iPhone 16e

iPhone 16e: No MagSafe? And the C1 Modem Chip?

This past week, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e (a new value-focused model to replace the SE) and updating the entire line to fully support Apple Intelligence. There have been many great write-ups that delve into all the details (and I'll provide some links towards the end for you to read more). But in this post, I'm going to take a deeper look at the lack of MagSafe, the new C1 modem chip, and how they both demonstrate Apple's commitment to AI moving forward. Let's dive in!

No MagSafe in iPhone 16e

A common disappointment voiced in nearly every review of the iPhone 16e is the absence of MagSafe. We at OpenCase share that disappointment. We had hoped to launch new cases for the phone, but we had not heard any whispers about MagSafe support from our suppliers. And, as it turns out, that silence was justified, because there’s no MagSafe to be found.

The decision not to include MagSafe in the iPhone 16e makes sense, because this is suppose to be a budget model. Every cost-saving measure has been applied, and MagSafe just wasn’t deemed essential (it still has basic Qi charging). AI capabilities were seen as absolutely necessary, so the phone needed the processing power to run those features.

Despite the fact that there is no built-in MagSafe with iPhone 16e, you can still add MagSafe to it (much like Andriod users have done for some time). I’ve seen articles pointing this out, so it seems to be gaining traction.

The New C1 Modem Chip

To me, the most exciting part of the 16e launch is the new C1 modem chip. Because it lacks mmWave/ultra-wideband support, Wi-Fi 7, and Thread networking, it may not be the most cutting-edge chip, but it’s still noteworthy. Apple touts the C1 as “the most power-efficient modem ever in an iPhone,” which is impressive in itself. And clearly, it's an important part of supporting Apple Intelligence.

Apple’s journey toward developing its own modem has been long and fraught. It began with Intel’s attempt to build modems, which ultimately failed (Intel blamed Qualcomm’s business practices for pushing them out of the market). Apple then bought Intel’s modem division for $1B in 2019, and it’s been working to develop a functional modem ever since. It looks like their hard work is paying off.

While the C1 modem may not be groundbreaking just yet, it’s an impressive first effort. Given that it’s in a budget model like the iPhone 16e, it’s clear that Apple is testing the waters with this new technology. With time, refinement, and real-world data, the C1 could become a powerhouse. Apple is clearly motivated to succeed in this area, especially since their deal with Qualcomm ends in 2026, and they haven’t had the best working relationship either.

And, rumors are already swirling that Apple might eventually combine the modem and processors into a single super-chip. And, although it hasn’t been an issue for me, I know a LOT of people who would love to be out in the world and be able to just open their laptops and be connected to everything via a modem. We might be just steps away from that now.

Final Thoughts on the iPhone 16e

While the iPhone 16e may feel a bit pricey for an entry-level phone (at least, more expensive than the SE) and somewhat disappointing given the absence of MagSafe, it still represents an important reset for the iPhone lineup. The 16e not only highlights Apple’s commitment to AI but also to advancing the iPhone, inside and out. But with those prices come better and more advanced technologies. Let’s hope that, just as Apple aims to refine its modem, the overall experience continues to improve.

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As mentioned, many great reviews and commentaries are available on the iPhone 16e. Here are a few I found particularly insightful:

 

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