Numerous case manufacturers are stepping up to rectify Apple’s most perplexing design choice for its newest iPhone model.
Apple has eliminated a hidden iPhone feature
The latest iPhone 16e from Apple, priced starting at $599, competes against the $799 iPhone 16 and the $999 iPhone 16 Pro. This pricing effectively lowers the barrier for entry into Apple’s ecosystem by $200.
This price reduction was achieved by implementing a less advanced camera system, decreased wifi and cellular performance, and excluding the Camera Control feature from the iPhone 16. Nevertheless, the iPhone 16e still offers an OLED display, starts with 128GB of storage, and features 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence and enhance multitasking capabilities.
While it does support wireless charging like its predecessor, the iPhone SE, Apple made the surprising choice to omit MagSafe charging.
MagSafe provides a far more dependable and effective charging experience, and Apple even contributed this technology to the wireless charging standards body for Qi 2 specifications.
Since the release of the iPhone 12, Apple has embedded this magnetic ring beneath the back glass of its devices to enable MagSafe charging. It seems almost standard for new iPhones to come with MagSafe.
Accessory manufacturers may be able to reintroduce it
However, this is not the situation with the iPhone 16e, and the lack of MagSafe has broader implications than just for charging.
The inclusion of MagSafe has also spurred a market for iPhone accessories that attach magnetically to the devices’ backs. Apple previously offered an excellent MagSafe battery pack and still provides MagSafe card holders.
Additional MagSafe accessories feature magnetically attached cooling fans, portable storage options, and attachments designed to enhance grip on your iPhone. One of my personal favorites is Belkin’s 3-in-1 wireless charging stand; losing access to it would be unfortunate.
So, what does this mean for the iPhone 16e? Apple isn’t even providing MagSafe support in its own cases for the new model.
Fortunately, trusted case manufacturers such as Spigen are offering protective cases for the iPhone 16e that incorporate MagSafe in their designs. Although MagSafe may not enhance the snugness of the case, it should at least restore the ability to attach accessories like grips or wallets. As for MagSafe battery packs, that remains uncertain at this time.
The iPhone 16e is set to hit stores on Friday, February 28, 2025.
