Ahead of the launch of the iPhone SE, there were questions about just how closely it would resemble the iPhone 5s, but as it turns out, the two devices are almost identical physically aside from the matte chamfered edges on the iPhone SE.

Rumors suggesting the two devices would be close enough in design to share cases were correct -- existing iPhone cases designed to fit an iPhone 5 or 5s will also fit an iPhone SE.

universalcaseiphonese
Product listings for iPhone 5 and 5s cases, screen protectors, and other accessories on Apple's online store have all been updated to note their compatibility with the iPhone 5, 5s, and SE. Customers who previously owned an iPhone 5s and are planning to purchase an iPhone SE will not likely need to purchase new cases for the device.

universalcaseiphonese2
The iPhone 5s has been discontinued in favor of the iPhone SE, and pricing on the new device starts at $399 for the 16GB model. Apple will begin accepting orders for the iPhone SE on Thursday, March 24, with an official launch coming on March 31.

Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

Batman89 Avatar
Batman89
123 months ago
Cue the people complaining that the device won't feel "new" if their current accessories work with it, who are the same people who complained they couldn't use their old accessories with the lightning port on the 5.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Luckey Boots Avatar
Luckey Boots
123 months ago
This is a real smart move by Apple. For once they've thought of existing customers and all the investment they've made in accessories over the years. Would have been very easy for them to sightly change the enclosure shape and force everyone to buy new accessories.

Having owned a 5S since it came out, I'm very pleased I'll be able to keep using my Mophie Space Pack and Lifeproof case if I upgrade to the SE.

This has probably got me over the line actually.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jayducharme Avatar
jayducharme
123 months ago
I just finished watching the presentation. I'm sold on the SE; it's what I've wanted from Apple for years. I'm a happy puppy right now.

I also like the new small iPad Pro. This is going to be an expensive spring....
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
zorinlynx
123 months ago
This is a real smart move by Apple. For once they've thought of existing customers and all the investment they've made in accessories over the years. Would have been very easy for them to sightly change the enclosure shape and force everyone to buy new accessories.

Having owned a 5S since it came out, I'm very pleased I'll be able to keep using my Mophie Space Pack and Lifeproof case if I upgrade to the SE.

This has probably got me over the line actually.
I must say I agree wholeheartedly. I'm surprised at people complaining that Apple didn't update the design. They didn't HAVE to! The 5S was already a gorgeous phone; they didn't need to change a thing other than updating the internals to bring it up to date.

I love my iPhone 6 and couldn't go back to a smaller phone, but for you and many others who like the smaller screen this must feel like Christmas. Well, you still have to pay for it, but you know what I mean. :)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cableguy84 Avatar
cableguy84
123 months ago
Apple releases a 5S with upgraded internals , glad im not buying one of these things
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
venomgt95 Avatar
venomgt95
123 months ago
So I haven't seen anything on trade-ins of 5S models for the SE model?
You'll pay 10$ a month for an SE if you trade in a 5S or at least that's what I saw on Apples site.

Attachment Image
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
Read Full Article • 58 comments
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
Read Full Article • 76 comments
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
Read Full Article • 209 comments
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
Read Full Article • 47 comments
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
Read Full Article • 114 comments