Are iPhone 12 Pro Max and 13 the same size case?

Apple has released new leather and silicone cases for iPhone 13 and 13 Pro. But could you use a case for the iPhone 12 or 12 Pro instead?

One of the benefits of Apple’s previous strategy of offering S-generations of iPhones was the fact that the cases of the predecessor would also fit the new devices.

You might think that the same would be true of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro: on paper the dimensions have hardly changed:

  • iPhone 12: 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.4mm
  • iPhone 13: 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.65mm
  • iPhone 12 Pro: 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.4mm
  • iPhone 13 Pro: 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.65mm

However, you will notice that the new iPhones are fractionally thicker. The difference might be indeterminable when holding the iPhones, but that difference of 0.15mm is likely to mean that iPhone 12 series cases will not fit the new iPhones.

You might try squashing the new iPhone into an old case thinking that it’s a close enough fit, but remember the reason you bought the case: to protect your iPhone. If the edge of the case doesn’t overlap the edge of your screen your iPhone won’t be protected.

That’s not the only difference. If you compare the back of the two devices you will see differences in the layout of the cameras.

In the case of the iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro the camera module is larger on the newer iPhone. Apple does not list any dimensions on its comparison page, but this can be seen by the position of the Apple logo. The logo is perfectly centered on the back of both models, but in the case of the camera module of the iPhone 13 Pro the logo is much closer to the camera section.

Want to buy one of Apple’s new cases? Here’s a selection:

  • iPhone 13 Silicone Case with MagSafe, £49/$49
  • iPhone 13 Clear Case with MagSafe, £49/$49
  • iPhone 13 Leather Case with MagSafe, £59/$59
  • iPhone 13 Pro Silicone Case with MagSafe, £49/$49
  • iPhone 13 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe, £49/$49
  • iPhone 13 Pro Leather Case with MagSafe, £59/$59

Read our round up of the best cases for iPhone 13.

So, the iPhone 12 cases won’t fit the iPhone 13, but the iPhone 13 cases will fit the iPhone 13 Pro right? Wrong!

To complete the confusion: an iPhone 13 case will not fit an iPhone 13 Pro due to the larger camera module discussed above.

So, while in 2020 an iPhone 12 case fit on an iPhone 12 Pro this is not the case in 2021.

We are pulling together an overview of the best iPhone 13 cases, so stay tuned! In the meantime, here’s: The best iPhone 12 and 12 Pro cases, but remember they are no good for the new iPhones!

This article originally appeared on Macwelt. Translation by Karen Haslam.

iPhones on a desk

(Image credit: Joe Keller / iMore)

Will iPhone 13 fit in your old case?

Best answer: No. The iPhone 13 is just slightly thicker than the iPhone 12, the button placement is different, and the camera module on the iPhone 13 is just slightly larger than the iPhone 12.

Just slightly off

The iPhone 13 is still a very solid phone, even though it's a year old and is now succeeded by the iPhone 14 series. It appears to be about the same size and shape as the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. So, will your new iPhone 13 fit in your old case if you're upgrading from the iPhone 12?

Unfortunately, no. Though the handset's overall dimensions are similar, they are not the same. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 have the same height and width: 5.18-by-2.53 inches or 131.5-by-64.2 millimeters. However, the depth of the phone is different. The iPhone 12's depth is 0.29 inches or 7.4 millimeters, while the iPhone 13 is 0.3 inches or 7.65 millimeters. In addition to being slightly thicker, the volume buttons on the iPhone 13 have been moved slightly. Plus, the camera module is just about a millimeter or two wider. This means that the camera cutout in an iPhone 12/iPhone 12 Pro case will not fit around the iPhone 13 camera module.

The iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 13 appear to be the same size at first glance, so without trying on a case, it does look like the iPhone 13 would fit into an iPhone 12 case. You might be able to force it on but it won't fit well enough to be functional protection for your iPhone 13. 

What about other cases besides the iPhone 12?

If the case you have is older than the iPhone 12, you can forget it. The iPhone 13 isn't even close to the same size and shape as the iPhone 11 or earlier models. Likewise, the newer iPhone 14 cases won't fit the iPhone 13 either.

The one exception is if you have a pouch-style iPhone case or sleeve. Since that case doesn't have an opening for the camera, the ones made for iPhone 12 (and possibly earlier models) and iPhone 13 will be totally interchangeable.

Of course, we have you covered if you're in the market for a new iPhone case. We've rounded up the best iPhone 13 cases for you, including a wide range of price points and styles.

Are the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro cases interchangeable at least?

No. Unlike the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, which share the same physical dimensions, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro do not. While the dimensions of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro handsets are the same, it comes down to the camera module. The iPhone 13 Pro has a substantially larger camera module than the iPhone 13 does. The iPhone 13 Pro's camera module is also much larger than the iPhone 12 Pro, so it definitely won't fit in an older case.

How about the other models, will my old cases fit for the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max?

No. The story is the same for each model: thicker handset, bigger camera module, and different button placement.

It's a beaut

You'll need a new case, but it'll be worthwhile to protect your amazing new iPhone.

Karen is a contributor to iMore.com as a writer, social media manager, and co-host of the iMore Show. She’s been writing about Apple since 2010 with a year-long break to work at an Apple Store as a product specialist. Before joining iMore in 2018, Karen wrote for AppAdvice and WatchAware. She’s an early adopter who used to wait in long lines on release days before pre-ordering made things much easier. Karen is a wife and mom (and dog mom) who is also a part-time teacher and occasional movie extra. She loves to travel the world and is always looking for portable tech and accessories so she can work from anywhere.

Will an iPhone Pro 12 Max case fit a 13?

Often, users ask questions like, “Can iPhone 13 Pro use iPhone 12 Pro case?” The answer to that is “No.” The reason is that the two phone models do not share the same size and have some differences that prevent the same case to be helpful for both.

Does a 13 Pro Max case fit a 12 Pro Max?

Yes, an iPhone 13 Pro Max case fits quite nicely on the 12 Pro Max, and while the buttons don't line-up perfectly, they're not so far out that it's a problem, not like it is with an iPhone 13 case on an iPhone 12.