The newly launched iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe functionality, and Apple has clarified that this omission is not linked to the integration of its first in-house modem. So, what’s the reason behind this choice?

According to Apple, the decision to exclude MagSafe from the iPhone 16e was made because “most users in the 16e’s target demographic prefer to charge their devices using a traditional charging cable.” This information reportedly comes from unnamed “Apple insiders” who spoke to John Gruber of Daring Fireball.

These representatives assert that the potential buyers of the iPhone 16e “typically do not utilize inductive charging.” However, the rationale behind this conclusion remains unclear, as does Apple’s understanding of their target customer base.

What is evident is that this appears to be a cost-saving strategy implemented on a device that is not even budget-friendly. It seems that the primary motivation was to enhance profit margins. In a rather presumptuous manner, Apple is attempting to frame this absence as a benefit by suggesting that users wouldn’t have made use of MagSafe anyway, which comes across as a rather paternalistic stance, implying “Apple knows what’s best for you.”

Apple iPhone 16e

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