iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Size Comparison
The standard iPhone 17 is 2mm taller than the 16. The Pro Max adds 0.5mm of thickness. The screen sizes didn't change. Here's everything that did — and what it means for your case, your pocket, and your hands.
Updated March 2026 · Dimensions from Apple.com official specifications
The short answer
iPhone 17 vs 16 (standard): 2mm taller, 0.1mm narrower, 0.15mm thicker. Same 6.3" screen. Your iPhone 16 cases will not fit — the 2mm height difference is enough to misalign camera cutouts and buttons.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs 16 Pro Max: 0.4mm taller, 0.4mm wider, 0.5mm thicker. Same 6.9" screen. The thicker Pro Max camera bump is the reason — the 17 series Pro cameras are larger and sit higher on the chassis.
iPhone 17 Air (new in 2025): No direct 16-series equivalent. At 5.64mm thick and 145g, it's in its own category. See how it compares to the 17 Pro →
Full dimensions — iPhone 17 vs 16
| Dimension | iPhone 17 | iPhone 16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 149.6mm | 147.6mm | 17 is 2.0mm taller |
| Width | 71.5mm | 71.6mm | Essentially the same |
| Thickness | 7.95mm | 7.80mm | 17 is 0.15mm thicker |
| Screen size | 6.3" | 6.3" | Unchanged |
Pro Max: 17 vs 16
| Dimension | 17 Pro Max | 16 Pro Max | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 163.4mm | 163.0mm | +0.4mm |
| Width | 78.0mm | 77.6mm | +0.4mm |
| Thickness | 8.75mm | 8.25mm | +0.5mm thicker |
| Screen size | 6.9" | 6.9" | Unchanged |
What the numbers actually mean
Will you feel the difference in your hand?
The 2mm height on the standard model is noticeable when you first pick it up, but you adapt in a day. The 0.15mm thickness difference is imperceptible. The Pro Max's 0.5mm thickness increase is also not something you'll consciously register — but if you're using a specific case, check the camera cutout positioning before assuming it transfers.
Case compatibility: your 16 cases won't fit
The 2mm height difference on the standard model is enough to misalign button cutouts and the camera module. The Pro Max's 0.5mm thickness change means camera bump cases designed for the 16 Pro Max won't sit flat on the 17 Pro Max. Budget for new cases when you upgrade.
The real reason to upgrade is not size
If you're upgrading from a 16 to a 17, size should not be your reason. The chip (A19 vs A18), camera improvements, Apple Intelligence features, and battery life are the meaningful differences. If you're upgrading from a 14 or older — the jump is significant across every metric.
Should you upgrade?
Upgrade from 16 to 17 if…
- You want Apple Intelligence features (full suite on 17)
- You want the ultra-thin 17 Air — nothing like it in the 16 lineup
- Camera quality is a priority (A19 Pro improvements)
Stay on iPhone 16 if…
- You're happy with your current size and performance
- You have Apple Intelligence already and it meets your needs
- You bought the 16 within the last year