iPhone 16 Banner

Will iPhone 15 Case Fit the New iPhone 16?

12 Jul 2024

As whispers and leaks about the iPhone 16 keep pouring in, many of us are wondering: will my iPhone 15 case fit the new iPhone 16? Sadly, the answer is no. Each new iPhone comes with slight changes that can throw off case compatibility. Let's explore these rumoured specs and see why your old case won't work with the new model.

Quick links

What we know about the new iPhone 16 (so far)?

So, what do we know about it? Well, not much for sure until the big reveal, but here's the buzz:

  • New iPhone 16 is slightly bigger and thicker: As we saw with the dimensions, expect the iPhone 16 to be a tiny bit bigger and thicker than its predecessor.
  • Button placement: Rumours hint at a small shift in button placement, which might mean your old cases could block those essential buttons. Think of it as Apple's way of keeping us on our toes (and opening our wallets).
  • Camera: There's talk about new camera enhancements, possibly changing the layout a bit. If you're a fan of taking photos, this could be exciting - just not for your old case.

Remember, these are just whispers from the tech grapevine. We'll know all the juicy details once Apple officially unveils the iPhone 16.

Detailed comparison of iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 models

Here's a closer look at the dimensions and why your old case will not fit the new iPhone 16 models:

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15

Model Height Width Depth
iPhone 15 147.6 mm 71.6 mm 7.8 mm
iPhone 16 147.64 mm 71.63 mm 7.83 mm

 

For the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 15, the dimensions are nearly identical. The iPhone 16 is just a bit taller (0.04 mm), slightly wider (0.03 mm), and slightly thicker (0.03 mm). But even though they look almost the same, don't be surprised if the camera and buttons decide to play a little hide and seek, meaning your old case won’t be compatible.

iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro

Model Height Width Depth
iPhone 15 Pro 146.6 mm 70.6 mm 8.25 mm
iPhone 16 Pro 149.61 mm 71.45 mm 8.25 mm

 

The iPhone 16 Pro is slightly bigger than the iPhone 15 Pro, with an increase of 3 mm in height and 0.85 mm in width. Despite these changes in height and width, the depth of both models remains consistent.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max

Model Height Width Depth
iPhone 15 Pro Max 159.9 mm 76.7 mm 8.25 mm
iPhone 16 Pro Max 163.02 mm 77.58 mm 8.25 mm

 

The iPhone 16 Pro Max introduces a slight increase in size over the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It is taller by 3.12 mm and wider by 0.88 mm. These size changes might make the phone feel a bit more substantial in your hand, potentially offering a better viewing experience on its larger screen.

iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 15 Plus

Model Height Width Depth
iPhone 15 Plus 160.9 mm 77.8 mm 7.8 mm
iPhone 16 Plus 160.89 mm 77.76 mm 7.83 mm

 

The iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus are nearly the same size, with the 16 Plus being just a hair thicker by 0.03 mm. While this tiny difference might be noticeable to some, the overall size is so similar that users upgrading from the iPhone 15 Plus will find the experience very familiar.

Why size isn't the only factor affecting case compatibility?

While the size difference between some of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models may be minimal, it's crucial to consider other factors that influence case compatibility:

Button placement

Even a slight shift in the button layout can render your old case useless. Buttons need to align perfectly to ensure functionality, and any misalignment can lead to difficulty in using the device efficiently.

iPhone Buttons

Camera placement

The camera module's design and position are critical. Enhanced camera features often mean changes in camera placement or size. An old case might obstruct the camera or fail to protect it adequately.

Ports and connectors

Changes in the location, size, or type of ports can impact whether an old case will fit a new phone model. For example, if the iPhone 16 has a new charging port location or an extra port, the cutouts in an iPhone 15 case might not match up, causing problems with access and functionality. Also, any changes to the speaker or microphone placements can affect sound quality if the case doesn't fit these changes properly.

Choosing an eco-friendly case for your new iPhone 16

Since you need to buy a new case, why not make it eco-friendly?

Most phone cases on the market are made from conventional plastics, which are derived from fossil fuels and take hundreds of years to decompose. Imagine your phone case outlasting you, your grandkids, and maybe even the pyramids! This contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution, which affects wildlife, oceans, and human health. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, causing harm to marine life and ecosystems. That bottle you threw away could be taking a scenic tour through the ocean for centuries.

A Woman Holding Vista Blue No Plastic Phone Case

Eco-friendly phone cases are made from sustainable materials that break down much faster than traditional plastics and have a lower environmental impact. Look for cases made from recycled or renewable resources which are designed to break down naturally over time or under the right conditions such as industrial composting.

What to do with your old iPhone 15 case?

Upgrading to the new iPhone 16 means you might be left wondering what to do with your old iPhone 15 case. Here are some eco-friendly and practical options.

Recycle it

Many local recycling programs accept phone cases, especially if they are made from recyclable materials. Check with your local recycling centre to see if they accept phone cases and follow their guidelines for recycling.

Donate it

If your old case is still in good condition, consider donating it. Schools, shelters, or local community centres might accept phone cases for those in need. Donating is a great way to give your case a second life and help someone else protect their phone.

Sell it

List your old case on online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, or local selling apps. Someone with an iPhone 15 might be looking for a case, and you can make a little extra cash while extending the life of your product.

Use agood loop™

If you purchased your iPhone 15 case from us, take advantage of our agood loop™ program. Simply send your old case back to us, and we'll ensure it's recycled properly or repurposed into new products. As a thank you for participating in our sustainability efforts, you will receive a discount on your next purchase.

agood loop system

Final thoughts

As the excitement builds for the iPhone 16 launch, remember that your choices matter. Now is the perfect time to consider making a sustainable purchase. An eco-friendly phone case ensures your new device is well-protected and aligns with your environmental values. Stay tuned for the full specs and get ready for your new iPhone 16 with a clear conscience, knowing you've made a choice that benefits both you and the planet.

Back to blog

You may also like

1 of 10
1 of 10