iPhone 17e Teardown: Can You Upgrade an iPhone 16e with MagSafe?
Is the new budget-friendly Apple device just a repackaged version of last year’s model? A recent teardown by the repair experts at iFixit suggests that physically, the two devices share a surprising amount of DNA—so much so that you might be able to transplant the 17e's flagship feature onto older hardware.
The DIY MagSafe "Upgrade"
One of the biggest selling points of the iPhone 17e is the official introduction of MagSafe support. During the teardown, iFixit discovered that the 17e’s rear panel—which houses the new MagSafe magnetic ring—is perfectly identical in size and shape to the back panel of the iPhone 16e.
Physically, it snaps right into the older model. This means that daring iPhone 16e owners could theoretically perform a hardware upgrade by swapping their back glass. However, there is a catch: while the magnets will hold your accessories, Apple's software animations won't trigger on the older iOS firmware, and it remains unconfirmed if the device will actually pull the full 15W wireless charging speeds.
⚙️ Interchangeable Parts (With a Catch)
Internally, the iPhone 17e is nearly identical to its predecessor. Most components, including the main motherboard, can be physically swapped between the two generations. However, Apple's infamous software locks are still present: if you transfer the TrueDepth camera module (Face ID) to a new board, it will completely refuse to function.
Easier Battery Swaps, Stubborn Ports
Apple continues to refine its internal design for better repairability. The iPhone 17e can be opened from both the front display and the back glass, making component access much safer. Even better, replacing the battery no longer requires removing the screen.
Apple has implemented a new electrically induced adhesive release system—technicians just need to apply a low-voltage electrical pulse, and the battery pops right out without the need for dangerous prying or pulling stretch-release tabs.
Unfortunately, not everything is easy to fix. The USB-C charging port remains deeply buried beneath layers of other components, making what should be a simple port replacement a tedious and complex procedure for DIY enthusiasts.
The Final iFixit Score
Ultimately, the internal layout offers a few welcome quality-of-life improvements for technicians but doesn't reinvent the wheel. Taking all factors into account, iFixit awarded the iPhone 17e a solid 7 out of 10 for repairability—matching the exact same score earned by last year's iPhone 16e and the standard iPhone 17.