The NEW iPhone that Apple Doesn't Talk About...

Apple has released the iPhone 17e, a device that surprisingly features interchangeable and upgradable parts with its predecessor, the iPhone 16e. This marks a departure from Apple's usual practices. For instance, the iPhone 16e had 7-watt wireless charging without MagSafe magnets, while the new 17e boasts 15-watt wireless charging with MagSafe. According to iFixit, these components can be swapped between the two models. Even the motherboard is upgradeable, meaning a user could install an A19 chip into an iPhone 16e by replacing its A18 chip motherboard. The only exception is the Face ID camera, which is locked to the motherboard for security reasons. Before delving into the internal components, the external durability of the iPhone 17e was tested. Apple claims the 17e's display is made with Ceramic Shield 2, which is three times more scratch-resistant. Initial tests suggest this might be true, as marks at level six were barely visible. The front 12-megapixel camera, while physically swappable, has its Face ID portion tied to the motherboard. The earpiece grill is made of permanent metal, and the device features an 85% recycled aluminum frame, a curious percentage given that MacBooks, like the MacBook Neo, use 100% recycled aluminum. One notable feature, present in iPhones since the iPhone 14, is the emergency satellite antenna located at the top of the device. This allows users to text anyone, share their location, and contact emergency services even in areas without cellular signal, all provided by Apple for free. This emergency preparedness capability inspired the creation of the "Jerry Can," an aluminum can designed for water storage. Unlike plastic bottles that can expire or leach microplastics, water stored in aluminum has an indefinite shelf life. The water is sourced from a California mountain, UV treated and ozonated for purification, then hermetically sealed. This makes it suitable for daily consumption or long-term emergency storage. An energy drink version is also available, and orders over $100 receive free shipping. A 12-pack of Jerry Cans provides one person with a three-day supply of emergency water. Returning to the iPhone, the emergency SOS antenna lines and the entire left side, including the action button and individual volume buttons, are surrounded by aluminum. The bottom houses the microphone, USB-C port, and lower stereo loudspeaker. It's noted that the iPhone 17e shares many similarities with the iPhone 16e, leading to speculation that Apple might be adopting a more consumer-friendly approach to parts interchangeability, or it could be an oversight. The iPhone 17e has a single camera, which is identical to the iPhone 16e's camera, sharing the same part number. The screen is also the same 6.1-inch XDR OLED 1200-nit 60Hz display as the 16e, but with the new Ceramic Shield 2 on top, it has a different part number. However, all internal plugs are identical. The phone passed a bend test, demonstrating structural soundness comparable to the 16e. Disassembly revealed that upgrading the iPhone 16e to include MagSafe capabilities from the 17e is partially possible. After removing the pentalobe screws and carefully prying off the back panel using heat, the MagSafe magnets were visible. When a 17e MagSafe back glass was installed on a 16e, the magnets successfully held the charger in place. However, the charging speed was limited to the original 7-watt non-MagSafe speeds of the 16e, suggesting that software on the older phone throttles the capacity despite the hardware upgrade. Further examination of parts pricing showed that the rear camera has the same part number and costs $98 after return credit for both phones. The top speaker also shares the same part number and costs $678. The Apple vibrator has different part numbers but the same price of $678. The battery, while having a different part number, shares the same price, capacity (4,05 mAh), form factor, and release mechanism as the iPhone 16e. The new release mechanism uses a 9-volt power source to electronically decouple the adhesive, making battery replacement safer and easier. The screen can also be replaced independently from the rest of the hardware by opening the front of the phone. While a challenging process, replacement screens for both models cost $217 after return credit and are interchangeable, allowing a 16e to be upgraded with the tougher Ceramic Shield 2 glass. The presenter expressed appreciation for Apple's wider parts pool for these two phones, acknowledging that it likely benefits Apple by simplifying manufacturing and reusing parts, but also noting that it's a positive change from their historical practice of locking down parts. The video concludes by promoting tear-down skins that accurately represent the phone's internals, including the magnetic ring of the 17e, and reiterating the importance of emergency preparedness with the Jerry Can.