Upgrading from the iPhone 16 Pro Max to the iPhone 17 Pro Max? The big question for most people is simple: can you keep your old case, or do you need a new one? Here's what changed between the two phones, whether cases carry over, and the best options for the 17 Pro Max.
What changed from 16 Pro Max to 17 Pro Max
Both phones share a 6.9-inch ProMotion OLED display, so screen size is the same. The key difference is the back: the iPhone 17 Pro Max moves to a redesigned full-width camera plateau that spans the top of the phone, along with a revised aluminum unibody frame and slightly different thickness and weight. Button and control placement shifts subtly as well.
Will your iPhone 16 Pro Max case fit?
No. Because the camera area is now a full-width bar rather than a corner square, a 16 Pro Max case's camera cutout won't line up — and forcing it on can block lenses or leave the phone loose. Screen protectors may transfer since the display size matches, but the case itself needs to be 17 Pro Max-specific.
Best cases if you upgraded to the 17 Pro Max
For all-weather use, the iPhone 17 Pro Max Waterproof Case (IP68) seals out water and dust. For a premium metal look with a stand, try the iPhone 17 Pro Max Metal Case with Kickstand. For slim daily carry, the slim MagSafe case keeps magnetic accessories working.
Still on the 16 Pro Max? You have great options too
If you're keeping the 16 Pro Max, its case selection is deep — from the 16 Pro Max Waterproof Case to the aluminum metal frame case.
Frequently asked questions
Do the two phones use the same screen size? Yes — both are 6.9-inch ProMotion OLED panels with up to 120Hz refresh, so most screen protectors carry over even though cases don't.
Why won't a 16 Pro Max case fit? The 17 Pro Max uses a full-width camera plateau instead of the 16's corner camera square, so cutouts and internal tolerances differ.
Is the 17 Pro Max heavier? It's very close in size but slightly different in thickness and weight due to the redesigned aluminum frame; a case built for it accounts for those changes.
Which should you buy? If you want the newest cameras and chip, the 17 Pro Max is the pick; if you already own a 16 Pro Max, it remains excellent and well-supported for cases.
Shop cases for both models
See the iPhone 17 Pro Max Cases collection or the iPhone 16 Pro Max Cases collection.