MagSafe chargers do connect magnetically to the iPhone 16e

Despite the iPhone 16e getting loud criticism for not including MagSafe, in real-world testing, MagSafe chargers can barely attach to it magnetically.

Be clear about this from the start — it is a curiosity, it is not an actually useful magnetic connection for chargers. The iPhone 16e does lack MagSafe, and that is a problem, but MagSafe chargers will still connect magnetically to the metals inside it.

It was already known that the iPhone 16e would actually charge from MagSafe chargers, it just wouldn't stick to them magnetically. So the phone could never be used on a vertical or reclining MagSafe charger, and it won't ever be mountable in a car.

Or at least, not by itself. There are already MagSafe cases available for the iPhone 16e, and doubtlessly more coming.

However, while testing that the iPhone 16e could indeed be wirelessly charged from a MagSafe charger flat on a desk, Macworld discovered that there is magnetic attachment. The charging puck stayed affixed, if only briefly, when the iPhone 16e was picked up from it.

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The magnetic connection is extremely weak. Not only is it unable to let you rest the phone onto a vertical or reclining charger, but it also disappears entirely when the iPhone 16e is put into a case.

That said, if the iPhone 16e is out of a case and the MagSafe wireless charger is flat on a desk, the phone will stick to it magnetically. You have to position the charger carefully, the magnetic attraction will not tug the iPhone into place the way it would if the phone had MagSafe, but it will still make a little snapping sound when you get it right.

Exploded view of a phone showing internal components: copper-graphite shield, magnet array, alignment magnet, charging coil, polycarbonate housing, and e-shield.

How real MagSafe works

Apple has yet to respond to questions about the magnets. But what appears most likely is that rather than specific magnets meant to hold the phone, the effect is because of the metal in the wireless charging induction ring.

MagSafe was introduced with the iPhone 12 range in 2020. It's a combination of wireless charging and magnetic mounts that work with most current iPhones — except the iPhone 16e.

5 Comments

MplsP 9 Years · 4087 comments

About 1 month ago

Be clear about this from the start -- it is a curiosity, it is not an actually useful magnetic connection for chargers. The iPhone 16e does lack MagSafe, and that is a problem, but MagSafe chargers will still connect magnetically to the metals inside it.
So there happens to be some magnetic or ferrous material in the charging coil that allow the magnets in a MagSafe charger to weakly attach. Ok - you’re essentially using a MagSafe charger as a standard wireless charger. As you say, this is just a curiosity.

Contrary to AI’s vociferous protests through many posts, the lack of MagSafe is not a problem for many people. It’s curious how AI seems hell-bent on convincing them it is.

5 Likes · 0 Dislikes

randominternetperson 9 Years · 3177 comments

About 1 month ago

MplsP said:

Be clear about this from the start -- it is a curiosity, it is not an actually useful magnetic connection for chargers. The iPhone 16e does lack MagSafe, and that is a problem, but MagSafe chargers will still connect magnetically to the metals inside it.
So there happens to be some magnetic or ferrous material in the charging coil that allow the magnets in a MagSafe charger to weakly attach. Ok - you’re essentially using a MagSafe charger as a standard wireless charger. As you say, this is just a curiosity.

Contrary to AI’s vociferous protests through many posts, the lack of MagSafe is not a problem for many people. It’s curious how AI seems hell-bent on convincing them it is.

Clearly you aren't following AI's incredibly compelling logic that it's a "problem" that someone can save $200 on a phone and then--if they value MagSafe--pay 20 or 30 bucks for a case that adds MagSafe. /s

3 Likes · 0 Dislikes

netrox 13 Years · 1544 comments

About 1 month ago

I think it's just more economical to make cases with MagSafe field than to embed inside iPhones.

1 Like · 0 Dislikes

charlesn 12 Years · 1393 comments

About 1 month ago

netrox said:

I think it's just more economical to make cases with MagSafe field than to embed inside iPhones.

Just to be clear: adding a MagSafe case doesn't get you MagSafe fast-charging on the 16e--you're stuck at 7.5 watts. That said, I think the lack of MagSafe on the 16e will be as much of an impediment to sales as the last thing that the technosphere echo chamber lost its mind over: the placement of the power button the Mac Mini. Which is to say, no impediment at all.

2 Likes · 0 Dislikes

MplsP 9 Years · 4087 comments

About 1 month ago

charlesn said:

netrox said:

I think it's just more economical to make cases with MagSafe field than to embed inside iPhones.

Just to be clear: adding a MagSafe case doesn't get you MagSafe fast-charging on the 16e--you're stuck at 7.5 watts. That said, I think the lack of MagSafe on the 16e will be as much of an impediment to sales as the last thing that the technosphere echo chamber lost its mind over: the placement of the power button the Mac Mini. Which is to say, no impediment at all.

True, but for most people, MagSafe simply means a magnet that holds the charger in place. Besides, if you’re concerned about speed why would you use inductive charging at all?