One of the hidden expenses in upgrading to a new iPhone can often be the need to replace your case when the dimensions differ.
That so far seemed a likely bet for anyone upgrading from one of last year’s Pro models to the iPhone 18 Pro, but two accessory makers think not – with one of them going all-in on the bet …
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman tweeted a photo of an Otterbox case already on sale at Best Buy, stating that it’s compatible with both the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro. The bottom-right of the packaging states in English and French:
Gurman himself isn’t convinced, adding the comment “a little early.” But Astropad’s Matt Ronge, maker of anti-reflective screen protectors for iPhones, says his suppliers are telling him the same thing.
A leaker last year suggested that at least the iPhone 18 Pro Max would be thicker and heavier than its predecessor. That report said nothing about the smaller Pro model, but leaked materials from an iPhone supplier also indicated that the iPhone 18 Pro will be two millimetres thicker than its predecessors.
Looking at the leaked Tata images confirms that both the overall iPhone 18 Pro body and the entire rear camera [plateau] have become thicker. This corresponds to the roughly 2mm increase I exclusively shared.
That would continue the trend, as both iPhone 17 Pro models were both thicker and heavier.
However, not all leakers agree, with one stating that the thickness of the iPhone 18 Pro Max would be identical to last year’s model.
Apple does sometimes provide established case makers with early access to dimensions in order to ensure third-party cases are available as soon as new iPhones launch. On the other hand, there have been occasions on which accessory makers have simply taken a chance based on rumors – and sometimes been wrong. Personally, I wouldn’t be placing any case orders for a new iPhone before their launch.
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Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!
