What Fits What? The CityMac Guide to iPhone & iPad Cases

What Fits? The CityMac Guide to iPhone and iPad Cases

Whenever new devices like the iPhone 6s come out, it’s good to know which old accessories will fit newer devices. Will iPad Mini 2 cases work with iPad Mini 4? Does the iPhone 5c fit in an iPhone 5 case? The answers lie ahead:

iPhone 6s & 6s Plus vs. iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

Close Match

iPhone 6s case fitting

The iPhone 6s is just a hair (.2mm) taller, wider and thicker than iPhone 6. However, several case manufacturers including Spigen and Apple themselves have announced that their entire line of iPhone 6 cases will fit the new iPhone 6 without a problem. More tight-fitting cases such as the popular LifeProof and Otterbox cases will be updated to reflect the new sizes of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Most all screen protectors for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus will fit the 6s and 6s Plus.

iPhone 5s vs. iPhone 5

Perfect Match

iPhone 5s and 5 case fitting guide

If you’re still rockin’ an iPhone 5 or 5s, you can rest assured that both are identical in size - meaning cases will fit either one. If you see cases advertised for iPhone 5s, they will also fit the 5s. One thing to note is that some cases originally designed for iPhone 5 which closely enclose the iPhone may cover the Home button. If this is the case (no pun intended), your iPhone 5s will still fit, but you may lose your TouchID functionality.

iPhone 5c

No Match

iPhone 5c case fitting guide

The iPhone 5c has a much different design than the 5 and 5s, so it requires a different case design. However, the screen is the same size, so screen protectors for the 5s and 5 will fit the 5c.

iPad Air 2 vs. iPad Air

Close Match

iPad Air 2 and Air case fitting guide

iPad Air 2 and iPad Air are very similar in design. However, the iPad Air 2 is about 1.4mm thinner and the iSight back camera has been moved ever so slightly to the left. This means certain precisely-designed iPad Air cases will obstruct the camera on the iPad Air 2 and vice versa. Also, Apple removed the Mute Lock toggle button from the iPad Air 2. This may cause alignment issues in the volume button area between iPad Air and Air 2 cases. Be sure to try the case on before buying if it’s been designed for the other model. Screen protectors for the iPad Air will work with iPad Air 2 and vice versa.

iPad Mini 4

No Match

iPad Mini 4 case fitting guide

The new iPad Mini 4 has gotten a complete redesign and is much thinner and lighter than its predecessors. Cases for the iPad Mini 1, 2 and 3 will not fit the iPad Mini 4 very well, but screen protectors will.

iPad Mini 1, 2 and 3

Perfect Match

iPad Mini 1, 2 and 3 case fitting guide

The iPad Mini, iPad Mini w/ Retina Display (2) and iPad Mini 3 are all essentially equivalent in size - so cases will fit each of them without a problem.

iPad 2, 3 and 4

Perfect Match

iPad 4 case fitting guide

The body style of the iPad 2, 3 and 4 are identical, so cases will fit perfectly between them. The only thing to note is that the iPad 4 uses the Lightning charger compared to the larger, 30-pin charger of iPads 2 and 3. iPad 4 cases designed with the smaller charge port size in mind may cause misalignment if you are using them with iPad 2 or 3.

iPad 1

No Match

iPad 1 case fitting guide

If you're still using an iPad 1, you need to get cases and accessories specifically made for iPad 1 as it has a unique body design. You should also consider upgrading your iPad! The 1st generation iPad can no longer run the latest software and the performance of new iPads such as iPad Mini 4 and iPad Air 2 blow the 1st gen iPad out of the water. Stop on by one of our locations and we can help you get set up with the iPad that's right for you.


Be sure to stop by any CityMac location to check out our wide selection of screen protectors and cases! We carry a wide range of brands including OtterBox, LifeProof, Incipio, Spigen, Moshi, Mophie, Urban Armour, Brenthaven and many more.