Club Benefits
I don't think it's selling short the prospects of the iPhone 17e to declare that Apple's next phone — expected in the first half of the year — isn't going to be a particularly earth-shattering device. Midrange models like Apple's iPhone E series don't exist to break new ground. Rather, they're added to the lineup to draw in customers who can't — or won't — pay flagship prices and will accept some trade-off on features if it means a more affordable.
In the iPhone 17e's case, the likely changes include a new chipset — the same one that powers the iPhone 17 seems like the ideal candidate — and maybe a switch from a notched display to one with the Dynamic Island feature. The Ceramic Shield 2 material introduced last fall also seems like it could find its way to Apple's lowest-cost phone as well.
But there's an additional iPhone 17e change that could make Apple's device stand out from others in its price range. It's not a major addition, by any means, but it's one that would certainly make the iPhone 17e a more appealing device. And it's one that — when I use it with other phones — really takes a minor-yet-persistent annoyance out of maintaing your mobile handset.
Wireless charging on the iPhone 16e
The current iPhone 16e model supports wireless charging, which puts it in elite company among other midrange phones. Google's Pixel 9a can also charge wirelessly, but that support is missing from devices like the OnePlus 15R and Samsung's current Galaxy A models.
But the iPhone 16e and Pixel 9a don't support the latest in wireless charging standards. You're charging with the original Qi standard, which will certainly work, though at pretty slow speeds. The iPhone 16e wireless charging tops at at around 7.5W.
Qi2 wireless charging, which you'll find on the iPhone 17 series, changes that. The technology not only brings faster speeds, but also more secure connectivity. True Qi2 compatibility means magnets embedded on the back of the phone, which ensures an optimal connection to charging pads. It also makes your phone compatible with any accessories that also use magnets to connect, such as power packs and mobile wallets.
You only have to look at the iPhone 17 to see the benefits for Qi2 support. Apple's entry level flagship can now charge wirelessly at 25W speeds with MagSafe-ready devices. Couple that with the boost to wired charging on Apple's newest phone — the iPhone 17 now charges at 29W speeds with a USB-C connector — and you'll never have to be worried about getting sidetracked for long when topping off the battery.
Why better wireless charging support matters
I've written about what a difference full Qi2 wireless charging makes in the context of the Galaxy S25 series, which supports the technology but comes without the magnets that really let you take full advantage of the charging standard. As a consequence, getting my Galaxy S25 Plus fully charged up is a bit of a pain compared to either the iPhone 17 or Pixel 10 Pro. I can place either of those latter two devices on a wireless charging device and know that they'll get an optimized charge.
That's why I think Qi2 support would be such a big deal for the iPhone 17e. It would mean not having to track down a charging cable when it's time to top off the phone's battery or hoping that you've placed the phone in an optimal position on a charging device to get the most efficient charge.
Even better, the iPhone 17e would be just about the only midrange phone to offer that kind of connectivity — assuming Google doesn't follow suit with the Pixel 10a when it releases that midrange follow-up at some point in the first half of 2026.
Qi2 support for the iPhone 17e: Will it happen?
This isn't just me wishcasting for the iPhone 17e to pick up a feature that Apple has no intention of delivering. Early reports on the upcoming release suggest that Qi2 wireless support is very much part of the mix.
Specifically, a report in The Information last month that detailed Apple's iPhone road map included rumored iPhone 17e improvements. And that report claims the iPhone 17e is in line to get Qi2 wireless charging support, which would bring the new device's charging speeds up to 20W to 25W.
Again, this wouldn't be breaking new ground, as the iPhone 17e would simply adopt a feature Apple already includes on other iPhone models. But it would be notable that a midrange phone adds Qi2 wireless support, especially if Apple doesn't budge from the $599 starting price it currently charges for the iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 17e won't turn out to be the most exciting phone Apple releases this year. That honor seems reserved for the iPhone Fold. But it could be the device that appeals to more people, especially if the focus is on adding capabilities that are MIA from the current model.
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