The absence of MagSafe in the iPhone 16e doesn't make sense.

The iPhone 16e, which replaces the iPhone SE, boasts several attractive features that make it an interesting option, such as its A18 chip and the inclusion of an OLED display. However, there is a notable aspect that stands out: the absence of MagSafe in a device priced at $599.

While the design of the iPhone 16e resembles that of the iPhone 14 and uses components similar to those of the iPhone 16, this model is not compatible with MagSafe or fast wireless charging. Apple seems to be content with offering iPhone 16e users the same wireless charging speed as the iPhone SE launched in 2022, along with the slight advantage of having a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port.

The lack of MagSafe in the iPhone 16e is particularly puzzling, given the popularity of this feature in Apple smartphones since its introduction with the iPhone 12. MagSafe, named after the magnetic connectors in the brand's laptops, allows phones to attach to cases, mounts, and other accessories without the need for additional parts. Moreover, charging through MagSafe provides faster speeds, increasing from 7.5W to 25W with the proper adapter.

One of the biggest benefits of MagSafe is that using magnets to guide the charger to the charging coils reduces the chance of a phone being placed on a charger without receiving a charge. This likely contributed to the adoption of MagSafe in the Qi2 wireless charging standard, which offers a more convenient experience for users.

However, the absence of this feature in the iPhone 16e raises questions about Apple’s decisions. The company often leaves out certain components to offer more budget-friendly versions, but it is also curious that it does not seek to sell MagSafe accessories for iPhone 16e owners, given the popularity of these products.

Another relevant aspect is the arrival of Qi2, available to manufacturers since 2023, although its adoption has not yet widespread beyond Apple devices. Brands like Samsung, despite their financial capability, choose to offer additional cases to implement Qi2 charging in their Galaxy S25, and other Android manufacturers have also not integrated this technology. It is possible that the decision not to include MagSafe or Qi2 in the iPhone 16e is due to costs or hidden difficulties in its implementation, which could explain this omission, but it does not diminish the frustration it causes users.