Apple’s next entry-level iPhone could fix one of the biggest shortcomings of the iPhone 16e, according to a new report. The device notably missed out on MagSafe wireless charging.
A fresh report from The Information by Wayne Ma and Qianer Liu claims that Apple plans to address this limitation with the upcoming iPhone 17e. According to the report, the iPhone 17e will support “magnetic wireless charging,” strongly suggesting the inclusion of MagSafe technology. This would allow faster magnetic wireless charging, likely at speeds of up to 20W or 25W.
In comparison, the iPhone 16e only supports standard Qi wireless charging at up to 7.5W and does not feature a magnetic system. To recall, after discontinuing the iPhone SE in February, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e as its new affordable option. The model offers features such as a 6.1-inch OLED display, the A18 chip with Apple Intelligence support, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, an Action button and a USB-C port.
The new report now also states that the iPhone 17e will be powered by Apple’s second-generation C1X modem for cellular connectivity. The current iPhone 16e uses Apple’s first-generation C1 modem, while the newer C1X modem previously debuted in the iPhone Air.
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17e in spring 2026.
Overall, the device is described as an incremental upgrade over the iPhone 16e rather than a major redesign. In the US, the iPhone 16e starts at $599, though it remains unclear whether Apple will retain the same starting price for the iPhone 17e.
Separately, leaked Apple internal code has revealed additional details about modem plans for upcoming iPhones. The information comes from a version of a Kernel Debug Kit for macOS that was unintentionally released to the public before being pulled by Apple.
The internal code suggests that the iPhone 17e could ship with Apple’s first-generation C1-series cellular modem while omitting the N1 wireless chip. It also indicates that Apple has been evaluating both the C1X and C2 modems for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
For the iPhone 17e specifically, the code shows configurations with either the C1 or C1X modem, but without the N1 wireless chip. However, The Information reports that Apple has settled on using the C1X modem for the iPhone 17e, which would represent a natural upgrade from the C1 modem found in the iPhone 16e.
The absence of the N1 wireless chip could be significant. Without N1, the iPhone 17e may not support Thread connectivity, even if it uses an Apple-designed cellular baseband.
In any case, the details appear less final for Apple’s upcoming Pro models. We will have to wait for more concrete updates in the coming months.
Answer. The iPhone 17e is expected to add MagSafe magnetic wireless charging (20W–25W), fixing the iPhone 16e’s lack of this feature.
Answer. Apple plans to use its second‑generation C1X modem, an upgrade from the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, though it may lack the N1 chip for Thread connectivity.
Answer. The iPhone 17e is tipped to arrive in spring 2026 as an incremental upgrade over the iPhone 16e.
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