from 11 March. However, the Daily Mail's Science & Technology Editor, Shivali Best, was able to get her hands on the iPhone 17e and MacBook Neo at an exclusive event in London
iPhone 17e
iPhone 17e
Product Specs
- Storage256GB or 512GB
- Display6.1–inch Super Retina XDR
- AvailabilityPre–order March 4, with availability starting March 11
- ChargingMagSafe and Qi2 for fast wireless charging
- ColourwaysBlack, white, and soft pink
- Camera48MP Fusion
What we love
StorageDouble the storage of the previous model
ChargingMagSafe feature allows fast charging
What could be better
CameraSingle lens
The iPhone 17e is Apple's latest 'budget' smartphone, coming in at just £599.
Admittedly, in terms of features, it isn't particularly different to its predecessor, the iPhone 16e.
However, where Apple has really taken this up a notch is with the storage.
Last year's device cost £599 for 128GB, while the iPhone 17e is the same price, but with double the storage (256GB).
For today's social media–obsessed students, that's more than enough space for photos, videos and apps!
Another new feature that is bound to prove popular is MagSafe – Apple's magnetic charging system, which was notably missing last year.
This not only allows for faster charging, but also opens the door to a range of new accessories, including camera accessories, wallets, and stands.
While many people will opt for the black or white versions, I think the new 'soft pink' colour will be a huge hit. It's a lovely, subtle shade of pink, and used alongside the matching case and crossbody strap, it's a chic option for stylish students
While many people will opt for the black or white versions, I think the new 'soft pink' colour will be a huge hit.
It's a lovely, subtle shade of pink, and used alongside the matching case and crossbody strap, it's a chic option for stylish students.
Budding photographers might initially be put off by the rear camera, which only feature a single lens.
This might not seem like much, especially compared to the hefty triple lens set–up of Apple's Pro iPhones.
However, don't let the single lens deceive you – the iPhone 17e's 48MP Fusion camera is more than sufficient at snapping photos with excellent detail.
MacBook Neo
Apple MacBook Neo
Product Specs
- Storage256GB, 512GB
- Display13" Liquid Retina
- Ram8GB
- ProcessorApple A18 Pro
- Battery life16 hours
- Ports2x USB–C and headphone jack
- Resolution2408–by–1506
What we love
PriceHalf the cost of other Apple MacBook models
Perfect for light workBest suited for basic tasks
DisplayCrisp 13–inch Liquid Retina display
WeightJust 1.23kg
What could be better
RAMOnly 8GB of memory
Basic capabilitiesNot ideal for multitasking or pro apps
Next up is the MacBook Neo – Apple's brand new budget MacBook.
Like the iPhone 17e, this is priced at just £599 – almost half the price of the MacBook Air 13–inch (£1,099) which Apple also announced this week.
Next up is the MacBook Neo – Apple's brand new budget MacBook. Like the iPhone 17e, this is priced at just £599 – almost half the price of the MacBook Air 13–inch (£1,099) which Apple also announced this week
So, how has Apple managed to created such a cheap laptop?
Where Neo has taken a huge hit is with memory.
The budget MacBook has just 8GB of unified memory, compared with the 16GB, 24GB, and 32GB options we see in Apple's other laptops.
For everyday work this is fine – so if you're just looking for a MacBook to browse the web, store a few documents, and send emails, you're laughing.
However, if you plan any heavy multitasking or pro apps, you might struggle.
Aside from the memory, I think the MacBook Neo punches above its weight.
Its 13–inch Liquid Retina display is lovely and bright, while its dual–speaker sound system provides rich and loud sound for watching movies or listening to music.
At just 2.7lbs (1.23kg), it's the same weight as the MacBook Air 13–inch – making it light enough to pop in a handbag.
The on–device Apple Intelligence tools are bound to be a hit with students, with writing tools, smart summarisation, and Siri just a click away.
What I think students will particularly enjoy are the range of fun colour options with the MacBook Neo.
While many of Apple's more premium MacBooks come in more muted tones, Apple has gone all out with Neo's options, including Indigo, Blush, and Citrus.
For each of these shades, Apple has even colour–matched the keyboard, which is a classy touch.
Is it worth upgrading?
Overall, I think the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo are perfectly suited to students...depending on what you're studying.
They have many of the same features as Apple's more expensive offerings, yet at £599, they're not going to break the bank.
The iPhone 17e's MagSafe charging, improved storage, and two–in–one camera system are excellent new addition, while the new Soft Pink shade is worthy of the most perfectly–curated Instagram feeds.
Meanwhile, the MacBook Neo is ideal for everyday use, such as writing up essays, playing music, or browsing social media.
However, if you're studying a subject that requires heavy editing or advanced apps, you'll probably struggle with the 8GB of memory.
THE TRILLION DOLLAR RISE OF APPLE
1976: Founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne created the company on April 1, 1976, as they set about selling computer kits to hobbyists, each of which was built by Wozniak.
The first product was the Apple I.
1977: Apple released the Apple II in June, which was the first PC made for the mass market.
Steve Jobs unveils Apple Computer Corporation's new Macintosh in California on February 6, 1984
1981: Jobs became chairman.
1984: The Macintosh was introduced during an ad break for the Super Bowl and later officially unveiled during a launch event. It was discontinued a year later and Jobs left the firm.
1987: Apple released the Macintosh II, the first colour Mac.
1997: Apple announces it will acquire NeXT software in a $400 million deal that involves Jobs returning to Apple as interim CEO. He officially took the role in 2000.
Steve Jobs, then-chief executive officer of Apple, with the iPhone
2001: Apple introduced iTunes, OS X and the first-generation iPod.
The first iPod MP3 music player was released on October 23, 2001, at an event in Cupertino and was able to hold up to 1,000 songs.
2007: Apple unveils the iPhone.
2010: The first iPad was unveiled.
2011: Jobs resigned in 2011 due to illness, handing the CEO title to Tim Cook. Jobs died in October from pancreatic cancer.
2014: Apple unveiled the Apple Watch. It also unveiled its first larger iPhones - the 6 and 6 Plus.
2015: After purchasing Beats from Dr Dre, Apple launched Apple Music to compete with Spotify and other music streaming services.
2016: Apple returned to its roots and announced the 4-inch iPhone SE. Meanwhile, the firm is embroiled in a legal battle with the FBI, involving the agency demanding access to the locked phone used by Syed Farook, who died in a shootout after carrying out a deadly December attack in San Bernardino, California, with his wife. The court order was dropped on March 28 after the FBI said a third party was able to unlock the device.
2017: Apple introduces the iPhone X, which removes the home button to make way for a futuristic edge-to-edge screen design and a new FaceID system that uses advanced sensors and lasers to unlock phones with just the owner's face.
Jobs at an Apple event at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California
2018: In a first for the company, Apple introduces new features in its latest operating system, iOS 12, that encourage users to manage and spend less time on their devices. The move was spawned by a strongly worded letter from shareholders that urged the firm to address the growing problem of smartphone addiction among kids and teenagers.
2019: In January, Apple reports its first decline in revenues and profits in a decade. CEO Tim Cook partly blamed steep declines in revenue from China.
2020: In March, Apple closes all its brick-and-mortar retail stores outside of China in response to coronavirus.
2021: In an online virtual event in April, CEO Tim Cook declares Apple's goal of becoming carbon neutral for Earth Day. Later in the year, the iPhone 13 was announced.
2022: In September, the iPhone 14 was announced. One of the new features included a new sensor to detect if a user had been in a car crash, as well as an improved camera system.
2023: Apple brings back its 'Home Pod' after the first generation was discontinued. The 'Home Pod' can be seen as an alternative to Amazon's Alexa or Google Home, as it is powered by voice commands.
2024: Apple makes its first steps into artificial intelligence with the release of Apple Intelligence. The features are not all released at once, with many delayed until the following year.
