As is their custom every time Apple releases a new device, our friends at iFixit were quick to dissect the iPhone 17e, the recently released budget-friendly version. While we expected just a “routine update,” the experts found a surprise that might make iPhone 16e users smile—not because they’ll be buying the new device, but because they can cleverly “borrow” some of its features!
The components inside the iPhone 17e and 16e are interchangeable.
The most significant finding in this teardown is that the MagSafe back panel on the iPhone 17e is exactly the same size as the one on the iPhone 16e. And since Apple loves recycling designs, iFixit has demonstrated that you can simply take the back cover from the new device and attach it to the older model. So congratulations; you've added MagSafe technology to your iPhone 16e, which officially lacked it.
iFixit discovered that virtually all components inside the iPhone 17e and iPhone 16e are interchangeable, including the MagSafe module. The logic board from an iPhone 16e can be taken and installed in the iPhone 17e chassis with minimal part recognition issues. However, the TrueDepth camera for Face ID did not function when transferred from one iPhone to the other.
While iFixit was pleased with the dual-port design and the battery's electrical adhesive, the site found the USB-C port to be too hidden behind the components, making DIY repairs extremely difficult for users. Apple addressed the USB-C port accessibility issue in its flagship models, but didn't make it easier to access in its "e" models.
Despite these issues, iFixit awarded points for parts interchangeability due to higher salvage value and greater refurbishment potential. iFixit gave the iPhone 17e a provisional repairability score of 7 out of 10. This is the same score the iPhone 16e received last year, and the same score the iPhone 17 received.
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