iPhone 17e with Screen Time review

An iPhone makes most sense for a teen in a family that already uses Apple devices, because Screen Time is free and managed from a parent's own iPhone. With Family Sharing and a Child Account set up, parents can allow or block specific apps and websites, require approval for purchases and downloads through Ask to Buy, and approve new websites through Ask to Browse, which is on by default for children under 13. Allowed Contacts lets parents decide who a child can reach in Messages, FaceTime and Phone, and a message from someone new stays hidden until a parent approves. Time allowances and downtime cover when the phone can be used. Apple lists at least 5 years of OS and security updates for the iPhone 17e. The price is the problem: $699 for 256 GB is far more than a purpose-built kids' phone, and the controls rely on correct setup rather than a locked-down device.

Who it is for

Apple households who want built-in, free controls on their teen's phone.

Price

$699 for 256 GB at the Apple Store when checked; Screen Time is free.

Connect on your own later. $699.00
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Allowed Contacts: new contacts need parent approval before a child can see their message
• Ask to Buy and Ask to Browse for app downloads and new websites
• Limit Adult Websites on by default for children under 18
• Time allowances and downtime managed from a parent's iPhone
• At least 5 years of OS and security updates, per Apple

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Screen Time is free and built into iOS
• Strength: Contact approvals cover Messages, FaceTime and Phone
• Strength: Ask to Browse is on by default for kids under 13
• Weakness: $699 is the second highest price on this list
• Weakness: Needs Family Sharing and a Child Account to work fully
• Weakness: Full app store and browser once restrictions are loosened

Key facts

• Price: $699, 256 GB
• Display: 6.1 inches
• Updates: At least 5 years, per Apple
• Controls: Screen Time with Family Sharing, free
• Defaults: Ask to Browse on under 13

Where it ranks

iPhone 17e with Screen Time is No. 6 in our Best Phones for Kids verdict.