Apple recently launched its most budget-friendly smartphone yet, the iPhone 16e, which became available for purchase in India and globally on Friday. With the powerful A18 chip and Apple Intelligence support, the iPhone 16e offers impressive performance at a more affordable price compared to its premium counterparts. However, it does come with some key feature omissions, such as the Dynamic Island, MagSafe, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) connectivity, which have raised questions among tech enthusiasts.
One of the most noticeable differences in the iPhone 16e is the lack of MagSafe support, a feature that’s been present in iPhones since the iPhone 12. MagSafe allows users to charge wirelessly at faster speeds and use magnetic accessories like wallets, chargers, and stands. While this has been a popular feature for many iPhone users, Apple has explained that the target audience for the iPhone 16e typically doesn’t use MagSafe. Instead, they prefer wired charging, which is why the iPhone 16e comes with a USB Type-C port, replacing the older Lightning connector.
Apple Provides Reason for iPhone 16e’s Lack of MagSafe Charging https://t.co/RRQVvGlz4U pic.twitter.com/qG1rUnhz2n— MacRumors.com (@MacRumors) February 28, 2025
When it comes to wireless charging, the iPhone 16e is limited to 7.5W with a Qi charger, which is slower than the faster wireless charging speeds (15W and 25W) supported by the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro through MagSafe. Apple believes that users in this price range are more accustomed to using wired charging or don’t prioritize the faster wireless charging speeds that MagSafe provides, hence the omission in the iPhone 16e.
In addition to MagSafe, the iPhone 16e also lacks UWB connectivity, which allows for precise tracking of devices like AirTags. This feature has become essential for those who use Apple’s item trackers, but Apple has again explained that this omission helps keep the iPhone 16e more affordable while catering to a different user group who may not need this advanced functionality.
In India, the iPhone 16e is priced starting at Rs 59,900 for the base model with 128GB of storage. When compared to its higher-end siblings, like the iPhone 15 (Rs 69,900) and iPhone 16 (Rs 79,900), the iPhone 16e provides an accessible way to enter the iPhone ecosystem without the hefty price tag. That said, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 often go on sale at lower prices, making them an attractive option for those who want features like MagSafe and UWB, but are willing to stretch their budget slightly.
SEE ALSO: Tecno To Showcase World’s Thinnest Phone With A 5200 mAh Battery At MWC 2025; A New Era Of Slim Design
