iPhone 17e Brings MagSafe to Older Models with Swappable Back Panel

Apple’s iPhone 17e addresses a key omission in the previous generation, the iPhone 16e: MagSafe compatibility. Crucially, the fix isn’t limited to new iPhone 17e owners. A teardown by iFixit reveals that the back panel of the iPhone 17e is interchangeable with the iPhone 16e, offering a relatively simple upgrade path for those who desire to add MagSafe functionality.

The MagSafe Missing Piece

The iPhone 16e launched without a MagSafe ring, a feature that allows for straightforward attachment of accessories like chargers, battery packs, and car mounts. While the 16e supported wireless charging, the lack of magnets made alignment fiddly and less efficient. Accessories designed for MagSafe were not fully compatible. iFixit’s initial review of the 16e noted this as a significant drawback.

iPhone 17e: A Simple Solution

The iPhone 17e rectifies this with the inclusion of a MagSafe ring on its back panel. The iFixit teardown confirmed that the 17e’s back panel is the same size as the 16e’s, making a direct swap possible. MacRumors reported on the discovery, highlighting the potential for 16e owners to upgrade without purchasing a new phone.

Software Compatibility Considerations

While the hardware swap is straightforward, there’s a caveat. The iPhone 16e software doesn’t recognize MagSafe accessories, meaning users won’t gain the signature “thunk” and animation when attaching accessories. It’s too currently unclear whether the 16e will support the full 15W charging speed with the 17e back panel. 9to5Mac detailed these software limitations.

Repairability Remains a Focus

Beyond the MagSafe addition, the iPhone 17e maintains the repair-friendly design of the 16e. Both models feature a dual-entry design, allowing access from both the front and back, simplifying battery and display replacements. This design has been removed from the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, making the 17e and 16e stand out in terms of ease of repair. Apple also provided day one repair manuals for the iPhone 17e, further aiding repair efforts.

Other Internal Updates

The iPhone 17e also includes an upgraded A19 System on Chip, replacing the A18 found in the 16e. The modem has been updated to the faster C1X, and base storage has been increased to 256GB.

Key Takeaways

• The iPhone 17e adds MagSafe compatibility, addressing a key criticism of the iPhone 16e.
• iPhone 16e owners can potentially add MagSafe functionality by swapping the back panel with one from an iPhone 17e.
• Software compatibility is a consideration; the iPhone 16e may not fully recognize MagSafe accessories or support the fastest charging speeds.
• The iPhone 17e retains the repair-friendly design of the 16e, making it easier to repair, and upgrade.