Have you ever struggled to find the perfect iPhone case only to find out it doesn't fit? Or have you tried to use your old phone case, but it’s not compatible with your new phone? With dozens of phones available and more being released every year, it’s never been more confusing to shop for iPhone cases and accessories.
We’re going to break down exactly which iPhone cases are compatible with each other, how to determine which case size is right for you, and why it’s important to choose the right case that blends style, protection, and compatibility. Let's dive in!
Can you use the same iPhone case for multiple iPhones?
Given the difference in size of each model iPhone, even within the same generation, most iPhone cases are only compatible with one generational model. Things to consider include edge shape, screen size, thickness, camera lenses, and button locations.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, an iPhone 11 case will fit an iPhone XR. Ironically, an XR case will not fit an iPhone 11 because of the camera lens arrangement.
With so many things to consider before buying a new iPhone case, it’s essential to get sizing & compatibility right. A loose-fitting case leaves your phone susceptible to cracks & scratches, damage that can easily be avoided with a snug case. The wrong size can block your camera, make buttons hard to use, and prevent compatibility with other accessories like wireless chargers, wallets, and mounts.
iPhone Case Size Compatibility Guide for Different Models
Since the launch of the iPhone 1 in 2007, Apple has produced a total of 38 unique iPhone models. Each has different features, operating systems, memory storage, cameras, and sizes. Here's the latest comparison between the iPhone 14 & 15 models.
But if you're shopping for a new case, your first concerns are size and case compatibility, so let's break that down.
Which iPhones are the same size?
Several iPhones have the same length, width, and screen size dimensions. We have already mentioned that iPhone 11 cases are compatible with iPhone XR cases, but not the other way around. There are different models with a similar size relationship; here are a few:
- 11 Pro cases fit XS & X models
- 11 Pro Max cases fit XS Max models
- 13 Pro Max cases fit 12 Pro Max
It’s worth noting that these cases are not compatible the other way around (e.g., iPhone 12 Pro Max cases won’t fit 13 Pro Max cases because of the camera lens size). Since they aren’t exactly the same size, camera & button functionality will vary between models.
However, certain iPhones match up well in size & functionality. One of the following cases can be used on any of the others listed in the same row:
- iPhone 6, 6S, 7, 8, and SE
- iPhone 6 Plus, 6S Plus, 7 Plus, and 8 Plus
- iPhone 12 & 12 Pro
- iPhone 13 & 14
Since the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus release in 2014, Apple has continued to debut multiple models of the same generation iPhone, each with different camera specs, construction materials, weights, and processing speeds, among other key differences. But upon first glance, the most noticeable difference is the size.
Even within the same generation, iPhones vary in size. Let’s take a look at the dimensions of each version of the iPhone 15, the most recently released model:
iPhone 15 Dimensions
|
Model |
Length (in.) |
Width (in.) |
Thickness (in.) |
Screen Size (in.) |
|
15 |
5.81” |
2.82” |
0.31” |
6.1” |
|
15 Plus |
6.33” |
3.06” |
0.31” |
6.7” |
|
15 Pro |
5.77” |
2.78” |
0.33” |
6.1” |
|
15 Pro Max |
6.29” |
3.02” |
0.33” |
6.7” |
Check out the Carved guide: iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro
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iPhone 14 Dimensions
|
Model |
Length (in.) |
Width (in.) |
Thickness (in.) |
Screen Size (in.) |
|
14 |
5.78” |
2.82” |
0.31” |
6.1” |
|
14 Plus |
6.33” |
3.07” |
0.31” |
6.7” |
|
14 Pro |
5.81” |
2.81” |
0.31” |
6.1” |
|
14 Pro Max |
6.33” |
3.05” |
0.31” |
6.7” |
So, if you upgrade from an iPhone 14 to a Plus or Pro Max, you’ll need to purchase a new case.
Shop Wooden Cases for the Newest iPhone
What size is my iPhone?
If you ask yourself, "Do I need to get a new case when I get my new iPhone?" that will depend on a few factors. But its size is the most critical aspect, even more important than your case's current condition, style, and protection ability. Because if it doesn't fit, style & protection won't matter.
Below, you'll find the dimensions of every iPhone model currently supported by Apple. Note: These dimensions do not include the added case size.
Size Chart for Newer iPhones (iPhone 12 - 14)
|
Model |
Length (in.) |
Width (in.) |
Thickness (in.) |
Screen Size (in.) |
|
14 |
5.78” |
2.82” |
0.31” |
6.1” |
|
14 Plus |
6.33” |
3.07” |
0.31” |
6.7” |
|
14 Pro |
5.81” |
2.81” |
0.31” |
6.1” |
|
14 Pro Max |
6.33” |
3.05” |
0.31” |
6.7” |
|
13 Mini |
5.18” |
2.53” |
0.30” |
5.42” |
|
13 Pro |
5.78” |
2.82” |
0.30” |
6.06” |
|
13 Pro Max |
6.33” |
3.07” |
0.30” |
6.68” |
|
12 |
5.78” |
2.82” |
0.29” |
6.06” |
|
12 Mini |
5.18” |
2.53” |
0.29” |
5.42” |
|
12 Pro |
5.78” |
2.82” |
0.29” |
6.06” |
|
12 Pro Max |
6.33” |
3.07” |
0.29” |
6.68” |
Size Chart
for Older iPhones (iPhone 6 - 11)
|
Model |
Length (in.) |
Width (in.) |
Thickness (in.) |
Screen Size (in.) |
|
11 |
5.94” |
2.98” |
0.33” |
6.06” |
|
11 Pro |
5.67” |
2.81” |
0.32” |
5.85” |
|
11 Pro Max |
6.22” |
3.06” |
0.32” |
6.46” |
|
X |
5.65” |
2.79” |
0.30” |
5.85” |
|
XS |
5.65” |
2.79” |
0.30” |
5.85” |
|
XS Max |
6.20” |
3.05” |
0.30” |
6.46” |
|
XR |
5.94” |
2.98” |
0.33” |
6.06” |
|
8 |
6.20” |
3.05” |
0.29” |
4.7” |
|
8 Plus |
6.24” |
3.07” |
0.30” |
5.5” |
How do I know which size iPhone I have?
You could measure your device with a ruler, a tape measure, or even hold it up next to your friend’s phone to guess the size; but there’s an easier way.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Click General, then About
- View Model Name
It should look like this.
How to Choose the Right iPhone Case
You already bought a new phone; that’s the hard part. Shopping for a case should be easier – here’s how to go about it.
Make sure it fits your phone
Carved iPhone cases are precision-milled and hand-finished for a perfect fit every time! As you probably know, size is the first & most crucial step in choosing a phone case for your iPhone. You have to ensure that the case snugly fits your phone and enables you to still get the most out of the phone. Ensure that the camera lenses are not covered, you can use all the buttons, and every port is accessible.
Pick a protective, durable case
Most of us wouldn't use a case for protection if iPhones were durable enough to handle consistent scratches, cracks, drops, and water damage. There is something attractive about a naked iPhone. But just because it looks and feels so smooth without a case doesn't mean that's ideal – a phone case is meant to protect it from everyday wear and tear and prevent you from constantly replacing your phone.
Choose a protective case made from high-quality, durable materials like wood, polycarbonate, or silicone that can handle frequent drops. Many protective cases are also designed with deep ridges on the sides for added grip to prevent drops and raised edges on the front to protect the screen when falling face down.
Which type of case do you want? Check out our side-by-side comparison of hard and soft phone cases.
Match your unique style
Your phone is almost always on your person – it’s a reflection of you and your style, just like your favorite shirt or pair of pants. You don’t just want a case that fits and protects your iPhone; that’s the minimum. It should also be unique, just like you. At Carved, we design unique iPhone cases that are 1 of One and made from wood burl & colorful resin. That means that nobody can steal your style – it’s one of a kind.
Check for compatibility
Even with the right fit, ample protection, and matching aesthetic, your iPhone case may still not be perfect. Remember, your case will add extra size around your iPhone's edges, meaning you may have to upgrade your car or tripod mount to fit your new case. Similarly, many cases have uneven surfaces, making them unsuitable for accessories like iPhone wallets, pop sockets, and mounts. If you plan to charge your iPhone using a wireless charger, you'll also need to ensure that your new case is MagSafe-compatible. Lastly, check out online reviews before you buy to ensure your new case won't cause your phone to overheat.
If your case isn’t compatible with your new iPhone, you’ll have wasted time, money, and frustration. When shopping for a new case or figuring out if you can use your old one, consider the most important aspects like size & functionality. Even a few millimeters can be the difference between your phone falling out of its case or remaining safely protected. And for functionality, make sure you have full access to every button, port, and camera feature without having to remove or alter the case.
Are you ready to confidently shop for your next phone case and choose one that’s as unique as you? Check out our iPhone phone cases here!