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
127 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
127 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
127 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
127 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
126 months ago
Apple releases a 5S with upgraded internals , glad im not buying one of these things
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
venomgt95 Avatar
127 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)

Popular Stories

apple store down feature

Here's Why the Apple Store is Going Down

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:01 pm PST by
Apple's online store is going down for a few hours on a rolling country-by-country basis right now, but do not get your hopes up for new products. Apple takes its online store down for a few hours ahead of Black Friday every year to tease/prepare for its annual gift card offer with the purchase of select products. The store already went down and came back online in Australia and New Zealand, ...
Apple Foldable Thumb

Foldable iPhone to Debut These Three Breakthrough Features

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:09 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026, and it's shaping up to include three standout features that could set it apart from the competition. The book-style foldable will reportedly feature an industry-first 24-megapixel under-display camera built into the inner display, according to a recent JP Morgan equity research report. That...
streaming black friday 2025

Black Friday Streaming Deals Include Big Savings on Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV, and More

Monday November 24, 2025 8:03 am PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a...
iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
streaming black friday 2025

Best Black Friday Streaming Deals - Save Big on Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:14 pm PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
General Apps Messages Redux

Singapore Orders Changes to iMessage by December

Tuesday November 25, 2025 6:39 am PST by
Singapore has ordered Apple to block or filter messages on iMessage that impersonate government agencies, requiring the company to implement new anti-spoofing protections by December as part of efforts to curb rising online scams, the Straits Times reports. Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that it had issued an Implementation Directive to Apple under the Online Criminal Harms...
General Black Friday Deals 25 Red Green

The 30+ Best Black Friday Apple Deals on AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 6:46 am PST by
Black Friday is in full swing, and as always this is the best time of the year to shop for great deals, including popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment,...
iphone air camera

iPhone Air Flop Sparks Industry Retreat From Ultra-Thin Phones

Thursday November 27, 2025 3:14 am PST by
Apple's disappointing iPhone Air sales are causing major Chinese mobile vendors to scrap or freeze their own ultra-thin phone projects, according to reports coming out of Asia. Since the ‌iPhone Air‌ launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts, while Apple's supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has...