Apple Denies Speculation Surrounding iPhone 16e's Lack of MagSafe

[MacRumors]

Apple has confirmed that its custom-designed C1 modem in the iPhone 16e has nothing to do with the device's lack of MagSafe support, according to Macworld.

Following the launch of the iPhone 16e, there was some speculation online about how MagSafe magnets might have interfered with the C1 modem's cellular connectivity performance, and this was considered to be a potential reason for the device not supporting MagSafe. But, that explanation is not true, according to Apple.

From the report:

Update 11:18am ET: Apple has confirmed to Macworld that the C1 modem is not responsible for the decision to leave MagSafe charging off the new iPhone 16e.

A well-known iPhone case maker told MacRumors that it completed testing that confirmed MagSafe cases do not impact the C1 modem's performance.

So, why does the iPhone 16e lack MagSafe? Apple has not disclosed its actual reasoning, but we would wager that it simply comes down to pricing considerations.

iPhone 16e pre-ordering started today, and the device launches Friday, February 28.

Article Link: Apple Denies Speculation Surrounding iPhone 16e's Lack of MagSafe

 

[Apple_Robert]

My bet is MagSafe impacting Apple's fat margin. With the R&D of the custom modem, Apple has to recoup the cost and I think this is the route they took.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I appreciate them, essentially, confirming that it was simply a financial move to gimp the device in certain ways

It's actually better than it being a technical limitation of their new modems

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Greedy executives are interfering with the signal. I've already told someone to buy the cheaper Pixel instead of this 16e (€729 here). This phone is overpriced and doomed to the same fate of the 5c and rightfully so.

 

[brofkand]

It added another nickel to the build sheet and Tim said no. That’s all.

 

[Neil J. Squillante]

Time will tell but Apple may have underestimated the importance of MagSafe even among people who don’t currently use it but who want the option to use it someday.

 

[Plerf]

It’s driven by getting people to upgrade for only a few dollars more……and then for a few dollars more you can also get…..but just for a few more dollars, also…..soon they’re buying a ProMax with maximum storage and a jewel-encrusted case.

 

[=Alb=]

Because Cook is EVIL

 

[rungxanh2901]

In other words "We already cut tons of things that have nothing to do with our experiments on this phone, and charge you an arm and a leg as we will".

 

[mystery hill]

MacRumors should post an article speculating on how the ultra wideband chip may have interfered with the C1 modem’s cellular connectivity, and that this may be a potential reason for the iPhone 16e not supporting it.

 

[surfzen21]

It could be about the color white and older white models having yellowing issues.

Its possible that they way the white on glass is done, could create a situation that the color would yellow around where the magsafe magnets would be located.

Due to the lowest cost iPhone, its possible they didnt want to spend the money to alleviate that.

What I am saying is the consideration could be more than just adding the magsafe magnets.

 

[Lizzard899]

No one is gonna pay $599 for this phone. Hopefully if the foldable phones comes out in 2026 or 2027 like weve been hearing hopefully that will be in the $400 range.

 

[Zdigital2015]

I appreciate them, essentially, confirming that it was simply a financial move to gimp the device in certain ways

It's actually better than it being a technical limitation of their new modems

Leaving out the UWB chip and MagSafe just seems like so much penny pinching for a phone they are trying to use to bolster their bottom line and get upgraders to Apple Intelligence considering that both those features have some positive impact on accessories sales and future HomeKit based based products and Services. This iPhone feels very experimental in both technical and price elasticity terms. I guess we had to give up having the SE4 being a good value for the M4 mini being the value that it is. Can’t have too many good deals in Apple’s mind.

 

[Nautilus007]

Because Cook is EVIL

Instead of innovating - new Apple likes to gatekeeper features and gimp their products.

 

[wbrat]

I do not think that the reason was the margin/costs. They simply wanted to differentiate it more from regular iPhone 16 so you think twice before choosing the cheaper option.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Time will tell but Apple may have underestimated the importance of MagSafe even among people who don’t currently use it but who want the option to use it someday.

I think they knew what they were doing

It's a feature that, by excluding it, can ever so slightly nudge you to the normal iPhone 16 once you start doing the feature analysis

This is all by design to have product lines with very carefully thought out exclusions to get folks bumping up a notch on the product tiers

 

[citysnaps]

It's funny so many people thinking the iPhone 16e, a much less costly iPhone designed for people on a budget, should have the same set of features as an iPhone 16 Pro/Max.

Yeah... it's about Apple being greedy and gimping the phone.

 

[I7guy]

I appreciate them, essentially, confirming that it was simply a financial move to gimp the device in certain ways

It's actually better than it being a technical limitation of their new modems

Nobody said anything of the sort. Macrumors speculated it could be pricing and you can speculate that as well. But unless we hear from Apple directly we don’t know the actual reason.

 

[glenncashuric]

A "standard" story is that when Rockefeller saw somebody using 40 drops of solder, he asked them to try 38 to save money. The cans leaked. He had them try 39. No cans leaked. From then on, it was 39.

And thus it is with the 16e. In reality, this phone is only the iPhone 14 kinda updated to handle Apple Intelligence. For that, it does the job, I guess.

 

[tyr2]

I do not think that the reason was the margin/costs. They simply wanted to differentiate it more from regular iPhone 16 so you think twice before choosing the cheaper option.

Yeah agreed. It’s about product differentiation and giving folks a reason to upgrade. The build cost is irrelevant.

 

[cdsapplefan]

Apple knows that 3rd party case makers will make a MagSafe case for the 16e just like they did for the SE 3, so they simply saved those costs and increased there profits. Smart money move Apple 🍎 📱 🧲 💰

 

[thefrost]

Cost cutting measure.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Time will tell but Apple may have underestimated the importance of MagSafe even among people who don’t currently use it but who want the option to use it someday.

You can add a magnet to the back or use a case and it's essentially the same thing.

Apple decoupled magsafe, so now you have to buy it as an accessory.

 

[jayducharme]

Here's another reviewer upset with the "budget" phone:

https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/a-599-iphone-16e-is-a-cruel-joke-200507275.html

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Time will tell but Apple may have underestimated the importance of MagSafe even among people who don’t currently use it but who want the option to use it someday.

They still have the option, given that there are already 16E cases that add the main feature back.
Only thing missing is charging speed, which… Your average consumer isn’t going to care about.