Apple's new iPhone 17e has a few new tricks up its sleeve, but the exterior design remains familiar enough to raise a practical question about case compatibility.
When a new iPhone releases, the most common question we get asked has nothing to do with the tech specs. It's "will my old case fit."
On Monday, Apple announced the iPhone 17e, the next generation of Apple Intelligence ready, budget friendlier phones. But we (and some of you) are curious: does the bump in specs also necessitate a whole new phone case?
It does appear that the models are nearly identical. They both feature the same single rear camera placement, the same volume, power, and action button placements.
The notch is still present and the same size on both. Both the iPhone 16e and its successor are 146.7 millimeters tall, 71.5 millimeters wide, and 7.8 millimeters thick.
The lone physical difference is that the iPhone 17e weighs two grams more than the iPhone 16e. Considering that's the weight of two standard-sized paperclips, it's safe to say they're effectively the same model with some very minor internal differences — and that difference could be MagSafe.
Taking all that information, it's safe to assume that yes, you could use an iPhone 16e case on an iPhone 17e. The one reason you may want to upgrade, though, is that the iPhone 17e features MagSafe, so you might want to get a compatible case.
There if you want it
Of course, Apple has released a few new iPhone 17e cases in case you want to pick one up. The silicone iPhone 17e cases feature MagSafe and are available in Soft Pink, Bright Guava, Vanilla, Light Moss, Anchor Blue, and Black — and cost $49 each.
A few of the new iPhone 17e silicone cases
If you don't like any of the iPhone 17e colors, and that MagSafe does not matter to you at all, Apple still has the iPhone 16e cases for sale, too. They're available in Neon Yellow, Fuchsia, White, Black, Winter Blue, and Lake Green, for $39 each.
