Apple launched the iPhone 16e earlier this month, and it went on sale in India and other countries on Friday. This phone is the most affordable model in Apple’s lineup and comes with the new A18 chip and Apple Intelligence support.
However, it doesn’t have some of the features found in newer iPhones, like Dynamic Island, MagSafe, or Ultra-Wideband (UWB) connectivity. Apple recently explained that they chose not to include MagSafe, which is their wireless charging system that works with various third-party accessories.
In his review of the iPhone 16e, well-known tech blogger John Gruber pointed out the absence of MagSafe support on the new phone. This is one of the major hardware changes, along with the lack of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) connectivity, which is used for precise tracking of accessories like AirTags.
Gruber shared that Apple representatives explained to him that most people in the iPhone 16e’s target market don’t use MagSafe. Instead, these users tend to prefer charging their phone with a cable (the iPhone 16e now has a USB Type-C port instead of the older Lightning port) and occasionally use the older Qi wireless charging standard, which the new phone supports.
Here’s Why MagSafe and UWB Are Not Included In iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e’s lack of MagSafe support means users can only charge the phone at a maximum of 7.5W using a Qi charger. In comparison, the more expensive iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro support faster wireless charging at 15W and 25W, respectively, with MagSafe.
MagSafe, introduced with the iPhone 12, also offers the convenience of magnets that help the charging puck snap securely onto the back of the phone. Over the last five years, many MagSafe accessories have become popular, and Apple has added features like Standby Mode, which displays useful information on the screen when the phone is charging horizontally.
| Category | iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532×1170 resolution, 60Hz, 1200 nits peak brightness | Similar display, but higher peak brightness |
| Processor | Apple A18 chip | Apple A18 chip |
| Camera | 48MP main rear camera, 12MP front camera, 4K video at 60fps | Dual-camera system (including ultrawide lens) |
| Battery | Up to 26 hours video playback, 20W wired, 7.5W Qi wireless charging | Longer battery life compared to the iPhone 16 |
| Software | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Other Features | 5G, IP68 water & dust resistance, Action Button, USB-C, Apple Intelligence features | 5G, IP68, Action Button, USB-C, more color options |
| Key Differences | Single rear camera, lower peak brightness, no Camera Control button, no MagSafe, available in Black and White | Dual-camera system, higher brightness, Camera Control button, MagSafe, more color options |
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