The iPhone 16e, Apple’s substitute for the iPhone SE, has loads of options that make it an excellent deal, from its A18 chip to the truth that it really comes with an OLED display. However one obtrusive omission in its spec sheet is not sensible: Why does not this $599 cellphone have MagSafe?
Regardless of wanting rather a lot like an iPhone 14, and utilizing parts which can be much like the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16e does not assist MagSafe or quick wi-fi charging. Apple expects iPhone 16e house owners to be proud of the identical wi-fi charging speeds as an iPhone SE launched in 2022, and the slight benefit of utilizing a USB-C port reasonably than a Lighting port.
The iPhone 16e’s lacking MagSafe feels notably unusual as a result of the function has been a given for years at this level. Apple launched MagSafe to its smartphones with the iPhone 12 as a magnetic accent and charging commonplace, and has included it in each cellphone since. MagSafe borrows the title of the magnetic connectors on Apple’s laptops, however with some key variations. MagSafe on an iPhone means you will have robust built-in magnets that permit your cellphone attaches to instances, mounts, wallets and stands, with none additional fiddly items. Whenever you cost over MagSafe, you additionally get quicker charging speeds, bumping issues from 7.5W charging to as much as 25W charging with the precise charging brick.
Extra importantly, utilizing magnets to immediately information a charger to charging coils largely eliminates the opportunity of a cellphone being on a charger however not really getting charged. It is doubtless one of many major explanation why MagSafe was adopted into the broader Qi2 wi-fi charging commonplace — it simply makes the entire thing much more handy.
That does not actually clarify why Apple would depart it out of the iPhone 16e, although. The corporate’s definition of what makes a “Professional” function is all the time in flux, and it’ll typically will depart options or parts out to justify a cheaper price. However Apple and its companions doubtless promote numerous MagSafe equipment, does not Apple wish to promote these to iPhone 16e house owners, too?
The fascinating wrinkle in all of that is Qi2, which has been out there for cellphone makers to make use of since 2023, however hasn’t seen widespread adoption exterior of Apple’s telephones. Samsung, an organization that ought to have greater than sufficient cash to work Qi2 into its flagships, as a substitute gives a case you should buy if you wish to use Qi2 charging on the Galaxy S25. Different Android makers aren’t any higher: you will not discover Qi2 on the Pixel 9, Motorola Razr+ or Galaxy Z Flip and Fold 6. It is potential Qi2 or MagSafe is dearer (or tough) to incorporate than it seems, and Apple has been “beneficiant” all this time. Which may make the choice to not assist the usual make extra sense. However that does not change the truth that the iPhone 16e’s lack of MagSafe could be very annoying.