MagSafe is table stakes for me. I never considered the iPhone 16e because of that. That changes with the brand new iPhone 17e. By finally adding MagSafe to its $599 device, Apple has standardized the accessory experience across the entire lineup.
MagSafe Monday: Every Monday, Bradley Chambers looks at the latest and greatest in the MagSafe and wireless charging industry to help you get the most out of your Apple devices that support wireless charging.
For many years, there was a significant gap in performance between entry-level iPhone models and Pro models. If you wanted a fast phone, you had to spend the extra money. That is just not the case anymore. The chips Apple puts in every device are so incredibly powerful now that the need to go Pro is becoming increasingly rare. In fact, had I waited to upgrade my iPhone 15 Pro, I would have gone with this model over the 17 Pro.
When you add what used to be premium features like MagSafe to the lower-cost iPhone, it makes it even harder to justify spending top dollar just to check emails, take a few photos, check Slack, listen to Apple Music, and browse the web. The 17e really highlights how good the baseline experience has become. It proves you do not need the most expensive model to get a premium daily experience.
Enter MagSafe
In the past, cheaper iPhones felt a bit short on features. If you bought an older iPhone SE or even last year’s 16e, you were stuck with basic Qi charging pads that required perfect physical alignment. After using MagSafe, I refuse to go back. Now, whether you buy an iPhone 17 Pro Max or an iPhone 17e, your accessories are exactly the same.
You can use the exact same MagSafe car mount for road trips, the same desk charger at your office, and the same MagSafe wallet for your driver’s license and credit cards. MagSafe is the great equalizer here, making the 17e feel significantly more premium by tapping into the exact same ecosystem as the flagship devices. You do not have to buy cheap budget accessories just because you bought the budget phone.
When you look at the specs here, the jump from the iPhone 16e to the 17e is huge for wireless charging fans. The 16e was capped at 7.5 watts of standard wireless charging. The new 17e supports full 15-watt MagSafe and Qi2 charging speeds. If the 17e proves popular with enterprise fleets, this is a major win. Companies can standardize their office charging hardware without worrying about which specific iPhone model one of your employees is carrying.
Wrap up
Apple adding MagSafe to the iPhone 17e is one of the smartest quiet upgrades they have made in years. It brings the best part of the modern iPhone experience to the entry-level price point. If you are shopping on a strict budget but still want to use all the fantastic MagSafe wallets and stands on the market, the iPhone 17e is a massive win for the money.
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