Introduction
The unveiling of the iPhone 16e has brought a mix of excitement and confusion, especially regarding its supposed compatibility with MagSafe. While the new device is priced higher than many mid-range phones and features the iPhone 16's powerful chip, there's an underlying mystery surrounding its wireless charging capabilities. This article dives into the peculiarities of the iPhone 16e and its awkward relationship with MagSafe.
The iPhone 16e is a curious addition to Apple's lineup, boasting features that seem to elevate it above traditional mid-range models. With a price tag that includes costs up to $630 off with trade-ins, it certainly attracts attention. However, early tests indicate some gaming performance issues, while it outshines the iPhone 16 in 5G efficiency. Recently, a revelation has emerged: the iPhone 16e supports MagSafe... sort of.
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Despite having no official MagSafe support, confusion abounds. Apple had to clarify why the iPhone 16e lacks this feature. However, it appears that the device possesses MagSafe magnets, albeit insufficient in number to ensure a reliable connection. Macworld's David Price discovered that while the iPhone 16e can attach weakly to a MagSafe charger, it does not provide the strong adherence we expect from other MagSafe-compatible devices.
The connection, while present, leaves much to be desired. The iPhone 16e can charge wirelessly when placed on a MagSafe charger, but the bond is feeble at best. As a result, it won't stick through a protective case or hold steady on a vertical dock, leading one to wonder: why didn’t Apple fully commit to this feature?
Apple's justification for the absence of robust MagSafe integration is rather perplexing—it claims the iPhone 16e targets an audience that doesn't utilize MagSafe. Intriguingly, this audience comprises users of iPhone SE and older iPhones, making it hard to see how they could engage with MagSafe, as they simply lack the technology. It appears Apple's strategy was to create a distinction between the iPhone 16e and the more advanced iPhone 16, opting for an incomplete magnetic system instead of omitting the magnets altogether.
MagSafe has captivated many users due to its convenience of aligning perfectly for charging and the added speed it affords—going as high as 15w with MagSafe, compared to the standard 7.5w from regular Qi chargers. While the iPhone 16e misses out on this, it competes well with non-MagSafe rivals like the Galaxy A56 and Pixel 8a who don't offer this feature either. For users migrating from a iPhone 12 accustomed to MagSafe, the lack may present a significant adjustment. Yet, for those transitioning from older models, this feature might not be a dealbreaker.
