Apple’s recently unveiled iPhone 16e is missing a key feature found in other iPhone models—MagSafe. The company has addressed the absence of MagSafe, clarifying that it is not related to the introduction of its first in-house modem. Instead, Apple claims the decision was based on user behavior.
According to unnamed Apple representatives cited by Daring Fireball’s John Gruber, the company determined that the iPhone 16e’s target audience primarily charges their devices using traditional wired methods.
Apple believes that most potential buyers of this model do not use inductive charging at all, making MagSafe unnecessary for them.
However, the rationale behind this claim remains unclear. Apple has not disclosed how it reached this conclusion or provided data to support the assertion that iPhone 16e users do not rely on wireless charging.
Many industry experts and consumers speculate that the omission of MagSafe is more about cost-cutting than user preferences.
Despite being positioned as a budget-conscious option, the iPhone 16e is not exactly cheap. Removing MagSafe could be a strategic move to increase profit margins while still maintaining a competitive price point.
Some critics argue that Apple is framing the decision as a consumer-driven choice rather than an effort to boost its bottom line.
This move has sparked debate among Apple users, with some feeling that the company is making assumptions about their charging habits.
Apple has a history of making bold design choices based on perceived user needs, sometimes removing features before the broader market is ready to move on. The lack of MagSafe in the iPhone 16e is yet another example of Apple’s strategy of dictating technological trends.
While some users may indeed prefer wired charging, others see MagSafe as a convenient and efficient feature that enhances the iPhone experience. Whether Apple’s decision will pay off in the long run remains to be seen, but for now, iPhone 16e buyers will have to rely on traditional charging methods.