Your iPhone wallpaper is the first thing you see when you unlock your device—and the right one can make your screen look sleek and stunning. But not all wallpapers fit perfectly across different iPhone models. If you’ve ever downloaded a wallpaper that ended up looking pixelated, stretched, or awkwardly cropped, you’re not alone.
That’s because each iPhone has a unique screen size and resolution. This guide explains everything you need to know about iPhone wallpaper dimensions, helping you choose or design wallpapers that flawlessly fit your specific model.
Why Wallpaper Dimensions Matter
With Apple’s growing range of iPhones—from the compact iPhone SE to the massive iPhone 16 Pro Max—the display resolution and aspect ratios vary widely. Using the wrong wallpaper size can lead to:
- Blurry or pixelated images
- Important parts being cut off
- Awkward black bars or off-centered elements
Getting the dimensions right means your wallpaper will not only fit—it will also look sharp, professional, and visually balanced.
iPhone Screen Sizes & Resolutions Chart
Here’s a detailed table to help you find your iPhone’s screen resolution and aspect ratio:
| iPhone Model | Screen Size (inches) | Screen Resolution (pixels) | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (2020, 2022) | 4.7 | 750 x 1334 | 16:9 |
| iPhone 11 Pro, X, XS, iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Plus, 13 Pro, 12 Pro | 5.8 | 1170 x 2532 | 21:9 |
| iPhone XR, 11, 12, 13, 14 | 6.1 | 828 x 1792 | 19:9 |
| iPhone XS Max, 11 Pro Max, 12 Pro Max, 13/14 Pro Max | 6.7 | 1284 x 2778 | 19.5:9 |
| iPhone 15, 15 Pro | 6.1 | 1179 x 2556 | 19.5:9 |
| Phone 15 Plus, 16 Plus, 15 Pro Max | 6.7 | 1290 x 2796 | 19.5:9 |
| iPhone 16e | 6.1 | 1170 x 2532 | 20:9 |
| iPhone 16 | 6.1 | 1179 x 2556 | 20:9 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 6.3 | 1206 x 2622 | 19.5:9 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 6.9 | 1320 x 2868 | 19.5:9 |
Recommended Wallpaper Dimensions for iPhone
Even though your screen has a specific resolution, you should aim for a slightly higher wallpaper size (at least 200 pixels larger in width/height). This gives you better flexibility for cropping and zooming when you set your wallpaper.
When setting a wallpaper on your iPhone, you might assume that using an image with the exact screen resolution is ideal. However, in reality, slightly larger dimensions are recommended.
This is because iOS allows you to manually zoom and position your wallpaper during setup. A larger image gives you more freedom to adjust the framing, making sure important visuals (like faces or text) don’t get hidden behind notches, widgets, or icons.
Thus, always use wallpapers that are at least 200 pixels larger than your iPhone’s screen resolution.
Portrait vs. Landscape Wallpapers
Always use portrait-oriented wallpapers (vertical) for the best visual alignment. Landscape images often get zoomed or distorted during wallpaper setup and may crop out key content.
Tips for Creating Stunning iPhone Wallpapers
While multiple websites offer breathtaking iPhone wallpapers, Why settle for wallpapers made by others when you can design your own, especially if you’re a graphic designer yourself?
However, before you finalize your wallpaper design or set a new background, here are some tips you must follow to make sure your image looks its best:
- Use high-resolution images (never less than your iPhone’s native resolution).
- Center your key content to avoid cropping from notches or icons.
- Keep text and logos away from the top-center (where the notch exists).
- Preview it on your actual device before sharing or using.
How to Set a Wallpaper on iPhone
- Open the Photos app and choose the image you want to set as wallpaper.
- Tap Share → Use as Wallpaper.
- Pinch to zoom or adjust framing.
- Tap Add, then choose Set as Wallpaper Pair or Customize Home Screen.
Where to Find the Best iPhone Wallpapers?
Looking for aesthetic, minimalist, or bold iPhone wallpapers? Check out our wallpaper collections on iGeeksBlog. We curate high-resolution, dimension-specific wallpapers for every new iPhone launch.
Your Perfect Wallpaper Awaits…
A crisp, well-fitted wallpaper can instantly elevate your iPhone experience. Now that you know the correct dimensions for your model, you can set the perfect wallpaper without worrying about blur, crop, or distortion.
Let us know in the comments what wallpaper style you’d love to see next!
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