13 Outstanding iPhone 16 And iPhone 16 Pro Cases For Design And Function
by David Phelan · ForbesApple’s class of 2024 iPhones have arrived. The iPhone 16 series consists of four new models all slightly different in size from each other and from last year’s iPhones. The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch display, and the iPhone 16 Plus screen measures 6.7-inches. Both phones are almost identical in size to the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.
But no, your old case won’t fit because there’s a new button on the latest models, the Camera Control, and the old mute/ring switch has now become the Action Button which is a different shape. And anyway, do you really want to put your brand-new phone in a year-old case?
Most, but not all, cases have a gap where the Camera Control sits but a select few have a special cover that works with the button which is a hybrid of a mechanical and a touch-sensitive control.
The other two iPhones are the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens respectively—that last one is the biggest screen yet on an iPhone. These sizes are new so, again, you’ll need a new case.
That’s settled then. Next, you need to decide whether you want protection that just clads the back of the phone, and whether you want something bulky but rugged or slim but less protective. Or maybe a wraparound case that holds the phone like a wallet, with space for cards and cash. You could choose a sleeve so that you can slide it out of its protection when you need it. All these types of case, and more, are below.
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Great Protection
Mous Limitless 6.0
$64.99 from mous.co
Fits iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
Mous makes exceptional cases that are highly protective, thanks to the company’s bespoke AiroShock material, without being excessively bulky. The Limitless is the flagship protective case and has reinforced corners and a rigid build. The lip around the long edges of the case is tapered, so you don’t feel them against your face when talking on the phone, but the corners and edges are safe. There are nine different finishes to choose from, including aramid fiber, black leather, walnut and bamboo. Limitless 6.0 is 25% thinner than the version it replaces, without sacrificing protection. Prices are $10 off at the time of writing.
Great Budget Buy
Smartish Gripmunk with Magsafe
$19.99 from smartish.com
Fits iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
Although this case has a bargain price, it still has decent protection, including lips on the sides of the phone and the camera island, plus air pocket corners. The edges have a grippy feel and the back, while smooth, is not slippery. Build quality is good and it comes in two clear versions and other colours, some of which cost $5 more. Definitely worth a look.
Opulent Folio
Nomad Leather Folio Horween
$90 from nomadgoods.com
Fits iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
Nomad is another brand with an impeccable track record for making products which are handsome, well-crafted and effective. Many of its products, like this one, come in versions made from Horween leather, which is so soft and appealing you’ll find yourself stroking it. This folio has a magnetic clasp to hold it shut (though you can remove that if you prefer) and the inside, leather lined, has three slots for cards and a place for cash. The case has decent protection and looks and feels sensational. This case is for Pro versions and come in black, rustic brown and a limited-edition green chrome finish.
Slick Fashion-Forward Case
Beats Case
$49 from beatsbydre.com
Fits iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
This case slid right to the top of my favorite pile and it’s still there. This is a glossy, drop-dead-gorgeous case that feels great. It comes in four different colors, including a subtle pale shade called summit stone. Each has the familiar MagSafe ring on the back, but here’s it’s slimmed down to look especially cool. While Beats headphones reveal their heritage in an unmissable logo, here the giveaway is a tiny brand name on the edge. Unlike most cases, this one has a Camera Control cover, which adds to the allure.
Colorful Protection
Otterbox Defender Pro XT
$69.95 from otterbox.com
Fits iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
This is a chunky case that adds significant protection while holding the phone tightly inside. It has grippy rubber edges so that it’s likely to stay in your hand, and if it doesn’t the phone should still be fine. There’s also a cover that goes across the USB-C port, keeping dirt and dust at bay. The buttons have rubber covers which also keep the phone clean, but note that you have to press firmly to activate them. Choose between cases that are fully clear, showing off the iPhone inside, or patterned in vivid colors.
Snazzy Lightweight Case
Thinborne Aramid Fiber
$69.98 from thinborne.com
Fits iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
The light and thin case from Thinborne is tough and protective because it’s made of aramid, five times stronger and lighter than steel, not least because Thinborne uses a premium version, 600D. It’s strong and it also has a great feel to it that’s good to hold. It has a minimalist look and adds very little bulk to the iPhone. The company also thoughtfully includes a screen protector in the box. Available in black only.
Neat Wallet Alternative
Smartish Wallet Slayer
$24.99 from smartish.com
Fits iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
Austin, Texas is the home for the cool Smartish brand. The Wallet Slayer had a slot on the back for three cards and a bit of cash, cleverly designed so the cards are securely held, but easily removed. Air pockets in the corners of the case help the iPhone survive when dropped. Because of the gap for credit cards in the back, this case isn’t MagSafe-compatible. Choose between understated colors like Black Tie Affair or Blues on the Green, or striped or floral designs (the last two are $5 extra).
Super-Svelte Design
Peel Super Thin Case
$35 from buypeel.com
Fits iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
I’ve been using Peel cases for years because they feel so good and add so little to the size of the phone—the case is two hundredths of an inch thick. It’s the closest you can come to actually using the phone naked, as it were. Choose from different finishes, some of which are opaque, others let the Apple logo shine through. Note that the thinness means there’s precious little protection on the front of the phone, unlike some chunkier cases which have a raised lip to protect the glass. So, best chosen with a screen protector in tow.
Minimalist Leather Back
Nomad Magnetic Leather Back
$40 from nomadgoods.com
Fits iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
It’s all very well using an iPhone without a case but the back can get really scratched if you’re not careful. So, how about this, a back made out of Horween leather that snaps magnetically in place, protecting the back but leaving the sides and front as Apple intended. The leather gains a patina over time and the cameras are protected by a raised ring. Peel off the stickers to reveal microsuction for even better attachment. It goes without saying that you should consider a screen protector with this.
Solid Sleeve Protection
Ryan London Leather Sleeve
$46 from ryanlondon.com
Fits iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
If you like handling the iPhone as it was built, a sleeve is a cunning solution, keeping the handset safe and protected until you slide it out to use it. Ryan London’s handmade sleeves come in a great series of colors, with a contrasting inner sleeve. The soft Italian leather and wool felt lining make for a strong and effective case. Choose from turquoise and orange, navy blue and mint or orange and beige, for instance. For an extra $5 you can have the case personalized with an embossed name.
Classic And Clear
Apple Clear Case with MagSafe
$49 from apple.com
Fits iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
A clear case means you can show off off which colour of iPhone you chose. This model is made by Apple, so it has a perfect fit and unlike most others, it has a cover on the Camera Control. This is cool: because the new button is part-capacitive touch, it means that the button needs to transmit what the capacitive button recognizes. It does this through a sapphire crystal, coupled to a conductive layer. It works as smoothly as the Camera Control itself. This case is clear all over, even the edges, save for the white Camera Control. It’s shiny and highly attractive.
Protective And Clear
Mous Clarity 3.0
$64.99 from mous.co
Fits iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
More super-protection from Mous, this time in a clear case. Choose from fully clear or an iridescent finish. The latest Clarity is 32% thinner than previous versions, but still offers outstanding protection against drops. There are reinforced corners, subtly raised edges and camera panel protection to give you peace of mind. The clear material is designed so it won’t yellow over time. The Camera Control has a bigger cut-out around it than many here, making access to the new button easy.
Smart Leather Case
Nomad Traditional Leather Case
$80 from nomadgoods.com
Fits iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
Nomad’s Traditional case is sublime. It wraps around the edges of the iPhone to protect it and to give an attractive all-leather look to the entire phone, leaving just the display. The lip is slightly raised to protect the screen. The buttons have anodised aluminium covers and a gap for the Camera Control. If you’re not drawn to the amazingly soft Horween leather, Nomad also makes this case in regular leather, which is cheaper. But, trust me, the Horween leather is sensational.. The patina will change with time and the MagSafe ring shape can become visible eventually.