Apple denies rumors that the iPhone 16e does not support MagSafe due to its proprietary C1 modem
On February 20, 2025, Apple announced
Update: Apple's C1 modem doesn't interfere with MagSafe on the iPhone 16e | Macworld
https://www.macworld.com/article/2614585/iphone-16e-without-magsafe-apple-modem-c1-is-the-reason.html
Apple denies rumor that C1 is responsible for MagSafe removal on iPhone 16e - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/20/apple-denies-rumor-that-c1-is-responsible-for-magsafe-removal-on-iphone-16e/
The iPhone 16e is equipped with several cutting-edge technologies such as an OLED screen and action buttons, but it does not support MagSafe, Apple's proprietary wireless charging standard. Regarding the reason for this, Apple-related media Macworld reported, 'We have received information from accessory industry sources that MagSafe's built-in magnets appear to be hindering the reliability of Apple's new 5G modem, the C1 chip. Apple may have had to discontinue MagSafe to ensure the best possible connectivity for the first-generation 5G modem chip (C1), which is probably more important than magnetic charging.'
The C1, Apple's first proprietary 5G modem chip, is the culmination of Apple's secret 5G modem chip development project that it has been working on since acquiring Intel's modem chip business in 2019.
Apple's proprietary 5G modem chip will be installed in the iPhone released in 2025, but it will be inferior in performance to existing Qualcomm chips - GIGAZINE
Another media outlet, 9to5Mac, also wrote, 'This wasn't the first time I'd heard this theory, and I personally thought it was pretty plausible.'
However, Apple denied the rumors in a statement to Macworld, saying, 'The reason MagSafe isn't available on the iPhone 16e has nothing to do with the C1 chip.'
In response to this statement, 9to5Mac pointed out that 'Apple is struggling to lower the price of the iPhone 16e, and the elimination of MagSafe will lead to cost savings. The iPhone 16e's starting price of 99,800 yen (tax included) is much higher than many people expected.'
However, 9to5Mac points out that there may be some problem between the newly designed 5G modem chip C1 and MagSafe, and is concerned that the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air model, which is rumored to be released around fall 2025, may not support MagSafe.
It is reported that the 2024 'iPhone 16' will have Apple Intelligence as its biggest selling point, and the 2025 'iPhone 17' will have a new ultra-thin mid-range model 'iPhone Air' and a revamped lineup - GIGAZINE
