This Simple trick Can Add MagSafe to Your Old iPhone 16e

A recent teardown of Apple’s iPhone 17e suggests that users of the iPhone 16e may be able to add MagSafe functionality through a hardware modification.

The teardown, conducted by iFixit, found that replacing the iPhone 16e’s rear panel with the one from the iPhone 17e enables MagSafe support on the older device.

This indicates a high level of hardware similarity between the two models, with the newer rear panel containing the necessary components for MagSafe functionality.

Despite enabling MagSafe, the modified iPhone 16e does not fully replicate the experience of the iPhone 17e.

The device does not support the Qi2 charging standard, which means it cannot consistently reach 15W wireless charging speeds. In addition, MagSafe-specific software features, including the animation, are not available.

The teardown revealed that most internal components between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 17e are interchangeable, including the logic board. Both models also use the same 15.56 Wh battery.

However, Face ID did not function after the rear panel swap, even though the front-facing camera continued to operate normally.

The level of shared components is expected to simplify repairs across both devices.

iFixit has assigned the iPhone 17e a provisional repairability score of 7. The final score will depend on additional details regarding spare parts availability and pricing from Apple.