Compatibility of cases between iPhone of different generations

Aspects that determine whether or not they are compatible

That two mobile devices are of the same brand and even share specifications and year of release does not guarantee that the same cases can be used. What’s more, whenever something like the described happens, the iPhone offers a different size that already makes them incompatible.

And indeed, dimensions is the number one reason why two iPhones may not share cases. There are times when the changes are minor, adding 1 or 2 millimeters more thickness that does not prevent the covers from being interchangeable, although for this they must also coincide in other factors.

The form factor is another important point and it is that there can be totally flat iPhone on the back as is customary for years or with a slight curvature as were the first. Also on the sides we can find straight or curved edges and, as is evident, although the dimensions coincide, there will be no compatible covers because they will have a different shape for each device.

The issue of how and where the speakers, microphones and buttons are placed is also decisive. There are some generations of iPhone that are practically identical in dimensions and yet offer the buttons in another position and, even if it is slightly up or down, this means that in the end the same cases cannot be used.

Last but not least are the cameras . The fact that one iPhone has one lens and another has two or even three is already decisive so that the cases do not fit well together. Sometimes even sharing the same number of cameras there are differences in the arrangement of these or the encapsulation that surrounds them, so it is the other point to always keep in mind when going to see the compatibility.

Unique models that do not share covers

Today there are 11 iPhones that, due to their design and dimensions, are completely unique in terms of cover compatibility.

iPhone (original)

The historic first iPhone in history was a revolution at the time as it was a completely unique device in a market that was yet to be explored. And although the next generation improved it, this did not mean that it can continue to be a unique device and that no other case of later models will serve.

With a 3.5-inch screen, a height of 11 and a half centimeters, a width of 6.1 and a thickness of 1.16, this device looked gigantic in its day for the custom that had with mobile phones. Its construction combining aluminum and plastic materials was also unprecedented in shape, not having seen an iPhone that resembles it in that sense.

Iphone 5c

The quintessential colored iPhone was a real fiasco at the time. Launched at the same time as the iPhone 5s, in specifications it was even worse than the iPhone 5. And for many, its quality did not match its price, which despite being inferior, did not quite convince the public that Apple I expected, fundamentally youthful.

Aesthetically, it is not that it differed much from the iPhone 5, although its plastic materials, the position of the buttons and a slight curvature on its back made the cases exclusive. In fact, the official covers, by the way, were also controversial due to their daring design mixing colors and with some holes in the lower part that did not quite convince.

iPhone XS Max

Five years had to pass for Apple to re-launch a unique device as far as case compatibility is concerned. The iPhone XS Max served to create a new range within the iPhone with large mobiles, even more so than the ‘Plus’ models were.

And it is true that in appearance it is the same as the ‘X’ and the ‘XS’, but it is an enlarged version of these. It does share dimensions with the ’11 Pro Max ‘, but the latter’s camera module is larger and hence the cases do not work with each other.

iPhone XR

Released in the same year as the ‘XS Max’, this was the heir to the iPhone 5c when it comes to the “budget iPhone” essence. Although Apple corrected some of the errors of the ‘5c’ giving it a commendable performance identical to that of the top of the range of the time and even with a larger battery.

Its design was inherited in the end by the iPhone 11 that we will talk about later, although having a single camera allowed it to be unique in case compatibility. And although much has been rumored about a reissued version, the truth is that today it is still one of a kind.

iPhone 11

Again with the same essence as the iPhone XR, this phone is practically identical to the one in terms of dimensions. Although, yes, its button panel is slightly moved upwards and prevents the compatibility of covers.

Although in the end the fundamental reason that the covers do not work together is due to what was previously commented in relation to the camera module. This integrates a double lens in a square package that prevents a case of the ‘XR’ from being placed, since its cameras would be covered.

iPhone 11 Pro

Same dimensions as the iPhone X and iPhone XS in terms of screen, width and height, although being thicker. This 5.8-inch device could have overlooked the issue of thickness to fit cases from previous years, but the package of its triple camera prevents it.

This terminal launched in 2019 was the small version of the iPhone 11 Pro Max, a phone that was also unique as we will see below and with which it is evident that it cannot share cases and covers due to issues related to its size.

iPhone 11 Pro Max

With an aesthetic identical to the previous one, this model grows in size to 6.5 inches. It was the largest phone in history in its day together with the ‘XS Max’ and taking into account that aesthetically it is very similar to this one, we would expect that it would also be compatible with its cases, but nothing is further from the truth.

The fact of incorporating a triple camera in the rear with a bulky module prevents any type of compatibility with previous models and in the end it was seen that neither with the previous ones. The same thing happened to it as the small ’11 Pro ‘in this sense, being already one of the “unique iPhone” in this regard.

iPhone 12 mini

It was not the smallest iPhone in history, but in the recent history of the brand. With a front with full prominence of the 5.4-inch screen and straight edges in the purest iPhone 4 style, this was crowned as the only device in case compatibility. And no, although it looks similar, it is not compatible with those of the aforementioned iPhone 4.

It is true that this aesthetic has been later recovered by later generation phones, but its camera module smaller in size than the ’13 mini ‘means that the cases cannot be interchanged between them. Therefore, if you have this device you can only buy covers adapted for it.

iPhone 12 Pro Max

The largest phone ever launched by Apple, a record shared with the iPhone 13 Pro Max and credited with its more than 16 centimeters high or its width of 7.8 centimeters. Although it is unique in terms of compatibility of covers, despite sharing aesthetics and screen size (6.7 inches) with its successor.

Its camera module was also the largest at the time, since it was not even shared with the iPhone 12 Pro, although in the end it was even small compared to the ’13 Pro Max ‘. Having a completely different form factor also makes it impossible for the ‘XS Max’ or ’11 Pro Max ‘to transfer the cases to you.

iPhone 13 mini

If you see this device and the iPhone 12 mini on the front, it is probably hard for you to know that they are two different phones except for the reduced ‘notch’ that it has on its screen. And it is that in dimensions both terminals are practically identical.

However, on the rear we do find more noticeable changes such as a diagonal double camera module, a fact that does not condition the incompatibility of covers, since what generates this is that this module has also grown in size. Therefore, it is another device that does not support covers from other terminals.

iPhone 13 Pro Max

The list is closed by what so far is Apple’s most powerful iPhone. Something similar to the previous ones happens and is that aesthetically it is practically identical to the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It is a bit thicker, yes, although it is almost imperceptible and might not even be an impediment to the same covers.

But it must be said that no, it is not worth covers from previous generations because its camera module is considerably larger, in addition to the fact that the button panel is slightly displaced with respect to the others. Therefore it will be impossible to use an iPhone 12 Pro Max case or any other with it.

IPhones that have compatible cases

On this other side we find several devices that, unlike the previous ones, can be exchanged covers. In fact, although the label says that the case is compatible with a certain iPhone model, it will also be compatible with the others that we expose below.

iPhone 3G and 3GS

There are hardly any cosmetic changes between the second and third iPhone in Apple’s history. Launched in 2008, the ‘3G’ introduced significant changes at the level of performance with respect to the initial model, including aesthetic and dimensional changes. The ‘3GS’ for its part continued to improve in every way, while maintaining the same aesthetic proposal as the previous one.

In fact, the only apparent difference between one generation and another is that the iPhone 3GS was available in black or white, with the ‘3G’ relegated only to black. And although they are probably no longer anyone’s main phones, if you have one in a drawer or get one as a collection, you can protect them with covers of one or the other indifferently.

iPhone 4 and 4s

Two of the most iconic iPhones in Apple’s history. The first of them was the last one presented by Steve Jobs, since when the second was presented, the mythical co-founder was about to pass away. They were the first to introduce the straight edges on the sides and although functionally they have differences to highlight, it was not like that in design.

In fact, in this case, we found that not even the colors differed, since both could be bought in black or silver. The fact that they have exactly the same proportions allows that covers and covers of both can be used.

iPhone 5, 5s and SE (1st gen.)

That the iPhone 5 design has been reused in up to 2 subsequent versions clearly indicates that it was a highly appreciated design by the public. Beyond internal specifications, colors and even construction materials, these three devices share dimensions and therefore allow the same covers to be used in each of them.

Perhaps the most relevant thing is that the ‘5’ did not have Touch ID on the Home button as if they had the iPhone 5s and SE, but this in the end does not prevent anything from being able to use a cover on its back that is fully compatible. It must be said that they were also the last “small” high-end Apple iPhones, except for the ‘SE’ which became a reissue with the iPhone 6s already on the market.

iPhone 6 and 6s

The difference of one year between one and the other does not imply profound changes in them. In fact, beyond the change of processor and some other functionality added in a camera or a tactical engine, these devices represent a very scarce generational leap in terms of news. And this, indeed, also applies to the aesthetic field.

Both terminals, with a 4.7-inch screen, offer an identical aesthetic both in materials and distribution of the antennas or buttons. They can only be differentiated in that the iPhone 6s has a letter ‘S’ on the back. Therefore, the covers of one serve the other perfectly.

iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus

As with the previous models, it also happened with their respective large versions. Except for their larger size due to having 5.5-inch screens, these terminals were aesthetically the same as their 4.7-inch versions. And no, the covers of these ‘Plus’ are not worth the others or vice versa, but they are between them.

Both the iPhone 6 Plus and the 6s Plus can be interchanged covers and covers of all kinds by having the same dimensions on all sides. So if you still have one of them, you can easily get a case even if it says that it is compatible with the other.

iPhone 7, 8 and SE (2nd gen.)

As with the iPhone 5, the design of the iPhone 7 was reissued two more times. It is true that with respect to dimensions there is not much difference with the iPhone 6 and 6s, but the fact of having larger cameras prevents the cases of those from being used in these.

Of course, you must bear in mind that the cases you use on the iPhone 8 and SE allow wireless charging, a functionality that these devices incorporate and that the ‘7’ does not have. So if you buy a cover of this for one of them, you could run into that problem even if it fits perfectly. Although you should also know that in the same way there may be cases made by and for the iPhone 8 and SE and that nevertheless do not allow this type of charge.

iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus

Although at this point the recommendation to review the issue of wireless charging also enters, otherwise both devices can share cases without any problem. These new ‘Plus’ versions are exactly the same in dimensions and general aesthetics, changing only the colors and materials used for the rear.

The iPhone 7 Plus is made of aluminum in its back casing, while the ‘8 Plus’ incorporates glass materials that precisely favor wireless charging. Thus, emphasizing again that point of compatibility with this type of load, covers of one or the other can be used in the same way.

iPhone X and XS

As happened in the transition from the iPhone 6s to the 6s, these two phones represent little variation in terms of features. And yes, in the aesthetic aspect it is reflected when we find phones that are almost identical. The only difference lies in the speakers and microphones on the bottom, in which the ‘XS’ has fewer exit holes.

Removing that aforementioned change, which in the end is indifferent, both devices are exactly identical, having only one model in gold for the ‘XS’ as a differential element. Therefore, as they are the same in dimensions, it is possible to use covers of one and the other without any problem.

iPhone 12 and 12 Pro

For the first time in 2020 we saw two iPhones of the same generation sharing cases, one in a ‘standard’ model like the iPhone 12 and the other in a more advanced version like the ’12 Pro ‘. Aesthetically they are very similar, although if you look at the back and see that the ’12’ has two cameras and the ’12 Pro ‘has three, you may think that they are not compatible.

Well, nothing is further from the truth because although they have different numbers of cameras, the size of the module itself is identical and this allows both devices to have the same covers. All this facilitated because in dimensions they are exactly the same.

iPhone 13 and 13 Pro

The last to reach the market have the same similarities as those previously described in relation to their tremendous resemblance to each other with the exception of the camera module. This module is larger than that of the ’12’ and ’12 Pro ‘, which is why their covers are not worth them or vice versa, but between them they can be used.

The iPhone 13 has a dual camera system positioned diagonally on the rear and the ’13 Pro ‘with a triple lens with LiDAR sensor included that occupy exactly the same. Therefore, if you have an iPhone 13 you can use a ’13 Pro ‘case without problem in the same way as vice versa.