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Designing an iPhone 5c/5s case? Here are your official Apple schematics

iphone-5s-smalliPhone 5s schematic, click to enlarge. 5c below

Apple has updated it guidelines (PDF) for case manufacturers to include specific requirements and schematics for the iPhone 5s and 5c. As expected, the 5s schematics are similar to the iPhone 5 since the outer shell is largely unchanged.

The 5c design is more distinct from the 5, because while the internal layout is nearly identical, the exterior plastic casing is very different. See below for the 5c’s schematics.

In addition, Apple has added specific guidelines regarding the 5s’ Touch ID sensor.

1.3.3 Touch ID Sensor

Cases that are designed for the iPhone 5s must not inhibit the use of the Touch ID sensor. See Figure 2-1 (page
13) for the keep-out area.

Essentially, case designers must ensure that they do not obstruct the fingerprint sensor with their cases. We have already seen that Otterbox has had to redesign its iPhone 5 cases to account for this, by adding a hole for the fingerprint sensor.

iphone-5c-small

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Comments

  1. Alex Andrews - 11 years ago

    What I want clarified is, is the Touch ID/Home-button water proof, or at least water resistant in any way? I love the lifeproof cases because of their proven submersibility. Does the Touch ID make submersible use impossible?

    • Shabby (@Shabby173) - 11 years ago

      Hopefully. I’m thinking so because the steel ring might prevent anything from getting inside, and of course you can wet the surface cause your finger might be wet? hmm.

    • I’m betting that people who want to use the LifeProof case will have to settle for the tried-and-true passcode method. I can’t imagine how that button could actually be protected from water. It will be awesome, though, if Apple were to prove me wrong.

  2. openhousephoenix - 11 years ago

    Did you notice the schematics say © 2010? They had this design 3 years ago ;)

  3. Filip Pusca - 11 years ago

    Hi,very good and beautiful,can ya share components placement layout and diagram drawings? :D

  4. cheurlin - 10 years ago

    Reblogged this on wdydtl.

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.