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| The iPhone 17e's MagSafe backplate is also compatible with the iPhone 16e. |
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| The iPhone 17e's battery can be removed by applying a low voltage to release the adhesive. |
Apple’s "e" series iPhones have always been about delivering the core iOS experience at a more accessible price. But in the pursuit of affordability, features like MagSafe—the magnetic ecosystem that makes charging and attaching accessories so satisfying—have sometimes been left on the cutting-room floor. That changed this month with the release of the iPhone 17e. However, as the repair experts at iFixit have just discovered, the real story isn’t just about the new phone; it’s about how it might breathe new life into last year’s model.
Following the recent teardown of the impressively repairable MacBook Neo, iFixit has turned its attention to the iPhone 17e. The results are surprising, not just for the phone’s own repairability, but for a discovery that offers a major upgrade path for owners of the iPhone 16e.
The Big Surprise: A MagSafe Upgrade for iPhone 16e Owners
The headline-grabbing finding from the teardown is the unexpected compatibility between the two generations. iFixit confirmed that the new MagSafe-enabled back glass panel on the iPhone 17e is a perfect physical match for the iPhone 16e .
This means that if you own an iPhone 16e—the model released just last year that notably lacked MagSafe—you can theoretically add the feature by simply swapping out the rear cover . For users who missed out on the convenience of magnetic wallets, snap-on batteries, and perfectly aligned wireless charging, this is a game-changer.
However, there are a few caveats. Because the iPhone 16e’s software wasn’t built to recognize the MagSafe hardware, you won’t get the satisfying connection animation or the StandBy mode that activates when the phone is docked magnetically . Furthermore, while the magnetic alignment will certainly improve the efficiency and ease of wireless charging, it’s unclear if the iPhone 16e will achieve the full 15W MagSafe speed without Apple’s official software blessing .
So, is this upgrade easy and cheap? Technically, yes. But a replacement back glass directly from Apple—once it appears in their Self Service Repair Store—will likely mirror the steep $159 price of the current iPhone 16e and 17 back panels. The good news is that third-party manufacturers are almost certain to step in. In fact, some reports suggest equivalent parts from third-party suppliers could cost as little as $20, making this a ridiculously affordable mod for the DIY enthusiast .
Inside the iPhone 17e: A Teardown Walkthrough
Beyond the cross-generational compatibility, iFixit found that the iPhone 17e is a breath of fresh air for anyone who has ever dreaded a trip to the repair shop. The teardown process itself is straightforward and user-friendly.
To get inside, you start by removing the two pentalobe screws at the bottom. The iPhone 17e retains the excellent dual-entry design, meaning the back glass can be removed independently of the display . This is a huge win for repairability. If you crack your back glass, you don’t have to risk breaking the screen to fix it. Once the clips and adhesive are separated, the internals are laid bare.
Battery and Cameras: The Good Stuff
Once inside, the repairability theme continues. The 4,005 mAh battery is secured using Apple’s modern electrically debonding adhesive . By applying a low voltage from a standard 9V battery, the adhesive releases its grip, allowing the battery to be lifted out cleanly and safely without prying or using excessive force. This is a far cry from the days of stubborn glue strips that would often tear.
Key components like the 48 MP main camera and the 12 MP front-facing camera are modular and can be replaced with relative ease. iFixit even discovered that most internal parts, including the logic board, are cross-compatible between the iPhone 16e and 17e . The only exception appears to be the TrueDepth camera system for Face ID, which is tightly paired to the original device for security reasons .
The One Headache: The USB-C Port
The teardown wasn’t all praise. iFixit points out a significant and frustrating design holdover: the USB-C port is still a nightmare to replace . Despite Apple improving access to this component on the standard iPhone 16, the entry-level "e" series didn’t get the memo.
To reach the USB-C port, you have to perform a near-total disassembly of the phone, removing the logic board and navigating a maze of delicate ribbon cables. This is a major point of criticism, considering the USB-C port is one of the most heavily used and failure-prone parts on any smartphone .
The Verdict: A Respectable 7/10
Taking the good with the bad, iFixit awarded the iPhone 17e a repairability score of 7 out of 10 . This ties it with its predecessor and the standard iPhone 16 as one of the most repairable iPhones in recent years.
The high score is thanks to the modular design, the incredible parts compatibility with the previous generation, the stress-relieving dual-entry build, and the electrically released battery. While the USB-C port remains a pain point, the overall package signals that Apple is slowly but surely listening to the "Right to Repair" movement.
Conclusion: A Win for Consumers and the Environment
The iPhone 17e teardown reveals a device that is not only easy to fix but also unexpectedly generous to existing iPhone 16e users. The ability to add MagSafe with a simple part swap is a rare and welcome form of cross-generational support that we rarely see in the smartphone world . It extends the life and functionality of older devices, reduces e-waste, and empowers users to customize their phones.
While official parts are expensive now, the promise of cheaper third-party alternatives looms large. For now, the iPhone 17e stands as a testament that "entry-level" doesn't have to mean "disposable." It’s a phone built to last, and that’s something we can all get behind.
Source : iFixit