The iPhone 17e was launched as the successor to the iPhone 16e.
Photo Credit: Flipkart
The iPhone 17e teardown reveals that it is largely similar to the iPhone 16e, with MagSafe being the main addition. While the phone retains a repair-friendly design, it remains an incremental update with no major changes.
Apple recently launched the iPhone 17e as the successor to the iPhone 16e with no major difference in specifications. Now, a teardown video of the iPhone 17e has appeared online, suggesting that it offers similar repairability to the iPhone 16e, while also suggesting a MagSafe upgrade option for 16e owners. Here's more about what the iPhone 17e teardown reveals and why it matters for 16e users.
According to a teardown video by iFixit, the recently announced iPhone 17e is very much identical to the iPhone 16e, which was announced last year, from the inside. The main difference between the two is MagSafe, which is not present in the iPhone 16e.
It is worth noting that the iPhone 16e did support wireless charging. But the lack of magnetic alignment made it less practical for users, as they had to adjust the phone's position manually for wireless charging. On the other hand, magnetic chargers or mounts did not work as expected.
Teardown showing the iPhone 16e (top) and iPhone 17e (bottom).
However, this teardown video simply suggests that the iPhone 17e's back panel is compatible with the iPhone 16e. This is definitely good news for iPhone 16e users, as it will allow them to add MagSafe support by swapping the rear panel.
iFixit notes that the tech giant is offering the MagSafe for around USD 120, which is around Rs 11,196. However, iPhone 16e users can also get the same parts at around USD 20, approximately Rs 1,850, from third-party vendors.
It is one of the reasons that iPhone 16e users can skip upgrading to the iPhone 17e. Instead, they can simply swap the panel and upgrade their iPhone 16e.
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Apart from this, the teardown video revealed that the iPhone 17e has a repair-friendly design with a dual-entry structure that allows access from both the front and back.
It also suggests that the battery can be removed using electrically released adhesive, but parts like the TrueDepth camera system remain restricted. This clearly indicates that not all components of the iPhone 17e are freely interchangeable.
Furthermore, the video also suggests that the USB-C port is difficult to repair due to its placement within the device.
While the iPhone 17e brings MagSafe support, the teardown suggests it is just a gradual improvement. The biggest advantage is still for iPhone 16e users, as they can upgrade certain features without replacing the entire device.
It is worth noting that the 128GB variant of the iPhone 16e is available for Rs 59,900 in India, while the recently announced iPhone 17e has no 128GB variant and it starts with 256GB storage, which is priced at Rs 64,900.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Can iPhone 16e users add MagSafe support without upgrading to the iPhone 17e?
Yes, the teardown suggests iPhone 16e users can add MagSafe support by swapping the rear panel with one compatible with the iPhone 17e’s MagSafe system.
How much does it cost to add MagSafe support to the iPhone 16e using official Apple parts?
Apple offers the MagSafe upgrade parts for around USD 120 (approximately Rs 11,196) for iPhone 16e users.
Are there cheaper alternatives to Apple's MagSafe upgrade parts for the iPhone 16e?
Yes, third-party vendors offer compatible MagSafe parts at roughly USD 20 (around Rs 1,850), making it a more affordable upgrade option.
Is upgrading to the iPhone 17e worth it for iPhone 16e users?
Given the similarity in design and specs, along with the availability of MagSafe upgrade options, many iPhone 16e users might find swapping the panel for MagSafe more cost-effective than purchasing a new iPhone 17e.
What is the starting price of the iPhone 16e and iPhone 17e?
The iPhone 16e starts at Rs 59,900 for the 128GB variant, while the iPhone 17e starts at Rs 64,900 for the 256GB storage.
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