Apple says iPhone 16e users don't need MagSafe

Apple’s latest budget-friendly smartphone, the iPhone 16e, is out, and it’s already stirring up a fuss. The big news? They’ve ditched MagSafe, the magnetic charging feature that’s been around since the iPhone 12. People are confused, even a little annoyed. Why drop something that’s become so popular? Well, Apple’s got an answer, and it’s all about who they think will buy this phone.

Apparently, the company’s reps told John Gruber of Daring Fireball that the iPhone 16e is aimed at folks who keep things simple. These are the people who plug their phones into a cable every night and don’t bother with wireless charging. According to Apple, most of these users won’t even notice MagSafe is missing.

Think about who might be picking up the iPhone 16e. It’s priced at $599, a jump from the older iPhone SE’s $399 tag, so maybe it’s for people upgrading from those budget models. The last SE had wireless charging, but not MagSafe. That’s the difference. MagSafe isn’t just wireless charging — it’s faster, with magnets that snap accessories like wallets or stands right onto the phone. If you’ve never had it, Apple figures you won’t miss it. Fair enough, right?

But I, along with others like Ryan Christoffel writing for 9to5Mac, don’t think it’s as simple as Apple wants us to believe. It’s one thing if you prefer a cable because that’s your style. It’s another if you’ve just never had the chance to try something better.

Let’s take one scenario as an example. Let’s say you’ve driven a car without heated seats your whole life. You don’t miss them because you don’t know them. Then you try them, and suddenly you’re wondering how you ever survived winter without them. Could the same be true for MagSafe? Maybe these users would love it if they gave it a shot.

Come to think of it, maybe this is the same reasoning Apple applied when it decided not to switch to 120Hz refresh-rate displays for the non-Pro iPhones. The tech has already made its way to mid-range and even budget Android phones for a while, yet the relatively pricey non-Pro iPhones still don’t have it. That said, Apple might finally switch things up with the upcoming iPhone 17 models later this year.

The company’s likely banking on cost savings here. Cutting MagSafe probably helps keep the price down, even if $599 still feels steep to some. And if their data says iPhone 16e buyers don’t care about wireless charging, it might be a smart move. Still, it’s a gamble. Wireless charging is getting bigger, and MagSafe’s ecosystem — think car mounts and chargers — is growing fast. By leaving it out, Apple’s locking these users out of that world.

So, does this make sense? If you’re all about basics and don’t mind a cable, the iPhone 16e could be your match. It’s got a slick A18 chip, a 48MP camera, and a nice OLED screen. But if you’re into convenience or want a phone that’s ready for the future, you might feel shortchanged. I can’t help but think Apple’s underestimating how much people like handy features, even if they haven’t tried them yet. Do you think it’s a smart move or misstep? For more on the iPhone 16e’s ups and downs, check out our full breakdown here.