Apple releases iPhone 17e, with MagSafe (Finally!)

Apple:

Apple today announced iPhone 17e, a powerful and more affordable addition to the iPhone 17 lineup. At the heart of iPhone 17e is the latest-generation A19, which delivers exceptional performance for everything users do. iPhone 17e also features C1X, the latest-generation cellular modem designed by Apple, which is up to 2x faster than C1 in iPhone 16e. The 48MP Fusion camera captures stunning photos, including next-generation portraits, and 4K Dolby Vision video. It also enables an optical-quality 2x Telephoto — like having two cameras in one. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display features Ceramic Shield 2, offering 3x better scratch resistance than the previous generation and reduced glare.1 With MagSafe, users can enjoy fast wireless charging and access to a vast ecosystem of accessories like chargers and cases. And when iPhone 17e users are outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features — including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite — help them stay connected when it matters most.2

Available in three elegant colors with a premium matte finish — black, white, and a beautiful new soft pink — iPhone 17e will be available for pre-order beginning Wednesday, March 4, with availability starting Wednesday, March 11. iPhone 17e will start at 256GB of storage for $599 — 2x the entry storage from the previous generation at the same starting price, and 4x more than iPhone 12 — giving users more space for high-resolution photos, 4K videos, apps, games, and more.

MagSafe is the real win here, but also Ceramic Shield 2 is a huge win for durability, not to mention double the base storage starting at 256GB. Soft pink will be a big seller too.

All the right upgrades.

Absolute no-brainer recommendation for most people who just want a basic iPhone.

Samsung didn’t put Qi2 magnets in their S26 lineup, and the phones’ design is probably why.

iPhone and Google Pixel are the only mainstream phones with magnetic Qi2 systems in place, and I think Samsung skipped it because their vertical camera setup makes it impossible to have a magnetic system that doesn’t interfere with squared off MagSafe accessories like wallets, battery banks, etc.

They’ve made cases as a consolation, but it’s still only useful for circular accessories. Take a look for yourself (phones not to scale).

Expect a plateau design in the future?

Nissan to be the first to introduce Qi2 wireless charging in their vehicles.

Yours truly just a couple of months ago:

One of the top worst modern car features is undoubtedly not so modern.

The ancient universal Qi wireless charging standard.

Automakers need to either get rid of it completely, or give us Qi2 with the Magnetic Power Profile (MagSafe), preferably in some sort of modular form that allows you to dock your phone similar to the Xiaomi SU7.

Looks like Nissan stepped up to the batter’s plate and is the first to introduce Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. Magnetically aligned wireless charging is a huge improvement both for efficiency and heat management, especially in a moving vehicle where a single pothole can throw your phone off the charging mat. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination thinking you have a topped up phone, only to see a low battery warning instead.

An absolute no-brainer, but it would be even better if it was vertically docked.

Should you buy a 15-inch 2013 MacBook Pro in 2026?

I probably overpaid for this device back in 2018 ($900 on eBay), but 8 years later, I would say it was worth the money. I got a pretty good spec too:

1. 2.6 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7

2. 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 RAM

3. NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M 2 GB graphics card

4. 1TB SSD

5. Battery cycle count - 476 (as of today)

6. Battery condition - Normal

7. 15.4” retina display.

The battery doesn't last more than a few hours, but the real issue is the News app not working reliably. I’ve been using it for about a week straight and it crashes without fail, but it’s still great for almost everything else. Basic computing with a huge screen, MagSafe charging, and plenty of USB-A ports for legacy devices along with HDMI and a full-sized SD card slot makes it a great deal for newbie mac users or just as a secondary backup device. As long as you use Safari for browsing the web, you’ll be fine.

Don’t use Chrome.

What’s the pricing like? When you factor in the cost of a new, legitimate $70-$80 MagSafe 2 charger - yes, Apple still makes these - you’re at less than $250 all in. Some previous price history (price includes cost of a new charger):

• ~$900 in 2018

• ~$480 in 2023

• ~$380 in 2024

• ~$230 in 2026

If you’re a DIYer, you can get a cheaper storage config and put your own SSD in. This was the last design that allowed for user upgradeable storage and is a great way to backup your photos in iCloud. More thoughts in my previous posts below.

Is a ten year old MacBook still a good option in 2023?

Is an 11-year old MacBook still usable in 2024?

Clicks’ Power Keyboard with MagSafe makes a lot of sense.

I was very reluctant to buy a Clicks Keyboard since it seemed cumbersome and is not pocket friendly, but the Power Keyboard is a much better execution. A wireless keyboard for your devices with MagSafe compatibility that wirelessly charges your device at nearly half the price (early bird special)?

Still a niche product, but a much bigger niche that I’m excited for.

Throttle House addresses the bane of in-car wireless chargers.

One of the top worst modern car features is undoubtedly not so modern.

The ancient universal Qi wireless charging standard.

Automakers need to either get rid of it completely, or give us Qi2 with the Magnetic Power Profile (MagSafe), preferably in some sort of modular form that allows you to dock your phone similar to the Xiaomi SU7.

Moment’s MagSafe holders are a great Black Friday deal.

I own 3 of their different MagSafe holders, and bought 2 more. Their (M)Force technology really provides a better grip than standard MagSafe, and the rubbery pad prevents any scratches.

Huge sale right now and you can get an extra $15 off if you give them your email. Definitely worth it. Currently I have both Wall Mount options and the Tripod Mount, and went for the Strap Anywhere and Dash Car Mounts at 50% off.

Get’em while they’re hot.

Apple doesn’t restock the iPhone Pocket, but releases the limited edition Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand.

Not what we were expecting on Friday, but it’s nice to see these partnerships from Apple with other, lesser known companies.

The Product overview from Apple:

The Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is a MagSafe compatible adaptive accessory for iPhone designed by Bailey Hikawa to celebrate the 40th anniversary of accessibility at Apple. Designed with direct input from individuals with disabilities affecting muscle strength, dexterity, and hand control, this ergonomic grip was designed with accessibility in mind from the ground up. The grip uses magnets to securely snap onto any iPhone with MagSafe, can be removed with ease, and doubles as a stand to support iPhone at two different viewing angles, both vertically and horizontally. Inspired by modern sculpture, each Hikawa product is an art object unto itself. The limited edition Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is available in two colors, a bold, high-visibility Chartreuse and recycled Crater, exclusive to Apple.

Of course it’s already sold out, but you can still pre-order additional colors and get it directly from the Bailey Hikawa website. Not egregious at $69.95, but it looks to be even more low stock than iPhone Pocket.

P.S. It works with iPhone mini, but without a case.

Tested - iPhone Air MagSafe Battery.

Small but informative video from Aaron at MobileReviewsEh about the wireless abilities of the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery.

Its wired capabilities are not impressive, but that’s not the point of this battery. It really shines as a wireless device, charging his “test iPhone” faster while running cooler than all the other battery banks he used for testing (a literal bucket full of battery banks).

80% charge limit on iPhones - does it help save battery health?

Juli Clover at MacRumors ran this experiment two years in a row with a 15 Pro Max and a 16 Pro Max, and got the same result each year, keeping her phones’ charging limit at 80%:

• 16 Pro Max - 94% battery health after 297 cycles.

• 15 Pro Max - 94% battery health after 297 cycles in one year.

• 15 Pro Max - 88% battery health after 352 cycles in two years.

I ran a similar test and got similar results each year:

• 15 Pro Max - 99% battery health after 296 cycles.

• 16 Pro Max - 100% battery health after 270 cycles.

I would say my numbers are higher because I use MagSafe more than 90% of the time in cool environments, whereas Juli had a 50/50 mix between MagSafe and fast charging via USB-C, not to mention using battery packs while outside in warmer environments.

Heat is the biggest factor that degrades battery health, and you get the most heat with the fastest charging speeds. The bulk of my charging is in two different bedrooms that are pretty cold - one has a Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station (8-in-1) and one has the standard Apple MagSafe charger.

Annual phone upgraders don’t need a charge limit, unless they want to sell the phone at the best price possible with a higher battery health (yours truly). If you trade in your device each year, then don’t even worry about charge limits.

More details about the intimate relationship between the iPhone Air battery and its dedicated external battery pack.

Yours truly a few days ago:

If Apple made a single battery pack for all new iPhones, it would be a more generic experience across the board since the iPhone 17 lineup still uses a 3rd party Qualcomm modem. The Battery Pack wouldn’t meet Apple’s standards of true optimization. It would still be better than a generic 3rd party battery pack that just destroys battery health, but this unique, intimate relationship with the MagSafe Battery and the iPhone Air makes it outlast the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 40 hours of video playback vs 39 hours, making the combo the best battery life of any iPhone to date.

Now we have confirmation from iFixit that the MagSafe Battery is the same as the iPhone Air’s battery:

And in a fun twist, we’ve confirmed that it’s the exact same cell found in Apple’s MagSafe battery pack. You can swap between them and the phone still boots up just fine. Like a rear-mounted spare tire on an SUV, an iPhone Air with a MagSafe battery pack is ready for an on-the-go swap, if you will. Granted it’ll take a bit more than a tire iron to make it happen.

The intimate relationship is deeper than I thought. The MagSafe Battery for iPhone Air is like getting a kidney transplant from your twin versus a complete stranger.

The new MagSafe Battery for iPhone Air might seem like a misstep, but it makes perfect sense for two reasons.

Control and optimization.

The iPhone Air is the first iPhone to have all chips be Apple-designed chips, giving them unprecedented control of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and cellular efficiencies. The Apple-developed A19 Pro can talk to the N1 network processor and the C1X cellular modem at a more optimal level, maximizing battery and function based on multiple factors.

If Apple made a single battery pack for all new iPhones, it would be a more generic experience across the board since the iPhone 17 lineup still uses a 3rd party Qualcomm modem. The Battery Pack wouldn’t meet Apple’s standards of true optimization. It would still be better than a generic 3rd party battery pack that just destroys battery health, but this unique, intimate relationship with the MagSafe Battery and the iPhone Air makes it outlast the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 40 hours of video playback vs 39 hours, making the combo the best battery life of any iPhone to date.

Remember - Love is in the Air.

Who knows, maybe in the future when all iPhones have Apple-designed chips, Apple could go back to making one MagSafe Battery Pack that is optimized across the board.

Apple brings back the MagSafe Battery Pack exclusively for the iPhone Air, but will it work with other iPhones?

Looks like I got an answer to one of my biggest requests, but being limited to only one device is a miss. There are still a lot of unanswered questions:

1. Will it work sideways on older iPhones that don’t have a plateau?

2. Can you charge other iPhones with a USB-C cable?

3. Can you plop MagSafe compatible AirPods on it to charge them wirelessly?

The product page does say it will charge other smaller accessories via USB-C, so there’s hope it can also charge other iPhones partially. As for wireless charging, technically it should work and charge other iPhones and AirPods since it is MagSafe.

The ultimate MagSafe and Qi2 charging station.

Aukey just announced the best wireless charging solution to date (via MacRumors):

MagFusion Ark has a 6-in-1 design that includes a base that can charge up to three devices and three detachable power bank spheres for a total of six charging points. All six of the charging spots support Qi2.2 speeds, and Aukey says it is an ideal charger for multi-person households.

When docked, the spheres can recharge from the base while also charging devices that are placed on them, and when removed from the base, they function as 6,700mAh power banks. Each sphere also includes a PD 3.0 30W USB-C port for bidirectional charging, and they have an active cooling system to prevent overheating. The spheres also serve as a magnetic stand for FaceTime calls, videos, and more.

The flagship MagFusion Ark will ship with the base and three spheres, but there will also be one-device and two-device base options, with spheres that can be purchased separately.

Aukey has not provided details on the MagFusion Ark's price, but more detail will be available when it launches in the first quarter of 2026.

Currently I use Anker’s orb-like charger that resembles Aukey’s, but it has 7 more ports in the rear. It’s quite a stretch to reach from my bed to dock my phone since I’m limited by cord length, but with detachable orbs that act as their own battery source and have active cooling makes for a more robust charging solution. Just take it anywhere you want!

Wireless MagSafe charging is better for your iPhone’s battery health than wired charging.

I have had my iPhone 16 Pro Max since October 2024, and I have been using wireless charging I would say, at least 90% of the time. I have a combination of MagSafe and Qi2 chargers in my bedroom, spare room, and kitchen.

With 270 cycles, I still have 100% battery health, even with installing and running iOS 26 betas. I use a standard MagSafe puck in the kitchen, and I use the Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station (8-in-1) at night. Every time I use a cable to charge my device, I do notice it charges faster, but it also makes the device hotter since it’s fast charging. Most people will fall in this scenario because they’ll probably use their laptop chargers to charge their device, which provides the fastest speeds, and also the most heat.

Wireless technology has gotten so advanced, that even if it technically is less efficient, the device doesn’t reach higher temperatures, still giving you better battery health in the long run. Of course I stand by this claim only for MagSafe and certified Qi2 chargers. I’m not the only one as Brandon Butch goes a bit deeper in his video explaining his wireless charging experience during some of his testing. He found wired charging to be 4 degrees hotter than MagSafe charging on his iPhone 16 Pro.

Brandon also used a 90% charging limit, and I have been using an 80% charging limit on my 16 Pro Max. If I was on the regular 16 Pro (I’m leaning heavily towards the 17 Pro), I would also bump it up to 90% to give me that extra juice.

Check out his video for more tips on how to maximize your iPhone’s battery health.

Google Pixel 10 lineup launches with its own version of MagSafe called Pixelsnap, and even throws in the “A” word for good measure.

The Pixel 10 devices are just the second set of Android devices to have official Qi2 magnets built into the device. The only other device?

The HMD Skyline.

What I’m trying to say is, the Pixel 10 devices are the first Android devices that actually matter, with Qi2 magnets.

Per Android Authority:

Every Pixel 10 model supports Qi2 charging. The Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro top out at 15W with Qi2-certified chargers when paired with a 20W or higher USB-C adapter. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the first foldable with Qi2 wireless charging built in, also supports Pixelsnap charging at up to 15W.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL steps things up with Qi2.2 support, hitting 25W when used with a Qi2.2-certified charger and a 35W or higher adapter. Google says its own Pixelsnap Charger and Charger with Stand can hit that top speed.

The branding is very specific to the Pixel devices, so other manufacturers are going to have to come up with their own fancy name if they decide to go this route. I think this is a huge win for the Android community because I think it will force the big giants like Samsung to implement their own built-in magnets.

In shocking fashion, Adrienne Lofton from Google even mentioned the “A” word, and said all Pixel devices are compatible with Apple’s MagSafe accessories. This caught Jimmy Fallon by surprise, and even I was a bit shocked they mentioned Apple. I mean they had to since everyone knows Apple pioneered this feature and everyone would ask that question.

Reminds me of the moment when Phil Schiller introduced Microsoft on stage during the first ever iPad Pro event.

REEVUS water bottle is great for workouts

I was too lazy to go upstairs and try to find my iPad for working out, so I decided to just use my iPhone and prop it up with the MagSafe compatible lid on the REEVUS water bottle and get the job done. I knew I would get side tracked if I went upstairs so I just had to grind it out on the small screen.

Quick access to water without having to open a lid.

Cap stays clean + phone stays in place = happy runner.

iPhone 16e owners: “Magnets, what magnets?”

Apple Newsroom:

Apple and MP Materials will build out the state-of-the-art Texas factory with a series of neodymium magnet manufacturing lines specifically designed for Apple products. The new equipment and technical capacity will allow MP Materials to significantly boost its overall production. Once built, the American-made magnets will be shipped across the country and all over the world, helping to meet increasing global demand for the material. The increased production will support dozens of new jobs in advanced manufacturing and R&D. The two companies will provide extensive training to develop the workforce, building an entirely new pool of U.S. talent and expertise in magnet manufacturing.

I hope this is part of my wish for the next generation of MagSafe.

6 features I would like to see in a new MagSafe Battery Pack from Apple.

The MagSafe Battery Pack (MBP for short) is one of my favorite Apple accessories, but it is time for an upgrade. It was released in July 2021, and promptly discontinued once the iPhone 15 with USB-C was announced in September 2023.

Even though it was a great accessory during the lightning era, a newer more modern version would be ideal for the bigger generation of iPhones. Here are six reasons why:

1. USB-C port

This one is obvious, but would allow the MBP to charge other devices via a USB-C cable instead of just using Qi2 wireless charging. It could also be charged with fast-charging making it ready for use on the go.

USB-C would give it more versatility and faster charging options.

2. MagSafe charging

I have an OtterBox MagSafe charger that can charge my iPhone with MagSafe, but it can also be charged via MagSafe. I can plop both the iPhone and this charger on a MagSafe charger and be completely wire-free. This contraption does get warm, but that’s because the OtterBox battery doesn’t have all the software optimizations built-in to help with charging speed and temperature control like the MBP.

This particular OtterBox battery pack also fits with the OpenCase.

3. Thinner and bigger to fit flush with latest devices.

The original MBP was limited by the size of the iPhone 12 and 13 mini, making it narrow and thick. The iPhones mini were 5.4 inches, and the latest rumors put the iPhone 17 base model at 6.3 inches. That extra space allows for a bigger yet thinner battery casing that would fit flush with the rumored 6.3 inches on the iPhone 17. A much sleeker look.

The MagSafe Battery Pack’s maximum size was limited by the iPhone mini’s smaller dimensions.

Stained iPhone 13 mini with MagSafe Battery Pack

4. Multi-colors

Having different colors is always welcome, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Apple brands this new MBP under the beats branding to make it more appealing and fun.

5. Find My capabilities

I constantly lose my MagSafe Battery Pack, and having proper Find My capabilities with a 3rd generation Ultra Wideband chip and even a built-in speaker for pinging would be a huge plus.

6. Silicon-carbon battery

This would be a killer feature giving the slimmer battery pack more battery capacity than traditional lithium-ion batteries. Longevity could be less with silicon-carbon batteries, but I think it would balance out with its higher overall capacity.

The Apple logo on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro might go lower.

Majin Bu:

Apple is planning a significant change in the design of its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, repositioning the Apple logo. Currently located slightly off-center and below the camera module since the iPhone X, the Apple logo will be moved lower, toward the center bottom of the phone. This recent discovery, reported by direct sources among case manufacturers, marks an evolution in Apple’s aesthetic language. An company we collaborate with, specialized in producing cases for the iPhone 17 Pro line, has confirmed they are already working to start production of cases with the updated design. Let’s explore the details of this recent finding, the reasons behind this choice, and the solutions the industry is developing. […]

This move toward the center bottom could alter the traditional symmetry of Apple devices, paving the way for further innovations. Specifically, the MagSafe system, essential for magnetic charging and accessory attachment, requires precise alignment with the back of the device.

Of course this is speculation, but it begs the question if Apple is revamping MagSafe to make it more versatile as I mentioned in a previous post:

The charging coil diameter will probably not change since it is part of the Qi2 standard, but more magnets can be added in the bottom two-thirds of the iPhone to give accessories more stability, using the 6.3 inch iPhone as the new lower limit.

This can lead to a whole slew of new accessories, such as iPad-like folio cases, ultra-sturdy car mounts, and thinner battery packs.

Lowering the MagSafe ring would throw off its overall symmetry, but maybe Apple will compensate with corner magnets top and bottom.