A variety of case manufacturers are stepping up to tackle Apple’s perplexing design choice with its latest iPhone.
Apple has eliminated a hidden feature from the iPhone
The new iPhone 16e, starting at $599, positions itself as an attractive alternative to the $799 iPhone 16 and the $999 iPhone 16 Pro. This price drop effectively lowers the threshold for accessing Apple Intelligence by $200.
Apple achieved this pricing by outfitting the device with a less advanced camera, diminished wifi and cellular capabilities, and removing the Camera Control feature found in the iPhone 16. Nevertheless, the iPhone 16e still boasts an OLED display, 128GB of starting storage, and 8GB of RAM, supporting Apple Intelligence and enhanced multitasking.
While it supports wireless charging similarly to the iPhone SE it somewhat replaces, it is puzzling that Apple chose to omit MagSafe charging.
MagSafe provides a more dependable and effective charging experience, and Apple even contributed the technology to the wireless charging standards organization for the Qi 2 specification.
Since the introduction of the iPhone 12, Apple has integrated this magnetic ring beneath the rear glass to facilitate MagSafe charging. MagSafe has become a standard feature that users have come to expect with each new iPhone.
Case manufacturers can likely reinstate it
However, this is not the situation with the iPhone 16e, and the absence of MagSafe impacts more than just charging.
The inclusion of MagSafe has spawned an entire accessory market for iPhone products that attach magnetically to the device’s back. Apple previously offered an impressive MagSafe battery pack and continues to sell MagSafe card holders.
Additional MagSafe accessories encompass magnetically attached cooling fans, portable storage solutions, and attachments designed to enhance iPhone grip. Personally, my favorite MagSafe accessory is Belkin’s 3-in-1 wireless charging stand, and losing such options would be disappointing.
So, what’s next for the iPhone 16e? Apple hasn’t included MagSafe support in its official cases for this new model.
Fortunately, reputable case manufacturers like Spigen are offering protective cases for the iPhone 16e that incorporate MagSafe functionality. While MagSafe won’t make these cases fit better, it at least allows for the option to attach a grip or wallet. As for MagSafe battery packs, that remains uncertain.
The iPhone 16e will be available in stores starting February 28, 2025.
