Earlier this month, Apple introduced the new iPhone 17e with modest upgrades over the iPhone 16e, including the addition of MagSafe. Now, a teardown of the device suggests that iPhone 16e users may also be able to gain MagSafe functionality through a relatively simple hardware upgrade.
The team at iFixit performed the teardown and found that replacing the iPhone 16e’s rear panel with that of the newer iPhone 17e brings MagSafe support to the older model.
iPhone 16e (left) and iPhone 17e (right)
However, the modification comes with a few limitations. For one, the iPhone 16e lacks support for the Qi2 charging standard, meaning it won’t consistently achieve the full 15W wireless charging speeds. Additionally, MagSafe-specific software features, including the signature animation, will not be available.
iPhone 17e rear panel on the iPhone 16e
The teardown also revealed a high degree of component compatibility between the two models, with most parts, including the logic board, being interchangeable. Both devices also use the same 1,728mAh battery.
That said, Face ID did not function after the swap, even though the selfie camera works as expected. Despite this limitation, the level of cross-compatibility will simplify repairs.
iPhone 16e on top and iPhone 17e below
iFixit has given the iPhone 17e a provisional repairability score of 7, pending details on spare parts availability and pricing from Apple.
