If you've ever upgraded or swapped phones and wondered whether an old case might still work, you're not alone. At The Dairy, with years in the industry designing and selling phone cases, this is one of the most common questions we hear. People want a simple answer, but they also want to know why it matters.
Will an iPhone 12 case fit an iPhone 11? Before you commit to a case or try to reuse one you already own, it helps to understand how these two models compare and where the differences really show.
What this article covers:
Will Your iPhone 12 Case Fit an iPhone 11?
The short answer is no. An iPhone 12 case will not properly fit an iPhone 11. After putting it to the test ourselves and drawing on years of hands-on experience, the fit simply isn't right.
While the phones look similar at a glance, the iPhone 11 is larger and shaped differently, which affects how a case sits on the device.
It's a similar problem to asking the question, will an iPhone 12 case fit an iPhone 13, or will a iPhone 13 Pro Max case fit a 12 Pro Max.
From our experience, trying to force a mismatched case usually leads to problems. Buttons don't line up properly, the phone can feel loose inside the case, and camera cutouts may not sit where they should.
Even if the phone seems to slide in, it won't offer the level of protection or comfort you'd expect from a case designed specifically for your model.
But what about will an iPhone XR case fit an iPhone 11? Unfortunately, an iPhone XR case still won't fit.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 11 Case Dimensions
Here's a clear breakdown of how the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 11 differ and why that impacts case compatibility:
- Overall size: The iPhone 11 is taller, wider and thicker than the iPhone 12. Even small differences in millimetres affect how snugly a case fits.
- Thickness: The extra thickness of the iPhone 11 means an iPhone 12 case can feel tight or sit awkwardly around the edges.
- Edge design: The iPhone 11 has rounded edges, while the iPhone 12 features flat sides. Cases are moulded to match these shapes exactly.
- Button placement: Power and volume buttons are positioned slightly differently, so cutouts and button covers won't line up.
- Camera layout: Although both phones have dual cameras, the camera housing size and placement differ enough to cause alignment issues.
The dimensions of an iPhone always impact case compatibility. It's the same way with will an iPhone 13 Pro case fit an iPhone 13, and will an iPhone 12 Pro case fit an iPhone 13 Pro. It's always best to purchase a case specifically designed for your iPhone model.
Conclusion
From our perspective, choosing the right case always comes down to proper fit. With years in the industry, we've seen how even small design changes between iPhone models make a big difference in real-world use. An iPhone 12 case on an iPhone 11 might seem like a quick fix, but it usually leads to frustration and reduced protection.
If you want your phone to feel secure, look good and stay protected, it's best to choose a case made specifically for your iPhone 11. That way, everything lines up as it should, and you can enjoy using your phone without worrying about slips, blocked buttons or awkward camera cutouts.
If you're ready to upgrade your case, take a look at our iPhone 11 case range at The Dairy and find a design that feels like you.
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