In February, Apple discontinued the iPhone SE and introduced the iPhone 16e as its new entry-level offering. This model comes with a 6.1-inch OLED display, an A18 chip with Apple Intelligence, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, an Action button, and a USB-C port. However, it lacks MagSafe wireless charging, a notable limitation.
The upcoming iPhone 17e is set to address this issue by incorporating “magnetic wireless charging,” suggesting the inclusion of MagSafe technology for faster charging speeds, potentially up to 20W or 25W. Currently, the iPhone 16e relies on Qi wireless charging, capped at 7.5W and lacking magnetic capability.
Additionally, the iPhone 17e will feature Apple’s second-generation C1X modem for improved cellular connectivity, an upgrade from the C1 modem found in the iPhone 16e. The C1X modem was first introduced in the iPhone Air.
Expected to launch in spring 2026, the iPhone 17e will be a gradual enhancement over its predecessor. While the iPhone 16e starts at $599 in the U.S., it remains uncertain if the iPhone 17e will maintain this price point or adopt a pill-shaped Dynamic Island design instead of the current notch.
