iPhone Case Compatibility - A Guide to Finding the Right Fit

iPhone Case Compatibility - A Guide to Finding the Right Fit

05 Feb 2025
21 mins

 

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.

Quick Links

iPhone dimensions chart

Before choosing a case, it’s essential to know your iPhone’s exact dimensions. Below is a complete list of all iPhone models with their sizes in millimeters (mm) and inches (in) to help you determine which cases might fit across different models.

Model Height Width Depth
iPhone 16 147.6 mm (5.81 in) 71.6 mm (2.82 in) 7.8 mm (0.31 in)
iPhone 16 Plus 161.0 mm (6.34 in) 78.0 mm (3.07 in) 7.8 mm (0.31 in)
iPhone 16 Pro 149.6 mm (5.89 in) 71.5 mm (2.81 in) 8.25 mm (0.32 in)
iPhone 16 Pro Max 163.0 mm (6.42 in) 77.6 mm (3.06 in) 8.25 mm (0.32 in)

Why does size matter for iPhone cases?

  • Identical dimensions = case compatibility: If two models have the same height, width, and depth, their cases are interchangeable.
  • Slight depth differences = partial fit: Some models (like the iPhone 13 and 14) can share cases, but the fit may not be perfect.
  • Camera placement and buttons = key factor: even if dimensions match, different camera cutouts and button placement may prevent a perfect fit.

Can you use the same iPhone case for different models?

Some iPhone models are the same size, so you can swap cases between them without any issues. But small details, like camera placement, button positions, and slight thickness differences, can sometimes make a case that almost fits not quite right.

iPhone 6 case vs iPhone 6S case

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.

iPhone 7, 8 and SE (2nd & 3rd Gen) cases

If you have an iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd Gen), or iPhone SE (3rd Gen), you won’t have to worry about finding a new case. These models share the same dimensions, making their cases fully interchangeable. So if you're using an iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd Gen) and switch to an iPhone 7 or 8, you can keep using the same case without any issues.

iPhone 6 7 8 SE Black Case
iPhone 6 7 8 SE Green Paint Case
iPhone 6 7 8 SE Vanilla White Case

iPhone 6 Plus, 6S Plus, 7 Plus, and 8 Plus

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 X vs iPhone XS

For iPhone X or iPhone XS, cases are fully interchangeable. They share identical dimensions and button placements, so any case designed for the iPhone X will fit the iPhone XS perfectly and vice versa. Just keep in mind that some iPhone XS cases might have a slightly larger camera cutout, but this won't affect fit or functionality.

iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro

If you are using an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro, you can swap cases between the two models without any issues. These phones have identical dimensions - same height, width, depth and button placement. The only difference is that the iPhone 12 Pro has an extra camera lens, but since the camera bump is the same size, cases are fully interchangeable. Whether you have an iPhone 12 or an iPhone 12 Pro, you can confidently use the same case for both.

iPhone 12 12 Pro Poppy Design Case
iPhone X XS Case Red
Blissful Blizzard Case from agood iPhone 12 12 Pro

iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14 - one-way fit

If you have an iPhone 13, you might be able to use an iPhone 14 case, but it doesn’t work the other way around. While both models have almost identical dimensions, the iPhone 14 has a slightly larger camera bump, making it impossible to fit an iPhone 14 case onto an iPhone 13. However, if you are using a flexible or open-back case made for iPhone 13, it will likely fit the iPhone 14 just fine.

iPhone model Compatible with Notes
iPhone 6 iPhone 6S Cases are fully interchangeable due to identical dimensions.
iPhone 7 / 8 iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd Gen) Same body design; cases fit all three models perfectly.
iPhone 12 iPhone 12 Pro Same dimensions, but double-check camera cutouts.
iPhone 13 iPhone 14 (one-way fit) iPhone 13 cases fit iPhone 14, but not vice versa due to camera bump size.
iPhone 6 Plus iPhone 6S Plus Identical dimensions, so cases are fully interchangeable.
iPhone 7 Plus iPhone 8 Plus Cases fit both models perfectly.
iPhone 11 Pro iPhone XS Similar size, but camera cutout differences may cause issues.
iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone XS Max Mostly interchangeable, but camera bump may cause a loose fit.

 

When iPhone cases don't fit: restrictions & exceptions

While some iPhone models share the same dimensions, not all cases are interchangeable. Small differences in camera bump size, button placement, or depth can make a case almost fit, but not quite. To help you avoid buying a case that won't work with your phone, here are some key exceptions to be aware of.

iPhone XR and iPhone 11

The iPhone XR and iPhone 11 are very similar in size, and in many cases, their cases can be swapped. However, there’s one difference - the iPhone 11 has a dual-camera setup, while the iPhone XR has a single camera. This means that while an iPhone XR case may fit an iPhone 11 physically, it may not have the right camera cutout size. If the case has a larger camera opening or a more flexible design, it might work, but a snug-fitting case designed specifically for the iPhone 11 will not properly fit the iPhone XR due to its larger camera cutout.

iPhone 12 Mini vs IPhone 13 Mini

The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini might be close in size, but their cases aren’t interchangeable because of the camera bump. The iPhone 12 mini has a vertically stacked dual-camera setup, while the iPhone 13 mini’s cameras are arranged diagonally. That small shift means cases made for one won’t line up properly with the other. Even though the overall size and button placement are nearly the same, the camera cutout just won’t match. To avoid a misfit, it’s best to use a case designed specifically for your model.

iPhone 13 Mini Blueberry Blue
No Plastic Design agood company Case for iPhone 13 Mini
Dusty Pink iPhone 13 Mini Case agood

iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max

At first glance, the iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max look almost identical, but when it comes to cases, they’re not a perfect match. The biggest issue? The camera bump. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a larger triple-camera setup, while the iPhone XS Max sticks with a smaller dual-camera design. Because of this, an iPhone 11 Pro Max case will have a cutout that’s too big for the XS Max, leaving extra space around the camera. On the flip side, an iPhone XS Max case won’t fit an iPhone 11 Pro Max at all since the camera bump is too small for the cutout. Even though the phones are similar in size, these small but important details mean you’ll need a case designed specifically for your model.

Do you need a new case for iPhone 15 and iPhone 16?

If you're upgrading to an iPhone 15 or iPhone 16, you might be wondering if you can reuse your old case. Unfortunately, the answer is no - cases from previous iPhone models won't fit these new devices.

iPhone 15 cases compatibility

The iPhone 15 series has slight size changes, a USB-C port, and a different camera bump, meaning iPhone 14 cases won’t fit the new iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 Pro models also have a new Action Button, which changes button placement and requires a case designed specifically for it.

iPhone 15 Pro Max Color Splash
Watermelon iPhone 16 Case Design Mike Perry
Teal Blush iPhone 15 Pro Case from agood company

iPhone 16 cases

The iPhone 16 series follows a similar pattern - slight design tweaks, button and camera layout differences, and size variations mean that iPhone 15 cases won't fit either. While the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 are close in size, they still differ enough to require a new case. The iPhone 16 Pro models are larger than their predecessors, making previous cases incompatible.

So, if you're upgrading, getting a case made for your specific model is the best way to ensure a perfect fit and proper protection.

iPhone 15 & iPhone 16 case compatibility table

Now, here's a quick overview of iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 case compatibility:

iPhone model Compatible with older cases? Reason
iPhone 15 No Slight size increase and design changes, including the switch to USB-C and Dynamic Island.
iPhone 15 Plus No Same as iPhone 15 – small size changes affect fit.
iPhone 15 Pro No Slightly different dimensions than iPhone 14 Pro, new Action Button.
iPhone 15 Pro Max No Lighter and slightly different in size than iPhone 14 Pro Max, with a new Action Button.
iPhone 16 No Design changes, including vertical camera arrangement and new buttons, affect case fit.
iPhone 16 Plus No Similar to iPhone 16 – design tweaks affect case compatibility.
iPhone 16 Pro No Larger size and design changes, including new buttons, require new cases.
iPhone 16 Pro Max No Largest iPhone so far, with size changes that make older cases incompatible.

 

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

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.

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.

Phone Case Plant-Based

Our circular economy phone cases are 100% compostable under the right conditions, 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. This approach is part of our commitment to circularity, ensuring materials stay in use and waste is minimised. 

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.

Our iPhone case dimensions

Below is a complete list of our iPhone cases, starting from the latest models. If you need a case for an older iPhone, simply expand the table.

Model Width (mm) Height (mm) Depth (mm)
iPhone 16 Pro Max 82.46 mm 167.56 mm 8.42 mm
iPhone 16 Plus 82.65 mm 165.42 mm 8.37 mm
iPhone 16 Pro 76.32 mm 154.1 mm 8.4 mm
iPhone 16 82.37 mm 151.6 mm 12.34 mm

iPhone Case Compatibility Guide iPhone Case Compatibility Infographic iPhone Case Compatibility Guide, Sustainable Cases

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.

Additional iPhone cases compatibility info

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