Earlier this month, Apple introduced<\/a> the new iPhone 17e<\/a> with modest upgrades over the iPhone 16e, including the addition of MagSafe. Now, a teardown of the device suggests that iPhone 16e<\/a> users may also be able to gain MagSafe functionality through a relatively simple hardware upgrade.<\/p>\n The team at iFixit performed the teardown and found that replacing the iPhone 16e\u2019s rear panel with that of the newer iPhone 17e brings MagSafe support to the older model.<\/p>\n However, the modification comes with a few limitations. For one, the iPhone 16e lacks support for the Qi2 charging standard, meaning it won\u2019t consistently achieve the full 15W wireless charging speeds. Additionally, MagSafe-specific software features, including the signature animation, will not be available.<\/p>\n 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 15.56 Wh battery.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n iFixit has given the iPhone 17e a provisional repairability score of 7, pending details on spare parts availability and pricing from Apple.<\/p>\n
\niPhone 16e (left) and iPhone 17e (right)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\niPhone 17e rear panel on the iPhone 16e<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\niPhone 16e on top and iPhone 17e below<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nApple iPhone 17e<\/h4>\n