There are many different models and generations of iPhones, and with each new release Apple makes slight changes to the dimensions and design. This means that iPhone cases are often model-specific and do not universally fit every iPhone. However, there are some iPhone case styles and brands that are designed to be more flexible and accommodate multiple iPhone models. So whether you need an iPhone 6 case that fits an iPhone 7, or a case for an iPhone X that also fits the newest iPhone 11, options exist. But in general, most iPhone cases are tailored to specific models.
Key Points
- There have been over 20 different iPhone models released since 2007.
- Each new iPhone model often has slightly different dimensions.
- Most iPhone cases are designed for specific iPhone models.
- However, some case brands offer cases designed to fit multiple models.
- Factors like the camera position and size, button placement, and overall shape are considered.
- More flexible rubber/silicone cases can fit a wider range of iPhones.
- It’s important to check case compatibility before purchasing.
The Evolution of iPhone Designs
Since the first iPhone launched in 2007, Apple has released over 20 different iPhone models. Each new model brings improvements and changes to the iPhone design and dimensions. As a result, most iPhone cases are specially designed for one specific iPhone model or just a couple models. Here is a brief overview of how the iPhone has evolved over time:
iPhone 1/1S/3G – 2007 to 2008
The original iPhone had a 3.5 inch display and dimensions of 4.5 x 2.4 inches. The iPhone 3G kept the same basic design. Cases for these early iPhones are very rare today.
iPhone 3GS – 2008 to 2010
The iPhone 3GS looked similar but had slightly rounded corners and sides. It was a little larger at 4.5 x 2.5 inches.
iPhone 4/4S – 2010 to 2013
Apple dramatically changed the iPhone design with the iPhone 4 and 4S, introducing the signature rectangular shape with flat sides. The dimensions grew to 4.5 x 2.31 inches.
iPhone 5/5S/5C – 2012 to 2013
These models got even taller and maintained the general iPhone 4/4S design. The screen size increased to 4 inches diagonally.
iPhone 6/6S – 2014 to 2015
The iPhone 6 and 6S models saw larger screens around 4.7 inches butslimmer, rounded bodies compared to previous models. This required a design overhaul for iPhone cases.
iPhone 6/6S Plus – 2014 to 2015
A larger 5.5 inch screen version of the iPhone 6models also launched. Cases had to accommodate the bigger sizing.
iPhone SE – 2016 to Present
The iPhone SE brought back the classic iPhone 5 sized and shaped designwith a 4 inch screen. Cases from the iPhone 5 era fit the SE.
iPhone 7/8 – 2016 to 2017
Very similar dimensions to the iPhone 6/6Sallowed many cases to carry over. The protruding camera lens was a new element.
iPhone 7/8 Plus – 2016 to 2017
With only minor changes from the 6/6S Plus, most cases still worked fine. Again, the camera was more prominent.
iPhone X – 2017 to 2018
The iPhone X introduced an all-new design with an edge-to-edge 5.8 inch display and no home button. Dimensions came in at 5.7 x 2.8 inches.
iPhone XS/XS Max – 2018 to 2019
Very similar to the iPhone X design and size, the XS and XS Max were compatible with X cases. The XS Max was larger at 6.2 inches.
iPhone XR – 2018 to 2019
With a 6.1 inch display but thicker body, the XR did not share case compatibility with the iPhone X. Dimensions were 5.9 x 3 inches.
iPhone 11 – 2019 to Present
With the same screen size as the XR at 6.1 inches, the iPhone 11 maintained similar dimensionsat 5.94 x 2.98 inches.
iPhone 11 Pro – 2019 to Present
The 5.8 inch iPhone 11 Pro looks very much like the iPhone XSbut is just slightly thicker at 5.67 x 2.81 inches.
iPhone 11 Pro Max – 2019 to Present
Again quite similar to the XS Max in design with a 6.5 inch screen and dimensions of 6.22 x 3.06 inches.
iPhone SE (2nd Generation) – 2020 to Present
The new iPhone SE has a classic 4.7 inch iPhone 8-like design in a compact body. It shares cases with the iPhone 8.
iPhone 12 Models – 2020 to Present
The iPhone 12 series introduced flat sides again and 5G connectivity. Sizes range from 5.78 to 6.33 inches but maintain the recent design language.
As this brief history demonstrates, Apple’s engineers have innovated with new iPhone designs over the years, leading case makers to continually adapt their products too. Let’s look more closely at what makes a case designed for one iPhone model incompatible with other models.
Factors That Affect iPhone Case Compatibility
Why can’t you safely use an iPhone 11 Pro case on the new iPhone 12? Or an iPhone 7 case on an iPhone 8? Here are the key factors that case manufacturers have to consider with each new iPhone release:
Dimensions and Shape
Even small differences of a few millimeters in height, width, and depth can prevent a case from fitting or functioning well. The overall contours of the iPhone’s shape are also important – is the body rectangular, curved, or a mix? Cases need to hug the iPhone closely, so any design change impacts fit.
Button, Port, and Camera Placement
iPhone cases have precise cutouts and openings for features like the volume and power buttons, charging port, speakers, microphones, and rear camera. Apple often repositions buttons and components with each redesign. So case makers have to modify their designs too. For example, when Apple moved the volume buttons slightly lower on the iPhone 7 compared to the iPhone 6.
Screen Size
As iPhone screens have gotten bigger over the years, cases have had to proportionately grow too, Especially with the transition to the iPhone X family designs. Screen size also affects the overall device dimensions.
Curved vs. Flat Sides
Some iPhone models like the iPhone 3GS had more curved sides, while others like the iPhone 5 featured flat sides. Cases have to match the exact shape of the sides to fit securely. The iPhone 12’s flat sides meant cases couldn’t just carry over from the iPhone 11.
Ring Holders and Finger Grips
Many case designs incorporate convenient features like ring holders on the back and finger grips for safely handling your iPhone. These have to be reconfigured to match the dimensions and camera position of each new model.
Material Construction
From flexible TPU cases to hard polycarbonate and more protective multi-layer options, case materials influence the fit too. Rigid cases leave less margin for error so they are less likely to accommodate different iPhone models. More elastic materials can stretch and flex better if the sizing isn’t an exact match.
As you can see, iPhone case manufacturers don’t take compatibility across models lightly. Getting the perfect fit while maintaining full functionality requires meticulous design work for each new iPhone release. Next let’s look at some options for cases that can work with multiple iPhone models.
iPhone Case Options for Multiple Models
While most iPhone cases are designed for just one iPhone generation, some case brands engineer their products to accommodate 2, 3, or even 4 iPhone models. This requires extra design considerations to create flexibility in the fit. Here are some top options for iPhone cases designed to support multiple models:
Ringke Fusion Series
Ringke makes the innovative Fusion case series which features a flexible TPU bumper and polycarbonate back plate. This allows flex to accommodate models of similar sizes. For example, the iPhone X and XS share a design with cases like the Ringke Fusion-X Designed for Apple iPhone X (2017) and iPhone XS (2018) Case.
Spigen Liquid Air Series
Spigen is another leading case brand and their Liquid Air designs marry flexibility and protection. The Liquid Air cases feature shock-absorbing TPU and precise molding to fit 2-3 generations of iPhones.
ESR Air Armor Series
With durable TPU material and the right flex, ESR claims their Air Armor series can cover 2-3 years of iPhones in one case. For example, the ESR Air Armor Designed for iPhone 11 Pro Case also says it’s compatible with the newer iPhone 12 Pro.
OtterBox Symmetry Series
The popular Symmetry Series from OtterBox uses a mix of soft and firm materials to create case designs that span across iPhone models with the same class of dimensions.
LifeProof FRĒ Series
While very protective, LifeProof FRĒ cases are engineered with enough flexibility to accommodate two generations of iPhones in some situations, like the FRĒ designed for iPhone X also fitting the iPhone XS.
Gear4 Crystal Palace
Using crystal clear, flexible TPU, the Gear4 Crystal Palace cases can adapt across 2-3 iPhone generations while showcasing the iPhone’s beauty.
Incipio Grip Series
The tactile Incipio Grip case includes flexible side grips that adapt across iPhone models and generations if they share a close enough design.
Vesel Wood Series
These natural wood cases from Vesel take advantage of wood’s inherent flexibility to maintain a consistent fit across 2-3 iPhone generations in some situations. The thin TPU lining helps enhance the adaptability.
Speck Presidio Series
While very protective, the Presidio case line from Speck utilizes designs like a raised bezel rim that flex just enough to accommodate multiple models in some cases.
UAG Plasma Series
Urban Armor Gear is known for maximum protection, but cases like the flexible Plasma Series adapt across 2-3 generations of iPhones in some situations.
So if you want a case that has some wiggle room and potential for use with a future iPhone upgrade, be sure to look at dual and triple compatibility claims from these brands. Of course, read the sizing details closely when shopping around.
Tips for Ensuring Proper Fit When Buying an iPhone Case for Multiple Models
To help find a case designed to fit several iPhone models, keep these tips in mind while shopping:
- Carefully check size compatibility claims for your current and potential future iPhone models.
- Look for cases advertised as “Designed for iPhone X/XS” or similar language indicating dual compatibility.
- Favor flexible materials like TPU over harder plastics when possible.
- Understand that larger size differences won’t be covered, like an X and 11 Pro Max.
- Consult manufacturer sizing charts and measure your own iPhone.
- Read product reviews and look for feedback that it fits various models.
- Check return policies in case the fit doesn’t work with your iPhone.
- Avoid very thin cases with minimal material and flex room.
- Be wary of cheap no-name case brands claiming universal iPhone fit.
With some diligence during the selection process, you can find an iPhone case with enough flexibility to work with two or more iPhone models. This will help protect your investment and allow carrying over your case to a future iPhone upgrade.
Do Any iPhone Cases Fit All Models?
Are there any truly universal iPhone cases that fit every single model from the iPhone X to 8 to 11 Pro Max and more? Unfortunately, the answer is no. The variations in Apple’s iPhone designs over the years mean that no single case can reliably fit every model.
Here are some reasons why there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all iPhone case:
- Even small dimension differences of a few millimeters prevent a perfect fit for all models.
- Button and port placement changes over generations affect case functionality.
- Dramatically different screen sizes like 4 inches up to 6.7 inches demand tailored case sizes.
- Flat sides versus curved sides require different case construction.
- Camera module size and position continues evolving on new models.
- Materials stiff enough to retain shape won’t flex to fit various models.
- Thinner, stretchier materials compromise protection and durability.
- Precision molding or tooling is needed for accurate openings and features.
So while many case brands aspire to support 2-4 iPhone generations when possible, no existing case offers reliable compatibility across all 15+ iPhone models in Apple’s catalog. The good news is that with some research and flexible options like the brands covered above, you can likely find an iPhone case that fits at least two of your recent models. Just don’t expect true iPhone universality!
The Best Case Scenario
While no single iPhone case can fit every model ever made, some flexible case designs can accommodate 2-4 generations of iPhones. This allows you to cover the current iPhone you own as well as potential future upgrades. Brands like Spigen, Ringke, OtterBox, LifeProof and more engineer their cases to adapt across size changes when feasible. This saves you from buying an entirely new case with each iPhone upgrade.
Look for dual and triple compatibility claims during your case search. Carefully check the size details and measurements since even compact iPhones can vary by a few millimeters. Favor flexible materials like TPU over harder plastics. And pick cases with raised edges, grippy textures and protective layers that provide a secure fit across generations. With some diligence, you can find an iPhone case that fits your model along with a future iPhone purchase down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do iPhone 6 cases fit iPhone 7?
Most iPhone 6 and 6S cases will not properly fit the iPhone 7. This is due to subtle changes like the repositioned antenna bands, thicker camera bump, and slight size differences. However, some flexible cases can safely accommodate both the iPhone 6/6S/7 generations.
Will an iPhone 8 case fit an iPhone SE 2nd Gen?
Yes, the 2020 iPhone SE shares the same classic iPhone 5/5S/8 design. So the dimensions and features are basically identical. As a result, most cases designed for the iPhone 8 will also perfectly fit the newer iPhone SE.
Can I use an iPhone 11 Pro Max case on iPhone 12 Pro Max?
While extremely similar in size, small differences in dimensions, the flattened sides, and size of the rear camera module prevent most iPhone 11 Pro Max cases from being compatible with the iPhone 12 Pro Max. There are some exceptions with flexible cases.
What iPhone models can use the same case?
Some popular pairs of iPhone models that can often share case designs due to their similar dimensions and features include:
- iPhone 6S and iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 and iPhone 8
- iPhone X and iPhone XS
- iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 11 and iPhone XR
- iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 13 Mini
Will an OtterBox designed for iPhone 12 fit an iPhone 13?
Many OtterBox case series like the Symmetry, Defender, and Commuter lines are engineered to flex and accommodate both iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models with the same screen size. However, always check the official size compatibility before purchasing.
The Bottom Line
It’s unlikely any single iPhone case can fit every iPhone generation. But some flexible case designs can work across 2-4 models. This allows you to protect both your current iPhone and potentially a future upgrade without buying a brand new case. While no true one-size-fits-all iPhone case exists, a little shopping savvy helps you find an option with wider compatibility.