Why your iPhone 16 wants a case – even in case you’ve by no means used one earlier than

It is that point of 12 months once more — iPhone improve season.

For these of you who rose on the morning time and positioned your order in what I wish to name the competition of “Rush-iPhone-Ah” (often known as the nice Apple harvest), you may need obsessed over which shade to get. 

Additionally: I went hands-on with iPhone 16 Pro – my 3 favorite features of Apple’s pocket supercomputer

Nicely, I did not. Why? As a result of I am throwing mine in a case, that is why. I ordered my iPhone 16 Pro Max in pure titanium — the best shade to snag — and I did not need to wait an additional month for supply.

Do you want a case? Completely

Not utilizing a case nearly ensures you will injury your system the primary time you drop it. Perhaps you’ve got been one of many fortunate ones who’s by no means cracked a display. If that’s the case, congratulations — you’ve got defied the chances. However the iPhone 16 lineup introduces new dangers, and also you won’t be so fortunate this time.

Additionally: I maxed out my iPhone 16 Pro Max preorder. How much it cost me

The iPhone 16 collection has the narrowest bezels we have ever seen, giving customers extra display actual property and a modern, immersive design. Nonetheless, the slimmer bezels additionally imply the sides are extra uncovered, making your telephone extra weak to break from drops. In comparison with the iPhone 15’s 1.55mm bezels, the iPhone 16 has 1.2mm bezels, rising the chance of display impacts.

These upgrading from the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 will discover an much more dramatic change. The iPhone 12 collection had 3.47mm bezels, and the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 had barely thinner bezels, however they have been nonetheless wider than these of the iPhone 16.

Additionally: iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Should you upgrade?

Should you’re coming from one among these older fashions, you will be adjusting to a considerably extra uncovered show, making the necessity for a protecting case and glass display protector much more essential.

My high picks for iPhone 16 instances 

OtterBox 

The OtterBox Defender Series Pro ($64.95) is likely one of the most protecting choices accessible. 

Additionally: The best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases of 2024

Its basic clamshell design, mixed with rubber reinforcement, ensures heavy-duty safety. It is also MagSafe appropriate, making it supreme for these needing most safety with fashionable comfort. 

For a barely lighter different, the Defender Series Pro XT for MagSafe ($69.95) affords wonderful safety and has clear variations with coloured bumpers. Should you’re searching for one thing even lighter, the Symmetry and Commuter instances are high quality choices, although higher suited to extra cautious customers.

Nomad 

The Nomad Rugged case ($60) is constructed for max safety, with a shock-absorbing bumper designed to deal with drops. 

Additionally: Apple just gave me a compelling reason to buy the smaller iPhone 16 Pro over the Max this year

Add a magnetic leather-based again attachment with out sacrificing sturdiness in order for you a premium really feel. 

The Modern Leather case ($70) has a tough plastic shell that additionally integrates leather-based however is not as sturdy because the Rugged. 

Additionally: iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Should you upgrade to Apple’s latest model?

For a lighter possibility, the Nomad Sport ($50) affords sturdy safety with out bulk however lacks bumper reinforcement.

UAG 

The UAG Monarch Pro case ($79.95) affords military-grade safety with strengthened corners, however there’s vital pricing variation with many SKUs and color configurations. 

So, be selective when choosing the proper model in your wants.

Spigen

Spigen’s Tough Armor line is a dependable selection for cover at an affordable worth. Their Core Armor ($29) and Rugged Armor MagFit ($39) are standout choices, with the Rugged Armor MagFit additionally being MagSafe appropriate. 

These instances provide wonderful worth with out including extreme bulk.

ESR 

ESR’s economical Cyber Tough Case ($29) is their most sturdy providing, with strengthened corners and shock absorption. 

Its Stash Stand is an built-in, fold-out kickstand that doubles as a digital camera safety ring. 

Additionally: I demoed Apple’s standard iPhone 16 and didn’t envy the Pro models at all

The case additionally helps MagSafe by way of HaloLock, making it versatile for charging and mounting.

Why a glass protector can also be a should

Even with a case, your iPhone 16’s display is extra weak than ever. With bezels so near the sting, a case alone will not shield towards scratches, cracks, or the dreaded spider-web shatter after a fall. 

A tempered glass display protector is your subsequent important line of protection. This is my high three decisions:

OtterBox Premium Professional, Premium, and OtterBox Glass

OtterBox affords three tiers of safety for the iPhone 16: Premium Pro, Premium, and the entry-level OtterBox Glass. The Premium Professional gives enhanced scratch resistance and affect absorption, whereas Premium affords stable safety at a barely cheaper price level. OtterBox Glass is a extra reasonably priced entry-level possibility, offering primary safety.

ESR Tempered Glass Display Protector

ESR’s Tempered Glass Screen Protector is likely one of the most reasonably priced choices accessible, and it is available in a 3-pack. With 9H hardness and edge-to-edge safety, this protector gives wonderful protection towards scratches and drops. The straightforward set up system ensures a bubble-free match, making it an important budget-friendly selection with out compromising high quality.

Spigen Glas.tR EZ Match

The Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit is accessible in a 2-pack and options a simple set up system that reduces the effort of bubbles or misalignment. It affords 9H hardness for scratch and affect safety, conserving the display clear and responsive. Moreover, Spigen affords a privacy-enhanced model for customers who need added privateness, priced just some {dollars} greater than the usual mannequin.

Ultimate ideas

The iPhone 16 collection’s slimmer bezels and bigger screens improve the significance of defending your system. Whether or not you go for the rugged sturdiness of an OtterBox Defender, the modern design of a Nomad Rugged, or the reasonably priced safety of an ESR case and display protector, investing in sturdy instances and tempered glass is a should to maintain your system protected from unintentional drops and scratches.

 A small funding now can prevent from expensive repairs later.