Apple’s latest iPhone 16e has arrived without MagSafe, a feature that has been a standard across iPhones since the iPhone 12 series. While many speculated that this omission might be linked to Apple’s first in-house developed modem, the company has now provided an official explanation—one that raises more questions than answers.
Apple’s Justification: Users Don’t Use Wireless Charging
According to unnamed Apple representatives speaking to John Gruber of Daring Fireball, the company claims that iPhone 16e users “tend not to use inductive charging at all.” Apple suggests that the target audience for this model primarily relies on wired charging, making MagSafe unnecessary.
This statement, however, is vague and lacks supporting data. How Apple determined this consumer behavior remains unclear, and who exactly Apple considers the iPhone 16e’s target audience is also ambiguous.
A Cost-Cutting Move Disguised as User Insight?
What’s far more evident is that this decision appears to be a cost-cutting measure—a move to increase profit margins on a device that isn’t even positioned as a budget-friendly iPhone.
✔ MagSafe has become a major selling point in Apple’s ecosystem, with accessories like wireless chargers, magnetic wallets, and car mounts built around it.
✔ Removing MagSafe means Apple can reduce production costs while still pricing the iPhone 16e at a premium, maximizing profitability.
✔ The explanation feels more like a justification than a legitimate reason, reinforcing the notion that Apple is dictating what features users need, rather than offering them choices.
The Bigger Picture: Apple’s Pattern of “Feature Gating”
Apple has a long history of strategically removing features to differentiate models and push customers toward higher-priced options. This move aligns with:
✔ No 120Hz ProMotion on non-Pro iPhones – Despite high refresh rate displays becoming standard across flagship smartphones, Apple keeps ProMotion exclusive to Pro models.
✔ No Always-On Display for non-Pro models – Another feature reserved for Pro devices, despite its widespread adoption in the smartphone industry.
✔ USB-C on iPads before iPhones – Apple held off on USB-C for iPhones until forced by EU regulations, despite already using it across Macs and iPads.
By removing MagSafe from the iPhone 16e, Apple seems to be following the same strategy: limiting features to nudge consumers toward higher-tier models.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
