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
127 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

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 and iOS 27 Features Revealed in New Leak

Friday December 12, 2025 10:56 am PST by
Macworld's Filipe Espósito today revealed a handful of features that Apple is allegedly planning for iOS 26.4, iOS 27, and even iOS 28. The report said the features are referenced within the code for a leaked internal build of iOS 26 that is not meant to be seen by the public. However, it appears that Espósito and/or his sources managed to gain access to it, providing us with a sneak peek...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Coming Soon With These 8 New Features on Your iPhone

Thursday December 11, 2025 8:49 am PST by
Apple seeded the second iOS 26.2 Release Candidate to developers earlier this week, meaning the update will be released to the general public very soon. Apple confirmed iOS 26.2 would be released in December, but it did not provide a specific date. We expect the update to be released by early next week. iOS 26.2 includes a handful of new features and changes on the iPhone, such as a new...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.2 With Alarms for Reminders, Lock Screen Changes, Enhanced Safety Alerts and More

Friday December 12, 2025 10:10 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.2, the second major update to the iOS 26 operating system that came out in September, iOS 26.2 comes a little over a month after iOS 26.1 launched. ‌iOS 26‌.2 is compatible with the ‌iPhone‌ 11 series and later, as well as the second-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones over-the-air by going to Settings >...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3

Thursday December 11, 2025 11:28 am PST by
Apple today released new firmware designed for the AirPods Pro 3 and the prior-generation AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 3 firmware is 8B30, up from 8B25, while the AirPods Pro 2 firmware is 8B28, up from 8B21. There's no word on what's include in the updated firmware, but the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 are getting expanded support for Live Translation in the European Union in iOS...
macOS Tahoe 26 Thumb

Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26.2 With Edge Light

Friday December 12, 2025 10:08 am PST by
Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.2, the second major update to the macOS Tahoe operating system that came out in September. macOS Tahoe 26.2 comes five weeks after Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.1. Mac users can download the macOS Tahoe update by using the Software Update section of System Settings. macOS Tahoe 26.2 includes Edge Light, a feature that illuminates your face with soft...
AirTag 2 Mock Feature

Apple AirTag 2: Four New Features Found in iOS 26 Code

Thursday December 11, 2025 10:31 am PST by
The AirTag 2 will include a handful of new features that will improve tracking capabilities, according to a new report from Macworld. The site says that it was able to access an internal build of iOS 26, which includes references to multiple unreleased products. Here's what's supposedly coming: An improved pairing process, though no details were provided. AirTag pairing is already...
ipados 26 1 slide over

Apple Releases iPadOS 26.2 With Multitasking Improvements

Friday December 12, 2025 10:09 am PST by
Apple today released iPadOS 26.2, the second major update to the iPadOS 26 operating system released in September. iPadOS 26.2 comes a month after iPadOS 26.1. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. iPadOS 26.2 continues with the multitasking improvements that were added with iPadOS 26.1. You can now drag and...
bug security vulnerability issue fix larry

Update Now: iOS 26.2 Fixes 20+ Security Vulnerabilities

Friday December 12, 2025 11:11 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, and macOS 26.2, all of which introduce new features, bug fixes, and security improvements. Apple says that the updates address over 20 vulnerabilities, including two bugs that are known to have been actively exploited. There are a pair of WebKit vulnerabilities that could allow maliciously crafted web content to execute code or cause memory...