iPhone Case Compatibility - A Guide to Finding the Right Fit

12 Sep 2024

Finding a perfect phone case can be a pretty easy task if you know exactly what to look for. The term perfect case usually applies to the color, aesthetics, and durability made by a trusted manufacturer.

Browse our iPhone case collections

However, when it comes to compatibility, you'd want to take another look, especially if you have a couple of iPhone models and want to buy a case that will fit multiple phones. In addition, if you have a tremendous iPhone case collection, we'll help you explore which cases are suitable for more models. So, without further ado, let's talk about iPhone case compatibility.

Versatility

If you have an iPhone 6 or an iPhone 6S, you're in luck – the cases for these two models are usually compatible. That's because they share the same physical dimensions and design. You can often use a case made for one on the other without a problem.
An iPhone 7 case should fit an iPhone 8 without any issues. Cases and accessories originally designed for the iPhone 7 should be compatible with the iPhone 8 as well.
iPhone 13 will fit iPhone 14 case. However, your case won't work the other way around because of the 0.01-inch depth difference.
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro dimensions are compatible with each other. You can use their cases simultaneously.
iPhone SE (second generation), iPhone 7, and iPhone 8. These models have identical dimensions meaning interchanging cases is possible. In plain words, if you are using an iPhone SE model (second generation) and plan on buying an iPhone 7 or 8, you can use the same case.

iPhone Case Compatibility Guide

Cases designed for the iPhone 6 Plus and 6S Plus are generally interchangeable since these two models have nearly identical dimensions. Similarly, cases made for the iPhone 7 Plus should also fit the iPhone 8 Plus without any issues, as these models share similar dimensions. However, some case manufacturers may make slight adjustments to ensure the best fit, so it's always a good idea to double-check with the manufacturer or retailer to ensure compatibility. So, in most cases, you can use a case made for the 6 Plus on a 6S Plus, and a case for the 7 Plus on an 8 Plus, but it's wise to confirm with the manufacturer to be certain.
iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone XS look almost identical and have approximately the same size. The only difference is the placement of the camera. Certain case models can be used for both phone models, but remember that specifically tailored iPhone cases for iPhone 11 Pro won't fit iPhone XS because of the difference in camera placement.

iPhone Case Compatibility Infographic

iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max mirror their smaller counterparts, meaning they have almost identical dimensions. To put things simply, you can use the same phone case for both models.
The iPhone SE 2 (2020) and iPhone SE 3 (2022) share identical dimensions, making them perfect candidates for interchangeable cases. If you own either of these SE models, you can comfortably use the same case for both, ensuring your device remains protected.

iPhone Case Compatibility Guide, Sustainable Cases

Restrictions and exceptions

Even though there is a wide range of similar and identical-sized iPhone models with a suitable design, there are many restrictions regarding using your iPhone case on multiple phones. To avoid buying an iPhone case that won't fit all your iPhone models, check out our list of restrictions and exceptions below.

iPhone X and iPhone XS. Although these models have almost identical dimensions, there is a significant difference in design. The speaker grille and the camera placement do not match, implying that cases specifically designed for iPhone XS may not fit iPhone X.
iPhone SE (1st generation). Even though the 1st generation iPhone SE has the same dimensions as the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s, there is a significant difference in camera placement. Cases explicitly designed for the iPhone SE will not fit the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s. The same goes the other way around, meaning that cases explicitly designed for iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s won't fit iPhone SE (1st generation).
iPhone 11 and iPhone XR. iPhone 11 phone case will fit iPhone XR. However, you can't apply the same rule the other way around.
iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max mirror their smaller counterparts, meaning they have almost identical dimensions. Even though you can use your iPhone 11 Pro Max case for iPhone XS Max, we can't say the same contrariwise.
You can't use a case made for the iPhone 12 mini on an iPhone 13 mini, or the other way around. This is because the camera bump on the back of the two phones looks different. So, to keep your phone safe and all the buttons accessible, you should use a case that's meant for your exact iPhone model.

Charcoal Black No Plastic Phone Case iPhone 13 Pro

What about iPhone 15 cases?

If you're wondering whether an iPhone 14 case will fit the new iPhone 15, unfortunately, the answer is no. The cases made for iPhone 14 won't fit the new iPhone 15 because the iPhone 15 is a bit different in size. Also, the iPhone 15 series features a dynamic island instead of a notch, which influences case compatibility.

Another change is that the new iPhone 15 uses a USB-C port instead of the old lightning port. This means the charging and accessory ports are different, so old cases won't work. Due to all these factors, when you get a new iPhone 15, you'll definitely need a new case. When doing so, choose eco-friendly iPhone 15 cases and consider responsible disposal of old cases to protect the environment.

And now, iPhone 16 - do you need a new case?

With the release of the iPhone 16, it's important to note that a new case will be necessary. The iPhone 16 models come with slight changes in size and camera placement compared to previous versions, which means older cases won't provide the right fit. For example, if you were hoping to reuse your iPhone 15 case, it won't fit the iPhone 16 because of these design tweaks. To ensure your new iPhone is fully protected, it's best to invest in a case specifically designed for the iPhone 16. Whether you’re upgrading or just getting your first iPhone, make sure your case matches the latest design.

Candy Pink Tinted Clear Phone Case iPhone 15 Pro Max

PLNTPRTCT™ Black plant-Based Phone Case for iPhone 16 Model

How to choose the right iPhone case

Choosing the right iPhone case is a pretty easy task as long as you know exactly what you want. However, some people tend to buy before thinking, to find out later that their iPhone case doesn't match all of their iPhone models. In addition, most iPhone cases available are made of plastic and tend to get worn out very soon. One of the biggest problems here is discoloration, especially when talking about lighter-colored cases, as they absorb dirt that cannot be cleaned easily. Furthermore, iPhone cases are often overpriced without any legit background. Most of the print is done sloppy, and you'll likely have to buy a new one every few months.

So, when shopping for a new iPhone case, we recommend carefully considering the actual materials used in the production process.

Popular eco-friendly iPhone cases

iPhone 16 Cases

iPhone 15 Cases

iPhone 14 Cases

iPhone 13 Cases

iPhone 12 Cases

iPhone 11 Cases

Some plastic cases, and there is no way to know exactly which ones, are made under very shady terms since overproduction, especially when talking about highly cheap materials, can't be controlled easily.

However, this doesn't mean there aren't high-quality iPhone cases made using sustainable practices such as upcycled materials, byproducts, and single-fraction manufacturing methods. These sustainable practices and methods ensure minimal waste is produced during the process.

A very common misconception that iPhone cases made of sustainable materials are not durable is completely unfounded. Of course, our best advice is to try some of them out, as companies that truly care about nature and customer satisfaction have very creative designers creating unique prints.

Remember that today's market is flooded with "fake" sustainable companies using greenwashing techniques, so make sure to buy your iPhone case from a legit producer.

Apple Iphone 13 Pro on a Wooden Base

Agood company compostable phone cases

Our sustainable and stylish phone cases are made from a blend of hemp, flax, cellulose and PLA, combined with biodegradable PBAT right here in Sweden. By choosing our sustainable materials, you can help reduce the number of plastic phone cases that end up in landfills each year.

Our circular economy phone cases are 100% biodegradable, which means they won't take the 500 years that plastic phone cases take to decompose and won't release hazardous chemicals into the environment. And, when you're done with your phone case, simply send it back to us as part of our agood loop™ system, and we'll turn it into a new one.

You can rest easy knowing you're doing your part for the planet while keeping your phone protected. And if you want to make sure that your phone is properly covered from all sides, go ahead and check out our phone case & screen protector bundles and wrap your phone in fully sustainable armor.

Conclusion

So, take your time to explore all available options and designs before making the final decision. One of the best ways to check the company's credibility is by checking out customer reviews. When you finally decide where to buy your new iPhone case, check out our guide on whether that iPhone case fits all of your iPhone models.