Apple iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4 launch with advanced AI features, A19 and M4 chips, making AI-powered tech more accessible in Africa
Apple Inc. has unveiled the iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4, bringing advanced AI capabilities to more affordable devices.
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The announcements form part of Apple’s new multi-day release strategy, with hands-on sessions planned in New York, London, and Shanghai.
The iPhone 17e features Apple’s latest A19 chip, a 16-core Neural Engine, and a 48MP Fusion rear camera.
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display retains the familiar notch while adding durability improvements, including Ceramic Shield 2 and IP68 water resistance.
Key upgrades include 26-hour battery life, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, USB-C, MagSafe support, and an Action button. Base storage now starts at 256GB, with global pricing from $599.
The iPad Air M4 introduces the M4 chip, skipping the M3 entirely, with up to 30 per cent faster multi-core performance than its predecessor.
With 12GB of unified memory and a 16-core Neural Engine, the device is optimised for AI-powered apps, including Final Cut Pro.
Features include 11- and 13-inch Liquid Retina displays, landscape-positioned 12MP front cameras, up to 1TB storage, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard.
Apple also refreshed its MacBook Pro lineup with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, introduced a lower-cost MacBook with an A18 Pro processor, and unveiled the Studio Display 2. An entry-level 12th-generation iPad now runs on the A18 chip with 8GB RAM.
Across the board, Apple emphasises stronger performance, expanded AI capabilities, and higher base storage without major price hikes.
For Nigerian and African markets, these updates signal Apple’s push to make AI-powered devices more accessible.
Retail pricing is expected to range from ₦1.5 million to over ₦2.2 million depending on the model and configuration.
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Apple’s release wave also foreshadows changes in the second-hand market, as older devices may see declining resale values due to faster obsolescence and software support limitations.
