Apple has provided a purpose why the iPhone 16e would not embrace MagSafe, one of many extra notable omissions from its newest entry-level smartphone.
In line with Apple representatives who spoke to Daring Fireball‘s John Gruber, MagSafe just isn’t included within the iPhone 16e as a result of “most individuals within the iPhone 16e’s audience solely cost their telephones by plugging them right into a charging cable.”
These customers apparently have a tendency to not use wi-fi charging in any respect, and once they do use it, Apple believes the slower 7.5W Qi charging pace in comparison with MagSafe’s quicker charges is not a deciding issue for the client phase it’s focusing on with the extra inexpensive machine.
Launched with the iPhone 12 lineup in 2020, MagSafe makes use of magnets embedded at the back of suitable iPhones to align wi-fi chargers and fasten equipment. The know-how permits for quicker wi-fi charging (as much as 15W on most fashions and 25W on newer Professional fashions) in comparison with commonplace Qi wi-fi charging, which is restricted to 7.5W on iPhones.
Apple has developed a complete ecosystem of MagSafe equipment together with circumstances, wallets, battery packs, and mounts. The magnetic alignment ensures an optimum charging place and makes attaching equipment extra handy.
When the iPhone 16e was introduced, there was some hypothesis that its new C1 modem may need interfered with MagSafe performance, however Apple has already confirmed that this wasn’t the case. Backing up Apple’s declare, a outstanding iPhone case producer additionally informed MacRumors that its testing confirmed that MagSafe circumstances do not impression the C1 modem’s efficiency.
The iPhone 16e continues the development set by its predecessor, the now-discontinued iPhone SE, which additionally lacked MagSafe connectivity. Nevertheless, the 16e is the primary iPhone in Apple’s flagship smartphone lineup to omit this function since its introduction. For customers preferring the comfort of MagSafe, some third-party iPhone 16e circumstances embrace built-in magnets, however they will not allow quicker charging speeds.
Apparently, IT House reviews that Apple retail shops have needed to create a workaround for displaying the iPhone 16e with wi-fi charging that stops the machine from slipping off its show dock. Apple is utilizing a particular docking station that features a backside groove that holds the machine upright, enabling wi-fi charging throughout demonstrations. This practice dock solely prompts charging when the telephone is positioned vertically – when you place it horizontally, the iPhone falls off.
Apple’s determination to exclude MagSafe from the iPhone 16e could also be a cost-cutting measure. However as Gruber notes, “I believe Apple is aware of the 16e’s meant viewers higher than I do,” suggesting the corporate has completed its market analysis on what options matter most to the goal consumers of this machine.