A user on X (formerly Twitter), @SonnyDickson, has posted images of what he claims are the “first cases for iPhone 16” and they show off the same design changes that have previously been rumored. (Note that they are for the regular iPhone 16 models, not the Pro variants.)
As you can see, the most remarkable part of the image is that the camera cutout is a vertical “pill” shape, rather than a square. Previous rumors claimed that the non-pro iPhone 16 models, which will still only have two cameras (Wide and Ultrawide), would arrange them vertically rather than diagonally. This early case, if accurate, would corroborate those claims.
The cases make the iPhone 16 look similar to the iPhone X, which introduced the vertical rear camera arrangement. Previously, iPhones had either single camera holes or horizontal camera arrays with two cameras.
It’s worth mentioning that it is still very early for iPhone 16 cases to make an appearance. Yes, certain case manufacturers do get some dimensions from Apple in order to make properly fitting cases and have them on shelves in time for the iPhone launch, but we generally see those leak out a month or two before Apple’s unveiling in September. This image was posted on March 28, which is very early to see cases for a September release, and as such you should view this image with a healthy dose of skepticism.
iPhone 16 is the next iPhone to arrive in September 2024, and will be followed in 2025 by the iPhone 17 and iPhone SE 4. The new iPhone will arrive at a September launch event – find out how to watch the Apple September event live stream. For iPhone SE 4 and other new Apple products, see when is the next Apple event. You might also like our iPhone buying guide, best iPhone deals, and comparison of every iPhone that is available to buy today.
Author: Jason Cross, Senior Editor, Macworld
Jason has written about technology for more than 25 years - first in the gaming press, then focusing on enthusiast PCs and general technology. He enjoys learning how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.