Apple explains why iPhone 16e didn't get MagSafe: "Wireless charging is hardly used"
Apple has explained why the iPhone 16e does not support MagSafe - this is one of the most noticeable differences in the company's new affordable smartphone.
Here's What We Know
According to Apple representatives who spoke with journalist John Gruber (Daring Fireball), the rejection of MagSafe is due to the fact that the main audience of the iPhone 16e mostly charges devices via a cable. The company believes that users of this model hardly ever use wireless charging, and if they do, the difference in speed between standard Qi (7.5W) and MagSafe is not significant for them.
MagSafe was introduced in 2020 with the iPhone 12 and allows charging iPhones with up to 15W, and in the new Pro models - up to 25W. The MagSafe ecosystem also includes cases, wallets, batteries, and mounts that can be easily fixed with magnets.
Special docking stations to showcase the iPhone 16e. Illustration: Apple
Some have speculated that the reason for the absence of MagSafe in the iPhone 16e is related to the new C1 modem, but Apple has refuted this theory. Moreover, one of the case manufacturers has confirmed that the use of MagSafe cases does not affect the operation of the C1.
The removal of MagSafe makes the iPhone 16e the first smartphone in the iPhone line to lose this feature since its introduction. Some third-party cases for this model are equipped with magnets, but they do not improve wireless charging speed.
Interestingly, the Apple Store has developed special docking stations for demonstrating the iPhone 16e with wireless charging. They have recesses for fixing the device so that it does not slip while charging.
Apple probably took this step to reduce the cost of the iPhone 16e. As Gruber noted, the company knows its audience better than anyone else, so the decision was made based on market research.
Source: MacRumors
