Your Previous Case Received’t Match—With One Exception
Generally, new iPhones have the identical dimensions as older ones, so you’ll be able to reuse a case. That is sadly not the case with the iPhone 17 lineup. Issues are totally different sufficient that the majority older iPhone circumstances is not going to match. Do not simply throw out your previous case although. If it is in first rate situation, you can donate it to a spot like Goodwill or search for accent corporations which have recycling companies, like Casetify or PopSockets. Your provider or native Greatest Purchase and Staples could even be capable of assist.
The one exception is the iPhone 17e. You can reuse iPhone 16e circumstances, however the brand new iPhone 17e has MagSafe, so you will desire a case that permits for it. There is no level in having a MagSafe cellphone in case your case would not play nicely with magnetic equipment.
What Is the Digicam Plateau and Digicam Management?
You may see these two phrases talked about all through this information. They’re comparatively new additions to the iPhone.
Digicam Plateau is Apple’s ridiculous identify for the digital camera module on the again of the iPhone 17 Professional and iPhone 17 Professional Max. The whole prime quarter of the cellphone is raised, like a plateau, creating a particular design in contrast to any iPhone that got here earlier than.
Digicam Management is a brand new button that was launched within the iPhone 16 fashions. It sits under the ability button and allows you to press it as soon as to open the digital camera and once more to take an image. An extended-press captures video. Exterior the digital camera app, a protracted press can set off Apple’s Visible Intelligence function, which is form of like Google Lens. Case makers go away a cutout for this button as a substitute of protecting it. It is because you’ll be able to slide your finger over the Digicam Management button to alter digital camera modes. Nevertheless, some producers are utilizing glass buttons and different strategies as a substitute of a cutout, providing a way more symmetrical design.
Make Certain You Purchase a MagSafe Case
The entire circumstances we advocate on this information have MagSafe except in any other case famous. A MagSafe case may have a hoop of magnets inside to verify magnetic equipment keep hooked up. In any other case, the case will simply weaken the magnets. You need to completely discover the world of MagSafe as a result of there are such a lot of sorts of equipment to mess around with. Examine our our guides:
What Measurement iPhone Do You Have?
If you happen to’re not sure which iPhone mannequin you’ve gotten, you’ll be able to head to Settings > Normal > About Telephone and have a look at the Mannequin Quantity. Some case makers will establish case fashions by display screen dimension, so this is a helpful information.
- The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch display screen
- The iPhone Air has a 6.5-inch display screen
- The iPhone 17 Professional has a 6.3-inch display screen
- The iPhone 17 Professional Max has a 6.9-inch display screen
- The iPhone 17e has a 6.1-inch display screen
Be aware that simply because the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Professional share the identical display screen dimension doesn’t suggest you’ll be able to combine circumstances between them. Their dimensions are totally different, and so are the designs.
What is the Deal With Scratchgate?
You’ll have seen chatter on-line about iPhone 17 fashions displaying scratches very simply. This appears to be largely affecting the redesigned iPhone 17 Professional and iPhone 17 Professional Max. Apple makes use of anodized aluminum, however because of the sharp edges of the Digicam Plateau module, the anodized layer would not adhere as nicely to the sides. That makes scratches extra seen on the corners and across the digital camera lenses. You may learn extra particulars about it in iFixit’s weblog publish.
What you are able to do to get round this downside is purchase a case that covers the Digicam Plateau quite than one which leaves it open. Our prime choose, the Native Union Energetic Case, is an efficient instance of a case that retains the aluminum lined.
Sadly, we can not conduct drop assessments with the restricted variety of iPhones we have now. Nevertheless, we set up each case that comes our manner onto the newest iPhones, examine the cutouts for the audio system and microphones, make certain the buttons are responsive, and analyze the sides across the display screen and cameras to see how raised they’re. We additionally check them with MagSafe equipment to make sure the magnetic connection is robust. And the place doable, we go the circumstances on to individuals we all know in order that we will get any suggestions on long-term efficiency.
For display screen protectors, we set up every of them per the producer’s directions and instruments, and we notice how straightforward the method is.
Different Display screen Protectors We’ve Examined
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Spigen AluminaCore Tempered Glass Display screen Protector: Spigen’s Glas.tR EZ Match display screen protector has all the mandatory cleansing instruments to wipe down the show earlier than set up, and its software software is similar to Smartish and Dbrand, although there is no pull tab. You take away the backing from the protector, place the software over the iPhone, then press down on the opposite aspect. It creates extra air bubbles that it’s important to take care of, however it’s manageable. It is tremendous reasonably priced, and also you get two within the field, although the sides are a tad sharp.
Caudaube CrystalShield Elite AR: Caudaube’s display screen protector is a really shut second to our prime Dbrand choose. The set up is sort of equivalent, and the corporate consists of the instruments it’s good to clear the cellphone’s display screen. The tempered aluminosilicate glass has a really comfortable and clean really feel to it, with particularly curvy edges that do not really feel sharp. It additionally extends all the best way round, near the sides, additional than many different display screen protectors. It is a disgrace you solely get one within the field.
Nomad ProShield Glass: This is one other aluminosilicate display screen protector made by Corning, the corporate that makes the glass on most smartphones. As an alternative of a pull-tab, you set the cellphone within the software software, then shut the software like a guide and push down as glass sticks to glass. It labored surprisingly nicely, with just some air bubbles. We nonetheless really feel like the sides of the protector are a bit sharper than we might like, in comparison with the Dbrand and Smartish. It additionally solely comes with one.
ESR Armorite Display screen Protector and Privateness Protector: This pack is a greater worth than Smartish’s display screen protectors, since you get three tempered glass sheets as a substitute of two. All the mandatory gear is right here, from an software software to moist wipes. Whereas it makes use of a pull-tab, we discovered Smartish’s and Dbrand’s methods simpler to make use of total. We additionally tried ESR’s Privateness Protector, which successfully blocked the display screen when seen from the left or proper. We did not see a significant affect on sharpness or shade accuracy. We examined ESR’s Armorite Professional with tempered glass made by Corning, the corporate that makes a lot of the glass discovered on smartphones. The sting feels a tiny bit sharp, however it was in any other case straightforward to use and appears nice.
Astropad Contemporary Coat Anti-Reflective Display screen Protector: Apple already added an anti-reflective coating to all the new iPhones, however this Astropad display screen protector takes it even additional. Set up was straightforward with the pull-tab software system, although we received way more air bubbles with it than with any of the opposite pull-tab installations. It really does work and cuts glare. We in contrast it with one other iPhone with no display screen protector and observed glare was much less pronounced with the Astropad. There is no actual loss in shade accuracy or sharpness. We in contrast pictures on the 2 telephones, they usually regarded just about equivalent. We have not discovered a lot purpose to complain about glare on the iPhone 17 display screen, but when one thing like that has bothered you earlier than, the Contemporary Coat could be up your alley.
Different Nice Instances We’ve Examined
We have examined greater than 100 circumstances for the iPhone 17 lineup. Not all of them deserve a prime spot above, however many are nonetheless nice and are available enjoyable designs and types. Examine ’em out.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Bitmo Lab Gamebaby Case: “That is freaking superior,” are the primary phrases we stated as soon as we received the Gamebaby arrange and dealing with the Delta retro sport emulator. This can be a cellphone case styled like a Nintendo Recreation Boy, however you’ll be able to pop off the underside piece and put it over your cellphone display screen to emulate the unique transportable gaming console, bodily buttons and all, when you emulate previous video games (assuming you are considerably versed on how to do this legally). The buttons mainly have capacitive sensors on the underside that faucet the display screen, corresponding with the digital buttons. The one challenge we had was that my down button on the D-pad did not align correctly, so we needed to shift the entire pad barely decrease for it to work. That is not nice, however it did not cease us from taking a 30-minute break to play Pokémon Crystal. As a case, it is fairly plasticky and slippery, however the buttons are clicky, if a bit rattly. For $40, we do not thoughts; it is tremendous enjoyable.
Spigen Basic LS Case: This retro-inspired case makes your iPhone appear to be an previous Macintosh pc. It utterly covers the digital camera plateau, and there is additionally a lanyard strap gap. It is not the grippiest, however it has some bulk on the sides and corners, which makes it a bit simpler to carry. If you happen to’re a longtime Apple fan, this case can lend your cellphone a novel look whereas nonetheless providing safety. It is solely obtainable for the iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Pela Case With MagSafe: We love the rubbery texture of Pela’s circumstances, they usually’re sustainably made in Canada from a unhazardous, plant-based biopolymer by this Licensed B Corp. Pela additionally has dozens and dozens of attractive designs to select from, however we actually like this crocodile sample. We do not suppose it is probably the most durable-feeling case—the sides may very well be a bit extra raised over the show—and annoyingly, the buttons are fairly stiff (notably the Motion Button). At the least Pela now consists of MagSafe connectivity, although it’s important to verify off “With MagSafe” when ordering to make sure the magnetic strip is included within the case. We have hooked up varied magnetic equipment to it with out challenge.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
OpenCase: OpenCase is a uncommon accent maker attempting one thing totally different. As an alternative of including a MagSafe ring contained in the case, there is a huge cutout on the again. Historically, including magnetic equipment means a bulkier cellphone, however with a cutout design, you’ll be able to cut back the general thickness. The corporate makes just a few equipment that completely slot into the design, like a pockets, grip, and even a filler plate for if you aren’t utilizing a MagSafe accent. The case itself is sort of good, with a leatherette end that feels comfortable, very clicky steel buttons, and a sapphire crystal button for Digicam Management. We simply want it got here in some enjoyable colours. However the principle downside? We examined it with a number of magnetic equipment, and whereas we expect most will match completely into the cutout space, there are just a few we weren’t ready to make use of. For instance, this PopSockets battery grip would not keep hooked up as a result of it is bigger than the cutout. That is one thing to bear in mind for those who like the thought of the open case.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Bellroy Instances: We’ve tried three of Bellroy’s circumstances for the iPhone 17 vary: the Enterprise, 3 Card, and the Innovera Version. The Enterprise is our favourite of the lot. It feels rugged and sturdy, although the fabric feels very slippery (most likely why it comes with a built-in wrist strap. The three Card cellphone case could be very cumbersome, however a minimum of it lives as much as its identify—it could match three playing cards! Nevertheless, the design disables any MagSafe connectivity and wi-fi charging, in order that’s a no-go. The Innovera Version is the corporate’s leather-alternative materials constructed from a bio-based polymer and postconsumer recycled nylon. It has a pleasant texture and appears clear, with clicky buttons and decently raised edges across the show and cameras. None of those notably blew us away, however they’re price contemplating for those who just like the look.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Bluebonnet Leather-based Instances: We expect Bluebonnet’s greatest case is its no-frills Minimalist Full-Grain Leather-based case; there is no such thing as a branding on the outside, if you need the clear look. The Digicam Management button is a pleasant new addition, and the opposite steel buttons are clicky. Nevertheless, I do not like the corporate’s pockets circumstances that a lot. The Pockets Case blocks wi-fi charging and MagSafe for an built-in card storage answer, however you’ll be able to solely match two playing cards, and I want there was a greater approach to pry them out. The Govt Pockets Case Folio can match extra playing cards (I used to be in a position to insert two playing cards into every of the 2 slots), and there is a beneficiant money pocket. Nevertheless, after getting gadgets in there, the highest piece turns into so cumbersome that the folio would not shut correctly. (It is clearly designed simply to retailer two playing cards and possibly a few payments.) I feel Nomad’s Leather-based folio above is the higher possibility.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Aohi Future MagArmor Professional Case: Aohi claims its case can shield your iPhone from heights as much as 16 ft. Why are you that top? No thought. However this confidence comes from a bolstered aluminum-alloy digital camera body, raised edges, and a non-Newtonian fluid P4U polymer that hardens on affect and reverts to being comfortable afterward. Sadly, it is very exhausting for us to vet these claims and check this excessive drop safety, so you will need to take the corporate’s phrase for it. Frankly, on the finish of the day, we’re simply not amazed by the case design. It appears effective? The buttons are clicky, and the magnets are fairly robust.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Aulumu A17 Instances: Aulumu’s A17 circumstances are available a number of differing types, like aramid fiber or a frosted clear, and the designs are techy and enjoyable. (Does it actually need to say, “Discover City Tech & Future Aesthetic” on the again, although?) It is a fairly thick case, however the digital camera safety is superb, the sides across the show are raised, and the buttons are clicky. Nevertheless, the buttons are a bit rattly, even when the cellphone is within the case, which is odd. The primary declare to fame right here is the corporate’s cooling tech, with passive cooling fins to vent warmth and a thermal silicone gel on the within. After working Genshin Affect for a bit, we did see a drop in temperature of roughly 1 diploma. It is small, however not nothing. If you happen to’re a heavy gamer, this can be useful.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Society6 Colourful Offset Checkers Case: Society6 is a good place to buy circumstances with enjoyable designs, and there are tons to select from. The corporate presents MagSafe circumstances, so be sure to select that possibility when ordering. We examined the model with the dual-layer protect, which has a comfortable silicone liner on the within and a hardshell exterior. The development would not really feel wonderful—we observed the silicone shell stands proud a bit from the hardshell, however we had been in a position to push it again into place. It ought to cowl your bases, although it’s particularly for anybody who prioritizes design first.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Freitag F385 Circ-Case: We love Freitag’s designs for its luggage and different equipment. The corporate reuses truck tarps for these merchandise, giving new life to one thing that in any other case would have been despatched to the landfill. The designs are shiny and daring! The case is sort of uninteresting by itself, constructed from recycled ski boots. The buttons are clicky, edges are raised, however there is no MagSafe. Nevertheless, it is designed for use with the corporate’s wallets—the pockets slides into place. We are able to match about two playing cards in there, and you employ the strap to drag the playing cards out, which is fairly ingenious. Like most pockets circumstances, that is just for of us keen to forgo MagSafe and wi-fi charging. It would be nice if Freitag made a MagSafe model of the pockets, although!
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
PopSockets MagSafe Instances: PopSockets is understood for its grips, however that is only a standard-fare case, albeit with tons of enjoyable designs to select from. Pictured is the Mirror Abalone, which is shiny and beautiful, with magnets inside for stable MagSafe connectivity. It is a pretty slim case with grippy edges and a lip across the show and digital camera; frankly, we do not have a lot to complain about right here. Oh, wait, we want the Digicam Management had been a button as a substitute of a cutout.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
OhSnap! Snap Case: OhSnap! is understood for its grips, however everybody has to make a case, too, it appears. The soft-touch plastic is sweet, however it’s a bit slippery. As soon as once more, the aluminum buttons are rattly like another circumstances we have tried, although a minimum of you get extra-strength magnets baked in. We are able to verify that it required a bit extra effort to drag off magnetic equipment from this case than from different circumstances. OhSnap’s calling card, nevertheless, is its Snap Grip 5, which is a MagSafe grip that has magnets on the outside, permitting you to connect magnetic equipment on prime and even wirelessly cost the cellphone with out having to take away the grip. It really works!
OtterBox Defender Sequence Professional XT Case: We’re so used to OtterBox’s Defender sequence having stable colours that the clear design right here threw us off. We do not hate it, however it does present smudges simply. (There are different types you’ll be able to select from.) We initially suggested in opposition to this case as a result of the Digicam Management button was manner too responsive. Our grip would continually activate the digital camera, which was annoying. That gave the impression to be an actual downside with the case, so OtterBox despatched a more moderen model, and we’re completely satisfied to report that that is not a difficulty. It feels simply as protecting because of its dual-layer design (a polycarbonate body sits on prime and a rubber slipcover rests beneath), and the USB-C charging port is protected. Simply know that the case makes the cellphone significantly wider.
Nomad Trendy Leather-based Case: Nomad’s leather-based circumstances feel and look nice, they usually’re paired with a well-built polycarbonate body that does not really feel like an afterthought. There are three most important case sorts to select from: Trendy, Conventional, and Rugged. All of them have clicky buttons, a devoted glass button for the Digicam Management as a substitute of a cutout, and MagSafe. The Trendy Leather-based Case is our favourite of the bunch. It makes use of vegetable-tanned Horween leather-based, however the polycarbonate body presents additional safety across the sides of the iPhone. The Conventional Leather-based Case is nice if you need a pure leather-based case. There is no polycarbonate body, so it will not be as protecting, however the edges across the digital camera module and display screen are barely extra raised, and it options the identical anodized aluminum buttons. The Rugged Leather-based Case is just like the Trendy case, however extra protecting. It has a polycarbonate body and likewise provides thermoplastic urethane bumpers on the corners for additional affect safety. The perimeters are raised much more right here to maintain the glass away from surfaces.
Woolnut Leather-based Case: Woolnut’s case appears and feels nice, and it was exhausting to decide on between it and the Mujjo and Nomad choices above. Finally, we simply did not need “WOOLNUT” emblazoned on the again. Nonetheless, the full-grain Scandinavian leather-based feels beautiful, the aluminum buttons are responsive, and Digicam Management is an precise capacitive button layered on prime quite than a cutout. The perimeters are decently raised, and the thermoplastic urethane bumper offers it a bit extra construction.
Wave MagSafe Case: You may see the MagSafe ring’s define on the again of this case, which makes it look a bit low-cost. The Motion Button can also be a bit mushy, the Digicam Management button is a cutout right here, and the case materials is slippery. Nevertheless it’s in any other case effective, if a bit uninteresting (there are a minimum of a lot of colours to select from). The primary purpose to purchase this case, for those who do not thoughts these flaws, is that this can be a biodegradable case constructed from wheat straw. If you happen to’re environmentally acutely aware and don’t desire simply one other plastic case, recycled or not, this can be a nice different. Each buy you make additionally contributes to environmental charities, like Surfers Towards Sewage and 1% for the Planet.
Casekoo Pearl Sparkle 360 Magic Stand Case: It is a bit cumbersome, however this sparkly, shiny orange case from Casekoo (additionally obtainable in tons of different designs) appears nice. We love the intense, shiny TPU edges, and the sparkles on the clear again are a enjoyable contact. It is a good match for the orange iPhone 17 Professional, although we did not have that mannequin to check whether or not the colour matches completely. There’s additionally a built-in kickstand with MagSafe, so you’ll be able to connect magnetic equipment to the again, and it could even wirelessly cost by way of the ring. The kickstand has a satisfying clicking sound as you rotate it, and you’ll prop the iPhone up in panorama or portrait (or use it as a grip!). We want Zagg’s extra refined kickstand strategy, however this can be a loud-and-proud case price contemplating.
Spigen Instances: We tried just a few different Spigen circumstances. The Nano Pop has a enjoyable shade distinction and checks off all of the bins, although we discovered the rear materials exhibits mud and smudges simply. The Extremely Hybrid T case has stiff buttons, however is in any other case OK.
Twelve South Case: It is a bit surprising simply how naked and boring these circumstances are from Twelve South. We frequently fairly get pleasure from Twelve South merchandise, however these are a bit too uninteresting for us. The silicone shell additionally attracts lots of mud, although a minimum of all of the buttons are clicky, even the actual button layered over Digicam Management.
Burga Powerful and Elite Instances: We tried each the Elite and Powerful circumstances from Burga. The primary purpose to purchase both is that Burga has tons of designs to select from. The circumstances are simply OK, although. On the Elite, the buttons are a bit mushy, and Burga went with a cutout for the Digicam Management button. It is also very slippery, although a minimum of there’s MagSafe assist. On the Powerful, the buttons are a bit extra responsive, however they stick out sufficient that they really feel sharp as you run your fingers over the sides of the cellphone. The shiny plastic additionally feels a bit low-cost.
Totallee Instances: Totallee, recognized for its ultra-slim circumstances, has lastly provide you with a naming construction for the varied fashions it makes. The Doberman is its most protecting case, with a rubber bumper across the edges, although we did not discover it that grippy. We just like the translucent design, however it’s a disgrace the Digicam Management button is a cutout on the case. The Spy case is a transparent, stable case, but it’s nonetheless extraordinarily skinny. The buttons are clicky, although entry to Digicam Management remains to be a cutout. The Scarf is Totallee’s bread and butter. You will get it in a number of colours, however this can be a shockingly paper-thin case that hardly feels there. Do not anticipate any severe safety from it. All of those circumstances have non-MagSafe variations for those who do not take care of the magnetic connector. They’re all completely (heh) effective circumstances, however we want the ultra-slim picks above.
Native Union (Re)Basic Case: We just like the crocodile leather-like texture of this case, and the aluminum buttons are a pleasant contact, although they really feel barely stiff. In contrast to the Energetic Case we like a lot, the Digicam Management button here’s a cutout within the case. It is a stable possibility, one constructed from recycled supplies, however the Energetic Case is a greater purchase.
Alto Wooden Case: We love an excellent wooden case, however we have now combined emotions about Alto’s circumstances. You will get customized laser-carved prints, like from its Wildlife or Flora sequence; you’ll be able to even add your individual picture. However these look a bit cheesy. Why disguise that attractive wooden? You may select from a variety of wooden types, from olive wooden to cherry. We would most likely seize one thing from the corporate’s Burl & Unique Sequence. The case itself is OK. The rubber bumper across the edges is grippy, however feels a bit low-cost. The facility button is stable, and there is a cutout for the Digicam Management button, however the quantity rocker feels a tiny bit mushy.
Beats Rugged Case: This case is the other of the Beats Kickstand case listed within the keep away from part under. The place that case was tremendous slippery, this one presents a significantly better grip. The buttons are clicky, the show and cameras are protected, and it appears very fairly. It is not the grippiest case, neither is it probably the most rugged, regardless of its identify. We want the Digicam Management button design on the Nomad Rugged Case, which has a thicker bumper. It is obtainable for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17e, iPhone 17 Professional, and iPhone 17 Professional Max.
BodyGuardz Efficiency Professional and Pulse Instances: BodyGuardz’s Pulse case is a effective possibility that is available in a enjoyable matcha shade and features a wrist strap. The Digicam Management button is properly elevated. Look alongside the aspect edges, and you may see vents—these assist disperse warmth, together with the cooling gel on the internal lining. We have tried testing this up to now and have not observed a lot of a distinction in gaming efficiency on the cellphone. The directional speaker is one thing that does really work. Mainly, the case directs the audio from the rear audio system towards you rather than downward, and you’ll hear a marginal distinction. The Efficiency Professional takes it to the max with bigger vents, and it provides a kickstand. We simply do not like how the case feels if you maintain it.
Burton Items Heritage Leather-based Case: Burton Items is from the creator of Pad & Quill, which shut down in 2023 attributable to chapter. The corporate was recognized for its stylish leather-based circumstances, and that has continued with the brand new model. The Heritage will make you’re feeling as for those who’re sitting in a comfy armchair by a hearth in an previous English examine. The total-grain leather-based feels supple (and smells nice), and the stitching offers it much more character. There’s MagSafe baked in, a microfiber inside, and all of the buttons are responsive. The perimeters are raised nicely across the show and Digicam Plateau, too. You may pair it with the Heritage MagSafe Pockets Stand, which is a magnetic pockets with a kickstand. We had been in a position to match about three bank cards, although the highest cowl flap makes it a bit exhausting to take away the playing cards.
Rhinoshield SolidX and Clear Instances: We’ve no qualms with both of those Rhinoshield circumstances. The SolidX is strong, thick, and protecting, with clicky buttons and MagSafe. The Clear case has extraordinarily clicky buttons that stick out fairly a bit, and it feels very sturdy. There’s simply not a lot else to them, aside from the truth that the corporate makes use of a proprietary materials known as Mono. It is one hundred pc recycled and is actually a single compound, making it simpler to recycle.
OtterBox Symmetry Sequence Case: OtterBox’s Symmetry sequence is its most enjoyable lineup as a result of there are normally a number of nifty designs to select from. Working example, have a look at this lovely cactus embroidered case! It is a enjoyable texture to have on the again of your cellphone, and it is tremendous cute. This model is definitely constructed from cactus leather-based, however different Symmetry circumstances are commonplace plastic. The essential Symmetry circumstances are overpriced at $60, however the embroidered variations are price contemplating. Whereas these have MagSafe baked in, the embroidery does weaken the magnetic connection. It nonetheless charged my iPhone, however I would not belief it on a MagSafe automotive dock.
OtterBox Commuter Sequence Case: OtterBox’s Commuter case is straightforward and inoffensive. You might have just a few muted colours to select from, and the dual-layer design has a rubber slipcover surrounded by a more durable plastic shell. I just like the rubber edges as they assist with grip, too. It checks off all of the bins—even the USB-C port is roofed up—however it’s simply not very thrilling.
OtterBox Figura Case: I like the best way this case wraps round my cellphone like a glove, however finally, it’s kind of too slippery for me to think about it for each day use. It would not appear to be the basic cumbersome design you may consider if you consider OtterBox. It is nonetheless decently protecting, however I discover the buttons troublesome to press as nicely—which could be a profit to you for those who are likely to hit them by chance.
Mous Tremendous Skinny Aramid Fibre Case: A number of corporations now make aramid fiber ultrathin circumstances, and actually, you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with most of them. We want the refined texture of Pitaka’s case (see above), however Mous’s Tremendous Skinny is a detailed second, and it even is available in a transparent possibility with MagSafe. I very very similar to the raised safety for the digital camera, although the Digicam Management button is uncovered, and there is much less safety on the highest and backside, in contrast to Pitaka’s case. As all the time, this sturdy case is extraordinarily skinny and will not present the perfect safety, particularly for the display screen, however it’ll cowl the standard put on and tear. Pair it with a display screen protector.
Thinborne Tremendous Skinny Aramid Fiber Case: It is tremendous skinny just like the Pitaka and Mous aramid fiber circumstances, with baked-in MagSafe, however Pitaka’s designs are higher. The entire buttons are uncovered right here, together with the Digicam Management. Thinborne features a display screen protector, however it’s important to freehand the set up because it would not include an software software.
Zagg iPhone 17 Instances: We’ve tried all of Zagg’s circumstances, they usually’re all stable, although we just like the Sedona (see above) probably the most. Listed here are some ideas on the lineup. The Crystal Palace Snap With Stand has the identical nice kickstand because the Sedona, in addition to an precise button for Digicam Management, however this case is obvious. It is a good way to indicate off your iPhone’s shade, although it smudges simply. The Manhattan Snap ditches the kickstand and is silicone, however it attracts an excessive amount of mud and lint; it is very comfortable, although. The Milan Snap has a enjoyable iridescent shade, and the Santa Cruz Snap With Stand has a placing, colourful bumper that is grippy, however the Digicam Management button is a cutout. The Luxe Snap could be my favourite of the lot by way of design, with a enjoyable texture on the again and grooved edges, however there is no kickstand. Lastly, the Rainier Case With Kickstand is the latest in Zagg’s lineup, and if you need strong safety, this one will fulfill. It is a two-shell case with a tough and thick bumper, and significantly raised edges for optimum display screen safety with extra-thick corners. Even the USB-C port is roofed up. You get the identical nice kickstand, however the buttons are a bit mushy.
ESR Clear, Smooth, and Powerful Magnetic Case: ESR has three variations of this case, every in a unique materials. The Smooth employs soft-touch silicone and is fairly good, with clicky buttons and a devoted Digicam Management button. The Clear is, nicely, clear, and the Powerful makes use of a tough plastic shell. None of them is especially thrilling, however what makes them distinctive is the built-in kickstand that surrounds the digital camera module. It is a neat thought, however you’ll be able to solely prop these telephones up in panorama orientation. Technically, you’ll be able to put them upright in portrait mode, however the cellphone must be the wrong way up. Both manner, the Zagg suggestion above is a significantly better kickstand case.
Smartish Gripzilla, Gripmunk, and Pockets Slayer Vol. 2 Instances: These circumstances are good and reasonably priced. The Gripzilla has textured edges that make for a pleasant grip, although it is nowhere close to as grippy as Dbrand’s Grip case (above). The Gripmunk has some ridges to assist with grip, and the Pockets Slayer Vol. 2 allows you to stuff a number of bank cards on the again. Nevertheless, the pockets interferes with MagSafe and has no magnets inside, so it cuts you off from wi-fi charging. It additionally makes the case very thick. They’re all stable circumstances for the cash, and it is best to store instantly from Smartish because it has some unique designs on its retailer.
Matter HT Snap Instances: Previously generally known as Atom Studios, these “Snap” circumstances aren’t really circumstances. They’re only a backing you’ll be able to magnetically stick with your cellphone to guard the rear glass. The corporate presents them in clear, wood-fiber, or agave supplies. All of them look good and really feel nice, particularly the Clear model for the iPhone Air. Nevertheless, we do not see the purpose of those. They do not cowl the sides in any respect, which is the place you will more than likely see scuffs and scratches after a drop. We would a lot quite go for an ultrathin case that wraps the sides of a cellphone, or one thing just like the Arc Pulse.
UAG Instances: We’ve examined the complete suite of UAG’s circumstances, from the Plyo and the Monarch Professional to the Metropolis LT and Plasma XTE. If we needed to choose one, it would be the Pathfinder. We love the intense yellow shade and the daring design, however it works. It makes us really feel tactical, like we’re about to scale a constructing and infiltrate it. The issue with all of UAG’s circumstances is that they are costly, and none of them function a devoted button for Digicam Management; it is all a cutout. (We have simply come to essentially want having an precise button on the case!) We additionally like the UAG Dot and its enjoyable translucent case.
{Photograph}: Louryn Strampe
Mophie Examine iPhone Case: This slim, trendy cellphone case has an built-in digital camera button, a comfortable materials that feels nice (if a bit slippery), and a bumper that protects the Digicam Plateau. I like that it is fashionable and minimalist and really light-weight. Simply make certain so as to add a cellphone grip if in case you have butterfingers like I do.
Examine Out These Crossbody Straps and Lanyards
Apple’s Crossbody Strap is expensive, however there are such a lot of enjoyable colours to select from, and you may as well color-match them along with your iPhone. It is constructed from one hundred pc recycled PET yarn, and the strap slides easily throughout your chest. Adjusting the strap is pretty straightforward with the stainless-steel sliding mechanism. I (Julian) have a 6’4″ body and was in a position to make it manner too lengthy for my physique. (The max strap size is 82 inches.) It is best paired with Apple’s official case because it has the connection factors on the backside, however it is best to be capable of use it with circumstances which have lanyard holes.
Orbitkey Crossbody Strap: I actually didn’t suppose this strap may work. I used to be in search of a crossbody strap that attaches to your cellphone by way of devoted loops on the case itself, quite than a card that sits inside your case, as a result of these generally pull free or come undone. Sadly, Orbitkey makes use of a card. Just a little bolstered loop pops out of the underside of your cellphone case—you simply clip a chrome steel ring that holds a 100-percent recycled polyester crossbody wire to it. I’m a convert as a result of the tab is fairly stable; I took my iPhone 17 tenting with this cable so I wouldn’t by chance go away it within the tent or on a picnic desk within the rain, and it was safe and held up. The ends of the wire are additionally bolstered with steel tabs. It’s additionally cheaper than the devoted Apple strap. Thus far, so good. —Adrienne So
Satechi OntheGo USB-C Lanyard Cable: I really like the thick wire of Satechi’s lanyard, and it is sufficiently big to comfortably put on as a crossbody. You may alter it to be a really small loop, too. Satechi additionally consists of two forms of connectors, black and clear, in an effort to use it with clear circumstances. It elevates the underside barely, however this did not pose any points after I tried it with varied circumstances. However the perfect a part of this crossbody is that it pulls double responsibility. It is a USB-C cable! Take away the tethered caps from every finish of the cable, and now you’ll be able to plug your cellphone right into a USB-C adapter or system to switch information (480 Mbps) or cost (60W max). —Julian Chokkattu
A forty five-Watt Charger
Do you know your new iPhone can cost sooner than ever? With a 40-watt charging adapter, you’ll be able to rise up to 50 p.c in simply 20 minutes. Your previous charger will nonetheless be effective, however if you need the quickest speeds, I like this easy, no-frills charger from Anker. At 45W, it covers your bases and may even juice up a laptop computer like a MacBook Air. The prongs fold up, making it good for journey, too.
I examined it with the iPhone 17 Professional and confirmed that the cellphone was receiving 35 watts when it was near zero p.c (the iPhone 17 Professional accepts as much as 36 watts), which is nice. My fast-charge speeds beat Apple’s claims, although. The system went from 7 to 83 p.c in half-hour. Wowza. Higher but, Anker features a 6-foot USB-C to USB-C cable. —Julian Chokkattu
Keep away from These Instances
Beats Kickstand Case: This case is out there for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Professional, and iPhone 17 Professional Max, however not the iPhone Air or iPhone 17e. We really feel dangerous not recommending it as a result of it is lovely, particularly in pink, and the kickstand is tremendous artistic. As an alternative of embedding a kickstand into the case, the included lanyard has a pill-shaped kickstand that pops out. Place it on one of many longer edges of the iPhone, and voila, kickstand! The issue is that it would not work in any respect in portrait orientation, so it is restricted as a kickstand case. Additionally, the polycarbonate case is shockingly slippery. We do not suppose we have ever used a case extra slippery. Julian was so stunned that he confirmed his spouse, and he or she instantly stated, “Yeah, no, I do not like that.” That is most likely why a lanyard is included.
Mujjo Full Leather-based Pockets Case: We like Mujjo’s leather-based circumstances, however we do not actually like those with a pockets sleeve embedded into the case itself. Firstly, the sleeve barely suits my card correctly, not to mention three, as the corporate claims. It is also actually exhausting to take the playing cards out. Whereas Mujjo has built-in magnets within the case, the magnetic connection is pretty weak as a result of the sleeve interrupts it. To not point out the truth that it’s important to take away your playing cards to really use MagSafe. It simply appears counterintuitive. Simply get a MagSafe pockets at that time.
Peak Design Gnar Case: Peak Design lastly got here out with a brand new case design for its SlimLink system, and sadly, we do not prefer it. There are textured edges on the perimeters, however it is not too grippy. The rubbery again feels misplaced and picks up mud simply. There is a port cowl, however it feels flimsy, and we fear about the way it will maintain up after a yr of use. The case additionally provides important top to the highest and backside edges of the cellphone, and we do not actually desire a longer cellphone. The lip across the display screen can also be very slim, a lot in order that my display screen protector rises above it. You are able to do higher for this worth.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Spigen Powerful Armor Kickstand Case: Sure, it is one of many least expensive kickstand circumstances round. However regardless of manufacturing this design for years, Spigen’s kickstand nonetheless feels so flimsy, and it solely works in panorama orientation. We do not know the way it’s so exhausting to make a kickstand that does each. We’re additionally not a fan of how the case appears.
Smartish Pockets Slayer Vol. 1: That is an odd case. The pockets sleeve on the again is actually tight, and we had bother stuffing two playing cards in. Taking them out is not straightforward both as a result of they get caught on the sting. Smartish additionally advertises a kickstand, however there is no such thing as a kickstand on the case. As an alternative, you are supposed to make use of your individual bank card because the kickstand, which is just a bit bizarre.
UAG Trooper Case: Instances are so good nowadays, which is why it is annoying when there’s an apparent flaw in a design. UAG’s Trooper is a rugged, robust case that could be very cumbersome. But as a substitute of including a button for Digicam Management, the corporate stored a cutout. However when the sting is so thick, it is genuinely exhausting to press this button, even when the again edge is sloped in. The quantity rocker and Motion Button are additionally exhausting to press.
OtterBox Defender Sequence Case: We will not fault this OtterBox Defender for doing what it does greatest: Being exceedingly sturdy. It has a belt holster, rugged bumper covers, just a few totally different colours, and a two-piece body. We can fault it for its infuriating Motion Button flap, although. One of many neatest options of newer iPhones is the Motion Button, and this case turns stated button from a handy, customizable companion into an inaccessible, cumbersome function that requires two arms to make use of. Completely not.




























