Earlier this month, Apple launched the brand new iPhone 17e with modest upgrades over the iPhone 16e, together with the addition of MagSafe. Now, a teardown of the system means that iPhone 16e customers might also have the ability to acquire MagSafe performance by way of a comparatively easy {hardware} improve.
The group at iFixit carried out the teardown and located that changing the iPhone 16e’s rear panel with that of the newer iPhone 17e brings MagSafe help to the older mannequin.
iPhone 16e (left) and iPhone 17e (proper)
Nevertheless, the modification comes with a number of limitations. For one, the iPhone 16e lacks help for the Qi2 charging commonplace, which means it gained’t constantly obtain the total 15W wi-fi charging speeds. Moreover, MagSafe-specific software program options, together with the signature animation, is not going to be out there.
iPhone 17e rear panel on the iPhone 16e
The teardown additionally revealed a excessive diploma of element compatibility between the 2 fashions, with most elements, together with the logic board, being interchangeable. Each units additionally use the identical 1,728mAh battery.
That stated, Face ID didn’t operate after the swap, despite the fact that the selfie digital camera works as anticipated. Regardless of this limitation, the extent of cross-compatibility will simplify repairs.
iPhone 16e on prime and iPhone 17e beneath
iFixit has given the iPhone 17e a provisional repairability rating of seven, pending particulars on spare elements availability and pricing from Apple.
Apple iPhone 17e
Supply
