The iPhone 17e could address major shortcomings of the iPhone 16e by incorporating MagSafe charging and the C1X modem.

      The rumored iPhone 17e might represent a significant shift for Apple's budget-friendly lineup, featuring MagSafe charging and a more energy-efficient C1X modem.

      Apple's iPhone 17e, thought to be the successor to the iPhone 16e, may incorporate magnetic wireless charging, known as MagSafe charging (according to The Information). This would be a major advancement over the existing iPhone 16e, which is restricted to Qi wireless charging at 7.5W.

      The addition of MagSafe technology would facilitate faster wireless charging (presumably at 20W or 25W) and allow users to utilize various accessories such as wallets, charging pads, wireless power banks, and phone stands with the iPhone.

      It is important to mention that only the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models currently support 25W MagSafe charging, while other versions have slower wireless charging rates. The iPhone Air, for example, has a maximum charging speed of 20W, while older iPhone models are limited to 15W.

      If the iPhone 17e supports MagSafe charging at 20W or 25W, it will surpass many older models, including flagship phones, making it an attractive option for marketing. Additionally, it will help close the gap between wired and wireless charging speeds for the iPhone 17e.

      The report also indicates that the iPhone 17e might be equipped with Apple's C1X modem instead of the C1 modem found in the iPhone 16e. Launched with the iPhone Air, the C1X modem is reported to be up to twice as fast as its predecessor while using the same cellular technologies. Apple claims this newer modem is faster than that in the iPhone 16 Pro and consumes 30% less power.

      Moreover, the C1X is Apple's most power-efficient modem, which may enhance the iPhone 17e's video playback capabilities and overall battery performance. Nonetheless, this newer modem does not support mmWave 5G, a feature available on the iPhone 17 models.

      Lastly, the iPhone 17e may not feature Apple's N1 wireless networking chip. For those unfamiliar, this chip facilitates Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v6.0, and Thread connectivity on the iPhone 17 series. This omission may be a strategic choice to differentiate between the budget and flagship models.

      In addition to these updates about the iPhone 17e, there are also rumors that the device could feature the 18MP Center Stage front camera present on the iPhone 17 models, while the upcoming iPhone 18 series is expected to introduce an under-display camera for the front.

      Waze has revealed a new feature that users have been requesting, but it's only available in one country.

      Waze appears to be making progress toward incorporating traffic lights into its map, a feature many users have long desired, particularly since Google Maps has included it since 2022. Although this update is currently limited and not broadly available, it signifies a notable shift for the navigation app, which has typically prioritized live alerts from users over static map details.

      As reported by GeekTime, Waze is testing traffic light icons in Israel. The feature is still in an early experimental phase and has specific limitations aimed at preventing screen clutter.

      Google has begun rolling out a new upgrade for Gemini on both desktop and mobile, enhancing how it presents information from Google Maps.

      Now, instead of a lengthy text followed by a map displaying pins, Gemini can showcase Google Maps results "in a rich, visual format," providing users with access to "photos, ratings, and real-world information." When users request information about nearby places like restaurants, parks, or attractions, Gemini displays an interactive map at the top with themed pins for various locations. Each location features its own unique card containing photos and a star rating, followed by a text response relevant to the user's query.

      You might want to reconsider upgrading your smartphone in 2026 due to impending challenges in the memory market.

      Smartphone specifications could take a backward step soon, not due to a lack of innovation, but because of the significant increase in the prices of a crucial component: memory. DRAM and NAND prices are rising sharply and are expected to remain elevated throughout at least the first half of 2026.

      Suppliers are hiking prices due to a surge in demand for AI servers, data centers, and enterprise hardware solutions. This pressure initially affected PC RAM prices, but it is now impacting devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Popular brands are likely to respond by either increasing prices, reducing margins, or subtly downgrading RAM in upcoming models.