iPhone 16e MagSafe Removal Explained – Apple’s Reasoning

Apple has recently launched the iPhone 16e, its most affordable smartphone in the latest lineup, targeting budget-conscious consumers while still offering premium performance with the A18 chip and Apple Intelligence. However, one of the biggest surprises about this model is the lack of MagSafe support, which has been a standard feature in iPhones since the iPhone 12. Instead, the iPhone 16e is limited to 7.5W Qi wireless charging, far below the 15W and 25W speeds offered by MagSafe-enabled models.

Why Did Apple Remove MagSafe from the iPhone 16e?

Apple has officially clarified that the decision to exclude MagSafe was based on user preferences. According to Apple representatives, most users in the iPhone 16e’s target audience prefer charging their phones using a cable rather than wireless charging.

Technology reviewer John Gruber, who spoke with Apple officials, revealed that Apple’s market research indicates that the majority of iPhone 16e buyers are still using wired charging. These users occasionally charge their phones using the Qi wireless charging standard, but MagSafe adoption is significantly lower among them.

This explains why Apple chose not to include MagSafe components in the iPhone 16e, as it helps cut costs and keeps the device competitively priced.

MagSafe vs. Qi Wireless Charging on iPhone 16e

For those unfamiliar, MagSafe is Apple’s proprietary magnetic wireless charging technology, first introduced with the iPhone 12. Here’s how MagSafe differs from standard Qi wireless charging:

Feature	MagSafe (iPhone 12-16)	Qi Wireless (iPhone 16e)
Charging Speed	Up to 15W (25W on Pro models)	Limited to 7.5W
Magnetic Alignment	Yes, ensures proper charging	No, phone must be manually aligned
Accessory Compatibility	Supports MagSafe wallets, stands, battery packs, and car mounts	Limited compatibility with non-magnetic wireless chargers
Standby Mode Support	Yes, for displaying widgets while charging	No

By removing MagSafe, Apple has restricted the iPhone 16e to a maximum wireless charging speed of 7.5W, making it significantly slower than its MagSafe-enabled counterparts.

Other Hardware Omissions on iPhone 16e

Apart from MagSafe, Apple has also removed a few other key features to differentiate the iPhone 16e from its more expensive siblings:

1. No Dynamic Island – Unlike the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, which feature Dynamic Island for notifications and live activities, the iPhone 16e retains the older notch design.
2. No Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Connectivity – The iPhone 16e does not support UWB, which is essential for precise AirTag tracking and seamless connectivity with Apple devices.
3. Lower Wireless Charging Speeds – While iPhone 16 and 16 Pro support MagSafe at 15W and 25W, the iPhone 16e only supports 7.5W Qi charging.

iPhone 16e Pricing in India vs. iPhone 15 and iPhone 16

Despite being the most affordable iPhone in the 16-series, the pricing of iPhone 16e raises some questions, especially when compared to last year’s iPhone 15.

Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:

Model	Official Price (India)	Discounted Price (Amazon)
iPhone 16e (128GB)	₹59,900	N/A
iPhone 15 (128GB)	₹69,900	₹61,499
iPhone 16 (128GB)	₹79,900	₹72,400

Should You Buy the iPhone 16e or the iPhone 15?

If you’re considering the iPhone 16e, it’s important to note that for just ₹1,599 more, you can get the iPhone 15, which has MagSafe, Dynamic Island, and UWB connectivity. The iPhone 16e is cheaper, but the difference isn’t as significant when discounts are factored in.

Does iPhone 16e Have Any Advantages?

Interestingly, reports suggest that the iPhone 16e has a larger battery capacity than the iPhone 16 Pro, potentially offering better battery life despite its slower charging speeds. Additionally, it comes with the latest A18 chip and support for Apple Intelligence, making it future-proof for AI-driven features.

Conclusion: iPhone 16e – Worth It or Not?

The iPhone 16e is an interesting choice for budget-conscious Apple users who don’t care about wireless charging, Dynamic Island, or UWB connectivity. However, with the iPhone 15 available at a small price difference, many buyers might prefer last year’s model for the extra features.

Would you choose the iPhone 16e over the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16? Let us know in the comments! 🚀