iPhone 17e: MagSafe Comes to the Budget iPhone, and a Repairability Boost

Apple’s latest budget-friendly iPhone, the 17e, addresses a key omission from its predecessor, the 16e: MagSafe compatibility. A teardown by iFixit reveals that the iPhone 17e not only includes a MagSafe ring but similarly maintains the excellent repairability features of the 16e, and crucially, offers a potential upgrade path for existing 16e owners.

MagSafe Arrives on the iPhone 17e

The most significant upgrade in the iPhone 17e isn’t a chip bump or increased storage, but the inclusion of a ring of magnets enabling MagSafe functionality. iFixit’s teardown highlights that the 17e’s back panel is compatible with the iPhone 16e, meaning 16e owners can add MagSafe by swapping just one component.

The absence of MagSafe on the iPhone 16e was a notable drawback, causing issues with wireless charging alignment and preventing the use of magnetic accessories like battery packs and car mounts. Without magnets, wireless charging can be fiddly and less efficient, potentially leading to wasted energy and increased battery wear.

Repairability Remains a Priority

Apple has retained the dual-entry design from the iPhone 16e in the 17e, simplifying repairs. This design allows access to the device from both the front and the back, making battery and display replacements easier. This is particularly noteworthy as this feature has been removed from the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models.

The iPhone 17e continues to use adhesive for the battery that can be removed with an electrical pulse, further streamlining the replacement process.

Internal Similarities and Component Sharing

Aside from the MagSafe assembly, the internal layout of the iPhone 16e and 17e are remarkably similar. MacRumors reports that iFixit’s initial CT scan revealed minimal differences. This component sharing likely contributes to cost savings for Apple and simplifies the supply chain for spare parts.

The iPhone 17e features the A19 System on Chip and a C1X modem, an upgrade from the A18 and C1 modem in the 16e, respectively. Internal storage starts at 256GB, double the base storage of the 16e.

iPhone 17e Specifications

• Processor: A19 System on Chip
• Modem: C1X
• Starting Storage: 256GB
• Display: 6.1-inch OLED (same as iPhone 14)
• Colors: Black, White, Soft Pink
• Price: Starting at $599

iFixit’s resource page provides identification details, including model numbers found in the USB-C port and within the phone’s settings (General > About).

The Trend of Component Reuse

Apple isn’t alone in reusing components across iPhone generations. This practice, along with dropping features deemed unnecessary by some users, is becoming more common as manufacturers seek to control costs and maintain pricing stability. Similar trends are observed in the Android market, such as the Pixel 10a sharing significant components with the Pixel 9a.

This strategy allows manufacturers to avoid significant hardware overhauls each year, focusing instead on incremental improvements and software optimizations.