Apple Launched i, which focuses on entry-level positioningPhone 17e After that, it was quickly taken over by the repair website iFixit.dismantleanalyze. On the surface, it looks almost the same as the previous generation iPhone 16e, but after actually opening it, some intriguing design details appear. The most eye-catching thing is that the design of the MagSafe module seems to be highly compatible with the previous generation, and may even allow users of older phones to upgrade. In addition to MagSafe, this new machine also has some changes in the chip, storage capacity and internal structure. Whether the overall maintenance design is really more friendly has also become the focus of this dismantling.
▲Picture source:iFixit
iPhone 17e disassembly reveals: MagSafe module can be installed on iPhone 16e
Apple launched the iPhone 17e this spring, which is more user-friendly. iPhone The entry-level product in the series features lower prices and practical specifications. However, for many technology fans, what they are most looking forward to after the new phone is released is not the official introduction, but the in-depth analysis of the teardown website iFixit.
iFixit recently officially disassembled the iPhone 17e and conducted a detailed inspection from the internal structure to the part design. The most surprising discovery during this disassembly process is that the MagSafe module can be used interchangeably with the previous generation iPhone 16e.
▲Picture source:iFixit
MagSafe backplane module unexpectedly compatible
Appearance-wise, the iPhone 17e is almost identical to its predecessor, the iPhone 16e. However, this time the new phone adds a complete MagSafe magnetic module on the back. In addition to supporting MagSafe accessories, it can also provide faster Qi2 wireless charging speeds.
After disassembly, iFixit found that the size of the MagSafe backplane module of the iPhone 17e is almost exactly the same as that of the iPhone 16e, and the two can be directly interchanged. In other words, if the back panel of the iPhone 17e is replaced with the iPhone 16e, the 16e can theoretically also have the MagSafe magnetic suction function.
▲Picture source:iFixit
For users who have already purchased iPhone 16e, this discovery is actually quite interesting. Because if replacement parts appear on the market in the future, or relevant modules are obtained during the repair process, there will be a chance that the old phone will be supported by MagSafe without having to upgrade the entire phone.
▲Picture source:iFixit
However, iFixit also reminds that this upgrade still has some limitations. Since the iPhone 16e itself does not have a built-in software system to recognize MagSafe accessories, even if the back panel is replaced, the magnetic animation effect may still not be displayed. In addition, more testing is needed to confirm whether it can reach the full 15W MagSafe wireless charging speed.
Highly part-compatible design
In addition to the MagSafe module, iFixit also found an interesting point during the disassembly process, which is that the parts of iPhone 17e and iPhone 16e are very common. In the actual test, iFixit installed the iPhone 16e motherboard directly into the iPhone 17e body. As a result, there were almost no system identification problems and the phone could still operate normally. This means that the two generations of models maintain almost the same architecture in terms of internal design.
▲Picture source:iFixit
The only exception is the TrueDepth camera module for Face ID. When iFixit tried to swap TrueDepth cameras across models, the Face ID feature didn’t work properly, indicating that the module still has a stricter pairing mechanism with the motherboard.
▲Picture source:iFixit
For the maintenance industry, the versatility of such parts is actually quite important. Because parts can be circulated between different models, it is not only easier to obtain spare parts, but also increases the reuse value of recycled parts.
New chips and storage capacity upgrades
In terms of hardware specifications, iPhone 17e also brings some minor upgrades. The phone switches to using Apple’s A19 chip, replacing the previous generation’s A18 chip. Although it is still positioned as an entry-level model, there is still a certain degree of improvement in terms of performance and energy efficiency.
▲Picture source:iFixit
Apple has also adjusted its storage capacity configuration. The basic capacity of iPhone 17e starts from 256GB, which is indeed more in line with the needs of photos and videos that often weigh dozens of GB.
▲Picture source:iFixit
The communication part uses the new C1X modem chip, which is faster than the previous generation C1 module and can also provide a more stable mobile network connection experience.
▲Picture source:iFixit
Maintenance design still has advantages and disadvantages
In terms of repair design, iFixit also observed some details worth discussing. First of all, iPhone 17e adopts a dual-entry disassembly design, which means that both the front and rear panels can be disassembled, and maintenance personnel can choose the disassembly path according to different needs. This design will be more resilient during repairs.
In addition, the battery still uses the current-release adhesive technology introduced by Apple in recent years. Through special current stimulation, the adhesive can be loosened, making it easier to remove the battery. Compared with the past method of slowly pulling the rubber strip, the replacement process has indeed been simplified a lot.
▲Picture source:iFixit
However, iFixit also pointed out a shortcoming, which is that the USB-C port is still quite deep and surrounded by multiple parts. If you need to repair or replace the charging module yourself, disassembly will be more difficult. This problem has actually improved in Apple’s flagship models, but there are still not many changes in the entry-level e-series models.
▲Picture source:iFixit
Maintenance rating remains unchanged
Based on the overall design and repair difficulty, iFixit finally gave the iPhone 17e a repair-friendliness score of 7 out of 10. This score is the same as last year’s iPhone 17 and iPhone 16e.
iFixit said that although the repair of USB-C modules is still troublesome, the highly versatile parts, high degree of modularization, and improved battery removal methods give this phone certain advantages in repair and refurbishment.
▲Picture source:iFixit
Conclusion
Judging from the results of this disassembly, although the appearance of the iPhone 17e has almost remained unchanged, the internal design actually reveals a lot of interesting signals. The MagSafe module is highly compatible with iPhone 16e, making it possible to upgrade older models unexpectedly, and most parts can be used across models, making the repair and refurbishment market more dynamic.
For ordinary users, these details may not be directly felt in daily use, but they may have long-term impacts in terms of device life and maintenance costs. For those who like to study the internal design of Apple products, this disassembly of the iPhone 17e undoubtedly has another case worth discussing.
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Source: KOCPC Chinese