Apple’s lower-cost iPhones have always walked a fine line. They aim to deliver most of the iPhone experience while cutting just enough corners to protect flagship sales. With the iPhone 16e, however, Apple may have crossed that line, and users noticed.
Now, according to a new report from The Information, Apple is preparing to undo one of its most controversial decisions by bringing MagSafe support to the upcoming iPhone 17e.
If true, this would be a small change on paper that makes a very big difference in real-world use.
The MagSafe Problem with iPhone 16e
When Apple launched the iPhone 16e, it surprised many by omitting MagSafe. The phone supported Qi wireless charging, but Apple’s own magnetic charging and accessory system was nowhere to be found.
That meant no MagSafe chargers, no snap-on battery packs, no magnetic wallets, no car mounts, and slower wireless charging overall. For a phone released deep into Apple’s MagSafe era, the omission felt deliberate and unnecessary.
For many buyers, MagSafe is no longer a bonus feature. It is part of how they use their iPhone every day. Skipping it made the iPhone 16e feel artificially limited, especially when cheaper Android phones continued expanding accessory compatibility instead of restricting it.
iPhone 17e Bringing MagSafe Back into the Fold
The new report suggests Apple plans to add full MagSafe support to the iPhone 17e. If that happens, it would instantly remove the biggest practical drawback of Apple’s current budget iPhone.
This is not about chasing charging speeds alone. MagSafe has evolved into a broader ecosystem. From bedside chargers and desk stands to car mounts and portable batteries, MagSafe accessories are now deeply integrated into how people interact with their phones.
Restoring MagSafe would mean the iPhone 17e works seamlessly with accessories many users already own. That alone could be enough to convince hesitant buyers to upgrade.
More Upgrades are Already Expected
MagSafe is not the only improvement rumored for the iPhone 17e. Reports over the past few weeks point to several meaningful upgrades across the board.
Apple is expected to introduce a Dynamic Island, slimmer bezels, and a Center Stage front camera. Internally, the phone should run on Apple’s A19 chip, bringing better performance and efficiency than its predecessor.
Related: Apple Is Reportedly Planning New Low Cost Apple Devices for Early 2026
Put together, the iPhone 17e is shaping up to feel far less like a compromised device and more like a modern iPhone that simply costs less.
Why this Change Actually Matters
Apple often removes features to create clearer separation between price tiers. But MagSafe is a strange feature to hold back, because it does not meaningfully cannibalize Pro models.
No one buys a Pro iPhone just because it has MagSafe. They buy it for cameras, displays, materials, and performance. Leaving MagSafe out of the iPhone 16e felt less like product differentiation and more like an artificial limitation.
Bringing it back suggests Apple may have listened to feedback or recognized that the omission hurt the product more than it helped.
The iPhone 17e Could be the Smart Buy
If Apple delivers on these rumored upgrades, the iPhone 17e could become one of the most sensible iPhones in years.
It would offer modern design features, strong performance, full MagSafe support, and a familiar Apple experience without pushing users into flagship pricing. For many buyers, especially those upgrading from older models, that combination is far more appealing than chasing the absolute best specs.
Apple does not need to make the iPhone 17e flashy. It just needs to make it complete. Adding MagSafe might be the clearest sign yet that Apple finally understands that.
If this report holds up, the iPhone 17e could quietly become the iPhone most people should buy.
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