So, here, we’ll see if the iPhone 14 models can fit your existing iPhone 13 cases, explain why Apple keeps changing the dimensions of the iPhone, and comment on whether you even need a case in the first place. Let’s get started.
Can You Use iPhone 13 Cases on the iPhone 14?
We’ll compare the following iPhones to check their case compatibility: iPhone 13/14, iPhone 13 Pro/14 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max/14 Pro Max/14 Plus. There’s no iPhone 14 mini this year; Apple has instead replaced it with the much bigger iPhone 14 Plus.
iPhone 13 Dimensions: 146. 7 x 71. 5 x 7. 65 mm iPhone 14 Dimensions: 146. 7 x 71. 5 x 7. 8 mm
The difference between the iPhone 13 and 14 is so little that you may as well call them identical. However, the slightly bigger camera module on the iPhone 14 is what damages the case compatibility between the two devices. Your iPhone 13 case will fit the iPhone 14, but not perfectly. It will be functional but just won’t look good.
iPhone 13 Pro Dimensions: 146. 7 x 71. 5 x 7. 65 mm iPhone 14 Pro Dimensions: 147. 5 x 71. 5 x 7. 85 mm
For the iPhone 14 Pro, you’ll certainly need a new case. Not only does it have a bigger camera module, but the location of the power and volume buttons has changed too. Hence, your old iPhone 13 Pro case will not fit the iPhone 14 Pro.
iPhone 13 Pro Max Dimensions: 160. 8 x 78. 1 x 7. 65 mm iPhone 14 Pro Max Dimensions: 160. 7 x 77. 6 x 7. 85 mm iPhone 14 Plus Dimensions: 160. 8 x 78. 1 x 7. 8 mm
Your iPhone 13 Pro Max case won’t fit the iPhone 14 Pro Max or the iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a bigger camera module and changes the location of the buttons. The iPhone 14 Plus doesn’t change the location of the buttons, but its camera module is so much smaller that it’ll look too out of place in your iPhone 13 Pro Max case.
Do You Need a Case for the iPhone 14?
Just like its predecessor, the iPhone 14 series is already super tough and comes with Ceramic Shield coating on the front glass; Apple claims it has the world’s toughest glass on any smartphone ever. You can rest assured that your iPhone can easily survive a fall.
That said, whether your phone’s glass cracks depends more on the angle at which it falls than the surface, so we still recommend buying a case and screen protector.
If you upgrade your iPhone every year, this slight change in design is annoying since you also have to buy a new case every time, which increases your carbon footprint.
However, you could argue that people who keep their iPhones for several years tend to buy new cases after some time anyway, as old ones get discolored or damaged. But buying a new case to make your phone feel new again is still less harmful to the planet than buying a new phone.
Why New iPhones Don’t Fit Old iPhone Cases
Aside from needing more room on the device to fit physically larger cameras, Apple keeps changing the design of the iPhone ever-so-slightly every year for one simple reason: to force you to buy new MagSafe cases.
Most people prefer to put a case on their phone, and for Apple, that means each buyer that buys an iPhone will probably also buy a new case, preferably from the official website, generating Apple even more revenue.
Buy a New iPhone Case for the Perfect Fit
The only way to make sure your new iPhone fits perfectly inside a case is to buy one made specifically for that model. You can technically use your iPhone 13 case for the iPhone 14 without issues, but for the Pro/Plus models, you’re better off just buying a new case.
