iFixit Teardown Reveals iPhone 17e Can Add MagSafe to iPhone 16e [Video]

iFixit has completed its teardown of the iPhone 17e, revealing a high level of component compatibility with last year's model and a solid repairability score.



The most notable discovery from the disassembly is the volume of interchangeable parts between the new device and the iPhone 16e. iFixit found that users can physically attach the rear glass panel of the 17e to the older 16e chassis, effectively adding MagSafe. While the hybrid setup lacks certain software features like the MagSafe animation or StandBy mode, magnetic alignment works and charging efficiency is improved.


Beyond the back panel, iFixit found that many internal components are also cross-compatible between the two generations. In testing, logic boards could be transplanted between devices, with Apple's Repair Assistant handling calibration of the new hardware. The only major limitation involves the TrueDepth camera system. Swapping the front-facing camera still allows for photos, but Face ID is disabled and fails to calibrate. This stands in contrast to the fully swappable Touch ID modules iFixit recently documented in its MacBook Neo teardown.

Internally, the iPhone 17e retains the dual-entry design that allows the device to be opened from either the display or the rear glass. Apple has also kept the electrically debonding adhesive used for the 15.556 Wh battery, which can be released by applying a low-voltage current, allowing removal without prying. iFixit notes the battery itself is identical and fully interchangeable with the one found in the 16e.

However, the internal layout still presents a major drawback with the USB-C port. Replacing a damaged port requires nearly a full teardown, including removal of the logic board, multiple screws, and delicate ribbon cables. Apple improved access to this component on the standard iPhone 16, but that change has not carried over to the entry-level model.

iFixit awarded the device a provisional repairability score of 7 out of 10. The shared component pool between the 16e and 17e expands parts availability and gives repair shops and consumers more flexibility when sourcing replacements.