Will Your Old iPhone Case Still Fit with the iPhone 16?

The time has come when upgrading to a new iPhone sparks a question: can I reuse my old case to save a few bucks? In recent years, the answer has been unlikely, but what about the iPhone 16 lineup? With Apple introducing two new buttons to all four iPhone 16 models – the Camera Control button and the Action Button – it’s time to put an end to speculation.

The Last Year’s Design Change

Last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max brought the Action Button to the party, rendering older cases obsolete. If you were upgrading from a non-Pro iPhone to the iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus, things weren’t as clear-cut. The contour edges and redesigned corners meant older cases could still fit, but the fit wasn’t perfect.

The Camera Control Button Changes Everything

This year’s iPhone 16 lineup sees all four models getting the Camera Control button, making older cases incompatible due to the lack of a cutout for this new feature. But that’s not all – the non-Pros have also received the Action Button, a design change that makes using older cases even more problematic.

The Bottom Line

So, will your old iPhone case still fit on the iPhone 16? Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding no. Regardless of the model you’re upgrading to, the new buttons make older cases unfit for use. If you’re looking for an alternative, we’ve put older cases to the test, so you can find a solution that works for you.

[Image: iPhone 16 case compatibility]
All iPhone 16 models have the new Camera Control button. Unfortunately, older cases don’t have a cutout for it.