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Are iPhone 18, 17 and 16 the Same Size? Case and Accessory Compatibility Guide
Are iPhone 18, 17 and 16 the Same Size? Case and Accessory Compatibility Guide
Are iPhone 18 and 16 the same size? No, and there is a naming wrinkle to clear up first: Apple sells no phone called simply “iPhone 18”. The 2026 generation is iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Using Apple’s published specifications, this guide lines up nine phones, picks out the pairs that genuinely share a shell, and explains what that means for keeping a case, a MagSafe accessory or a screen protector.
Key Takeaways
- There is no standard iPhone 18 on sale. The 2026 models are the 6.3-inch iPhone 18 Pro and the 6.9-inch iPhone 18 Pro Max.
- iPhone 18 Pro shares every outer measurement with iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max does the same with iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Both iPhone 16 Pro models are 0.4 mm shorter, 0.4 mm narrower and 0.5 mm thinner than their 17 and 18 equivalents.
- iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 Pro have the same height and width on paper, but their depth differs by 0.3 mm.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer
No iPhone 18 model is the same size as any iPhone 16 model. Compared with iPhone 16, the iPhone 18 Pro is 2.4 mm taller, 0.3 mm wider, 0.95 mm thicker and 41 g heavier. Even iPhone 16 Pro, with the same 6.3-inch screen, is 0.4 mm smaller in height and width and 0.5 mm thinner. The exact matches sit one generation apart: iPhone 17 Pro with iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max with iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Which “iPhone 18” Do You Mean?
On 17 September 2026, Apple’s iPhone line-up lists six models: iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17e and iPhone 16. The iPhone 18 name belongs only to the two Pro models, on sale from 18 September. Anyone asking whether an iPhone 18 matches an iPhone 16 is really holding an 18 Pro or 18 Pro Max against one of the iPhone 16 models, and that is the comparison made here.
Are iPhone 18 and 16 the Same Size? The Full Dimensions Table
| Model | Height × width × depth | Weight | Screen |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.80 mm | 170 g | 6.1″ |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 149.6 × 71.5 × 8.25 mm | 199 g | 6.3″ |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 163 × 77.6 × 8.25 mm | 227 g | 6.9″ |
| iPhone 17 | 149.6 × 71.5 × 7.95 mm | 177 g | 6.3″ |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 150.0 × 71.9 × 8.75 mm | 206 g | 6.3″ |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 163.4 × 78.0 × 8.75 mm | 233 g | 6.9″ |
| iPhone 18 Pro | 150.0 × 71.9 × 8.75 mm | 211 g | 6.3″ |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 163.4 × 78.0 × 8.75 mm | 249 g | 6.9″ |
| iPhone Air | 156.2 × 74.7 × 5.64 mm | 165 g | 6.5″ |
All nine rows use Apple’s technical specifications, linked under Sources. The foldable iPhone Duo is left out, as it cannot be compared like for like with these designs.
Pairs That Match on Paper
| Pair | Height and width | Depth and weight |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro | Identical | Identical depth; the 18 Pro is 5 g heavier |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 18 Pro Max | Identical | Identical depth; the 18 Pro Max is 16 g heavier |
| iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17 | Identical (149.6 by 71.5 mm) | The 16 Pro is 0.3 mm deeper and 22 g heavier |
| iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro | The 18 Pro is 0.4 mm larger in each | The 18 Pro is 0.5 mm deeper and 12 g heavier |
| iPhone 16 and iPhone 18 Pro | The 18 Pro is 2.4 mm taller and 0.3 mm wider | The 18 Pro is 0.95 mm deeper and 41 g heavier |
Only the first two rows agree on all three outer measurements. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17 pairing is a near miss: the footprint is shared, but the depth is not, and a dimensions table cannot tell you whether camera areas and buttons line up.
Where the iPhone 16 Family Differs
The bodies changed between the 16 and 17 generations. Apple made both Pro sizes 0.4 mm taller, 0.4 mm wider and 0.5 mm deeper. The standard model grew from 147.6 to 149.6 mm in height and from 7.80 to 7.95 mm in depth, lost 0.1 mm of width, and moved from a 6.1-inch to a 6.3-inch display. A year later, Apple kept the Pro shells exactly as they were.
A 16 Pro Max owner moving to the 18 Pro Max also picks up 22 g. For the larger model in detail, see our iPhone 18 Pro Max size and dimensions guide.
Reusing a Case Across Generations
Treat an iPhone 16 case as retired when you move to an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max: it was shaped for a smaller phone. A 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max case is a closer call, because its outer measurements match the newer phone exactly on paper. Apple makes no case compatibility statements, so ask the case maker whether the camera cut-out and button openings suit the 18 generation before you rely on it.
Half a millimetre can be enough to stop a rigid shell closing snugly or to nudge a lens opening off-centre, which is why precision cases are made for one named model.
MagSafe Accessories
MagSafe chargers, wallets and stands attach magnetically to the back of the phone rather than wrapping around its edges, so outer size matters far less to them than it does to a case. Apple lists MagSafe and Qi2 charging at up to 25W on iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, and up to 20W on iPhone Air. Still check the accessory maker’s supported models, and whether your case is designed for MagSafe, since one without the right magnets can weaken the hold.
A gold-customised phone adds a further variable, because precious metal across the back blocks wireless charging on fully plated designs. Our guide to MagSafe, wireless charging and AppleCare on gold iPhones explains which editions keep it.
Screen Protectors
| Display diagonal | Models | Full outer match within the group |
|---|---|---|
| 6.1″ | iPhone 16 | Only model at this size |
| 6.3″ | iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro | 17 Pro and 18 Pro only |
| 6.5″ | iPhone Air | Only model at this size |
| 6.9″ | iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro Max | 17 Pro Max and 18 Pro Max only |
Diagonals line up within each family, but a protector is shaped for the whole front of one phone, not just its screen size, and four different bodies share the 6.3-inch figure. Outside the identical-shell pairs, buy a protector the maker names for your exact model.
GoldPrivé Cases for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max
GoldPrivé’s range of 21 gold iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases is made for the 2026 Pro models, with every design produced in a 6.3-inch and a 6.9-inch size. Plated in 24K Gold, Rose Gold or Platinum at 5 to 7 microns, they start at $1,390 for the Pro size and $1,490 for the Pro Max, and GoldPrivé states that the slim gold-plated edge preserves MagSafe charging and accessory compatibility. On a 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max, confirm with a consultant before ordering, since the cases are listed for the 18 Pro models. The gold iPhone 18 Pro Max case guide covers fit, finishes and prices in depth.
Gold Cases Made for the 2026 Pro Models
Browse all 21 designs, from the Prestige case upwards.
Upgrading and unsure what you can keep? Talk to a GoldPrivé consultant before choosing a case.
FAQs
Are iPhone 18 and 16 the same size?
No. There is no standard iPhone 18, and the iPhone 18 Pro is 2.4 mm taller, 0.3 mm wider and 0.95 mm thicker than iPhone 16.
Is there a standard iPhone 18?
Not in Apple’s current line-up. As of 17 September 2026, Apple lists iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17e and iPhone 16.
Are iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro the same size?
Yes, on paper. Both measure 150.0 × 71.9 × 8.75 mm. The iPhone 18 Pro weighs 211 g, 5 g more than the iPhone 17 Pro.
Are iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 the same size?
No. iPhone 17 is 2.0 mm taller, 0.1 mm narrower, 0.15 mm thicker and 7 g heavier than iPhone 16, and its display is 6.3 inches rather than 6.1.
Can I use my iPhone 16 Pro Max case on an iPhone 18 Pro Max?
It was designed for a smaller phone. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is 0.4 mm taller, 0.4 mm wider and 0.5 mm deeper, so choose a case made for the 18 Pro Max.
Do MagSafe accessories work across these models?
They depend far less on outer size than cases, as they attach magnetically. Check the maker’s supported models and use a MagSafe-compatible case.
Can I reuse a screen protector from my old iPhone?
Only where screen and body both match, as with 17 Pro and 18 Pro, and after confirming with the protector maker.
Does GoldPrivé make gold cases for older iPhones?
Its gold cases are made for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, in both sizes. Owners of a 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max should speak with a consultant before ordering.
Sources
- Apple — iPhone 16 Technical Specifications
- Apple — iPhone 16 Pro Technical Specifications
- Apple — iPhone 16 Pro Max Technical Specifications
- Apple — iPhone 17 Technical Specifications
- Apple — iPhone 17 Pro Technical Specifications
- Apple — iPhone 17 Pro Max Technical Specifications
- Apple — iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max Technical Specifications
- Apple — iPhone Air Technical Specifications
