Earlier this month, Apple introduced the new iPhone 17e, featuring modest upgrades over the iPhone 16e, including the addition of MagSafe. A recent teardown suggests that iPhone 16e users might also add MagSafe functionality through a simple hardware upgrade.
The team at iFixit conducted the teardown and discovered that swapping the iPhone 16e’s rear panel with that of the iPhone 17e enables MagSafe support for the older model.
iPhone 16e (left) and iPhone 17e (right)However, this modification has some limitations. The iPhone 16e does not support the Qi2 charging standard, which may prevent it from consistently achieving the full 15W wireless charging speeds. Additionally, MagSafe-specific software features, such as the signature animation, will not be available.
iPhone 17e rear panel on the iPhone 16eThe teardown also revealed a significant degree of component compatibility between the two models, with most parts, including the logic board, being interchangeable. Both devices utilize the same 15.56 Wh battery.
Nevertheless, Face ID functionality was found to be non-operational after the panel swap, while the selfie camera functioned as expected. Despite this limitation, the high level of cross-compatibility will facilitate repairs.
iPhone 16e on top and iPhone 17e belowiFixit has provisionally rated the iPhone 17e with a repairability score of 7, pending further information on spare parts availability and pricing from Apple.
