iPhone 16e: Third-party cases restore MagSafe experience to new 'bargain' handset
Apple unleashed a number of surprises during its latest smartphone launch, one of which that the device in question was not to be known as an SE but as the 16e instead. Another was that it is debuted without MagSafe despite being a member of the flagship series in name.
It seems that the new handset is more like the 16 Pro Max-rivalling Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra instead in that it can support magnetic charging - just so long as it has a compatible case. ESR has stepped in here with its 16e cases that are also touted to bring the use of accessories such as the HaloLock Power Bank Wallet back to the latest entry-level iPhone.
On that note, the use of such cases from third-party brands might simply lead to a 16e locked into a proprietary system like HaloLock - then again, ESR asserts that its new cases (which include versions from its lines such as Classic Hybrid and Cyber Tough) are MagSafe-compatible specifically, as does Spigen.
As with ESR, its 16e cases start at the ~$20 mark with the Ultra Hybrid MagFit, which includes variants such as the Zero One White and Neo One to give the new iPhone a Nothing-style transparent look.
Alternatively, Spigen's Enzo Aramid is more expensive at $39.99 thanks to its extra "military-grade protection" and carbon-fiber pattern.
Those who want to splash out on the 16e's case even after its price hike to $599 could also consider the UAG Monarch Pro, which lets the iPhone match the ROG Flow Z13 Acrnm Edition with external armor plates (and has a carbon-fiber inlay to boot) for $79.95.
None of these accessories can do anything about the lack of a second rear camera, UWB precision in Apple Find My or 120Hz display, however.
