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If you’re okay with a slightly loose fit, you might be in luck.
Tucker Bowe
By Eric Limer and Tucker Bowe
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Odds are, if you’re upgrading to a new iPhone, you’re going to have to upgrade to a new case as well. Every year, we harbor the hope that maybe, just maybe, old cases will fit new iPhones… and this year is no different.
Last year’s and this year’s iPhones look strikingly similar. There are differences, however. All four iPhone 15 models have new “contour” edges. Put simply, the corners and edges of the iPhone 15 (and Pro) are curvier than the iPhone 14 (and co.), and though the changes may be minor, they do affect how securely the cases snap on.
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The biggest design difference only relates to the Pros. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have a new Action button that replaces the old mute switch. This will cause most causes of their older counterparts to not be good fits for the new models.
Just to be sure, though, we’ve done the dirty work to test if (and how) the cases for last year’s iPhones fit on this year’s iPhones. Here’s what you need to know.
Photo by Tucker BoweWill an iPhone 14 case fit an iPhone 15?
Tucker BoweWhile the iPhone 14 and 15 share functionally identical width and depth (2.82 inches and .31 inches, respectively), there’s a bit more deviation in height. The iPhone 15 is .03 inches (1.1 mm) taller than the iPhone 14. That’s only about the width of a credit card, but it’s enough to create a little extra play in the fit on top of the aforementioned issues with the new contoured body.
Above, you can see us trying to fit the iPhone 14’s silicone case on the iPhone 15 — and it fits surprisingly snugly, but it doesn’t have the same “snap” as you’d get if you have a proper case for the iPhone 15. Still, it’ll work in a pinch.
Will an iPhone 14 Plus case fit an iPhone 15 Plus?
Photo by Tucker BoweThis is your best bet for success. The dimensional differences between the 14 Plus and 15 Plus are exceedingly minor: half a millimeter at worst. There is still the issue with contoured edges, but it’s certainly worth trying.
Above, you can see us trying to place Apple’s Silicone case for the iPhone 14 Plus on the iPhone 15 Plus, to pretty successful results. Dont’ buy an iPhone 15 Plus case for your iPhone 15 Plus, but you can make use of one you already have.
Will an iPhone 14 Pro case fit an iPhone 15 Pro?
Tucker Bowe
Tucker BoweThe iPhone 15 Pro is minutely different in terms of its dimensions from the iPhone 14 Pro, but the biggest reason why you should not opt for the old case is that it partially blocks the iPhone 15 Pro’s new Action Button, which replaces the iPhone’s historical silence switch.
Above, you can see us fitting Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Silicone Case on the iPhone 15 Pro. The fit is fairly looser than on other models, but you can probably make it work. The biggest sticking point is the cutout for the new Action button.
Will an iPhone 14 Pro Max case fit an iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Tucker Bowe
Tucker BoweJust like the smaller Pros, the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max are very similar in terms of dimensions, but the newer iPhone 15 Pro Max has smoother and more contoured edges — this causes old cases to not fit quite as snugly. However, the biggest difference is that the new models have a new Action button, which gets partially blocked if you try to use an old case.
Above you can see Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max Silicone Case on the iPhone 15 Pro. It’s roughly the same deal as cross-fitting a Pro 14 case on a Pro 15: a little loose, and awkward with the new button, but not impossible.
Fortunately, the iPhone 15 cases are already here in force. Worth particular note are the iPhone 15 cases from Moment, which are compatible with the company’s line of external lenses and the Peak Design’s “Everyday Case” which snaps into its line of accessories.
MomentMoment Moment Case for iPhone 15
Peak DesignEveryday Case for iPhone 15
OtterboxiPhone 15 Case Defender Series
$64.95(20% off)
AppleiPhone 15 FineWoven Case with MagSafe
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