iPhone 17e: Internally almost an iPhone 16e
A teardown shows that parts can be exchanged between iPhone 17e and 16e. Even the MagSafe area is included, albeit with limitations.
iPhone 17e in teardown.
(Image: iFixIt)
Apples new iPhone 17e has inherited many components from its predecessor 16e – with several important exceptions. As the teardown by repair specialist iFixIt shows, this means that areas of the devices can be exchanged with each other, which simplifies service work. However, it also shows that Apple has not come up with much new in the development of the new entry-level model.
MagSafe also for the iPhone 16e
Like the 16e, the 17e is based on the iPhone 14 from 2022, but has received a current processor (from the iPhone 17) with the A19. The latter is also the main difference to the 16e – in addition to an accelerated Apple modem chip (C1X instead of C1) and more standard flash memory (256 GB instead of 128 GB). Apple continues to integrate the MagSafe, which was omitted in the 16e: The 17e now has the charging magnets on board.
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The iFixIt teardown shows that numerous components can be exchanged between the 16e and 17e. These include the display and the glass back, and even the MagSafe part. The latter can be removed from a 17e and then installed in the 16e. However, the 16e lacks the necessary software to display animations, for example – presumably the 16e will also not charge as quickly as the 17e. The selfie camera, including the Face ID module, could also be exchanged between devices, but iFixIt was unable to get facial recognition working.
Motherboards mutually compatible
Even the mainboard (logic board) can be exchanged between the 16e and 17e, and the case fits. The battery of the 17e can be easily removed – this has been possible since the iPhone 16 by applying power. However, the disassembly of the USB-C port remains annoying. This wear part is located deep in the housing and requires the removal of (too) many components, criticizes iFixIt.
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Overall, there is praise for the repairability: 7 out of a maximum of 10 points (preliminary rating) were achieved. Apple has eliminated weaknesses of the predecessor. The better repair level is particularly important for an "e" model (formerly "SE"), as these are often used in companies. In addition, existing 16e spare parts can be reused if they are already in stock.
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(bsc)
