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If using a magnetic MagSafe case, users can still use existing MagSafe chargers. Photo: AppleInsider . |
Although not yet officially released, the iPhone 16e has become the focus of controversy. This iPhone model does not support MagSafe charging. This decision came as a surprise to users considering it possesses similar high-end hardware to the iPhone 16/16 Plus.
As soon as rumors surfaced that MagSafe charging could interfere with Apple's new C1 chip – the chip responsible for wireless connectivity on the iPhone 16e – Apple quickly denied the information. According to the company, the reason the iPhone 16e stopped supporting MagSafe is unrelated to the C1 chip.
The most likely scenario is that Apple is cutting back on features to reduce production costs. But that doesn't mean the iPhone 16e is completely incapable of using MagSafe.
Initial tests showed that using a magnetic case allowed the device to still charge via MagSafe. It even improved wireless charging speed. Tests also demonstrated that using MagSafe did not interfere with the performance of the C1 chip.
An accessory manufacturer conducted two tests on the iPhone 16e to assess the impact of the MagSafe case on charging speed and verify whether it disrupted cellular connectivity. The results, shared with BGR, showed that the iPhone 16e experienced no network signal issues when using the MagSafe case.
Starting with the iPhone 12, all iPhone models (except the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone 16e) have a magnetic ring inside the back, ensuring perfect alignment with the MagSafe charger and included accessories.
Additionally, Apple uses proprietary technology to increase wireless charging speeds via MagSafe to 15W, double that of the standard Qi. With the iPhone 16 series, this speed has been increased to 25W when using the correct accessories.
However, the iPhone 16e lacks a magnetic charging ring and components that support safe, accelerated charging. One possible reason is temperature control. Wireless charging can easily overheat if not optimally designed. This may be why Apple only equipped the iPhone 16e with the 7.5W Qi charging standard instead of faster standards.
However, if using a magnetic MagSafe case, users can still use existing MagSafe chargers. Although the magnets in the case don't directly connect to the internal components of the iPhone 16e, they still help the phone align correctly with the MagSafe charger.
As a result, the charging speed reaches a maximum of 7.5 W, instead of dropping below 5 W due to misalignment when manually placed on the wireless charging pad.
Besides charging tests, the accessory manufacturer also tested the 5G connection on the iPhone 16e to determine if there was any signal interference. The results showed that the magnets in the MagSafe case did not affect the C1 chip. This proves that rumors about signal interference issues are unfounded.
Additionally, the iPhone 16e retains the glass back design of previous generations. Although Apple has improved durability over the years, glass is still susceptible to breakage from drops. Therefore, using a protective case will provide an extra layer of protection for the device.
Finally, it's worth noting that the iPhone 16e boasts impressive battery life and is equipped with a USB-C charging port, just like the other iPhone 15 and 16 models. Wired charging is still faster than Qi wireless charging. With such long battery life, this phone can easily last all day without worrying about charging mid-day, according to BGR .
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