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The best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases of 2024: Expert recommended
The iPhone 16 was finally unveiled at Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event on Monday. The new generation of iPhones features a new action button, more AI, and new color options like desert titanium. The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max are available for preorder now, and will be in stores on September 20. If you’re picking one up, you’ll want to make sure to invest in a solid case to make your new device last.
Also: Everything Apple announced at iPhone 16 event: AirPods, Apple Watch Series 10, AI, and more
It’s no secret that Apple iPhones aren’t the most rugged devices, sometimes yielding screen cracks and camera damage from simple drops. As someone who notoriously drops their phone on a daily basis, I have gotten to know what iPhone cases offer the best protection and have relied on ZDNET’s editors’ years of experience testing different case brands. No matter your needs — drop protection, style with durability, or functionality — we’ve got you covered.
What is the best iPhone 16 case right now?
Our pick for the best iPhone 16 case right now is the Nomad Sport Case case. This brand has been a longtime ZDNET favorite for its sleek form factor, MagSafe capabilities, and drop protection without a bulky form factor. Keep reading for more of our iPhone 16 case picks.
The best iPhone 16 cases of 2024
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Nomad Sport Case
Best iPhone 16 case overall
Nomad’s website says, “we believe that the smartphone is the 21st-century equivalent of the sword: a tool that everyone can wield and change the world with.” This makes Nomad cases a sort of sheath — or at least one with 8 feet of drop protection and a MagSafe back. The Nomad Sport Case is our pick for the best iPhone 16 case overall to help sheath your new phone.
ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner is a big fan of the Nomad brand. He ranks the Nomad Sport Case as the best phone case for the iPhone 15 Pro, praising it for its sleek design and lightweight feel. “I love how light these cases are. Combined with the noticeably lighter iPhone 15 Pro Max, it feels refreshingly light to hold,” Hiner says. Due to the similarities of the 15th and 16th generation of iPhones, the Nomad Sport Case will serve the iPhone 16 just as well.
This light case also offers enough drop protection and raised edges to keep the sensitive parts of your phone safe without a rugged or bulky feel. It provides protection with elegance, making it a perfect resting place for the sword — or new iPhone 16 — that is now in your hands. The Nomad Sport case is the perfect mix between lightweight and protective. Nomad also uses ethically-sourced material.
Nomad Sport Case features: Comes in four colors | 8 feet of drop protection | MagSafe passthrough
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Torras Ostand MagSafe Case
Best multifunctional iPhone 16 case
Torras cases have always been a ZDNET favorite: Hiner called the Ostend case for the iPhone 15 “the most versatile and innovative of the bunch.” The newest version fit for the iPhone 16 follows in its footsteps.
These cases are known for their multifunctional uses and simple, convenient design. This version does not have a round kickstand but a 360-degree vertical one that allows you to set your phone up in any position. The case’s MagSafe capabilities allow for wireless charging but also include a magnet to prop your phone up on even more surfaces. The latest version of this case also offers 16 feet of drop protection, so you don’t need to worry much about your sparkling new device being harmed, without it being too bulky.
Reddit users agree, with one saying, “The overall production and material quality of the cases is excellent. I’ve bought multiple Torras cases and screen protectors with my own money in the past, and they always deliver superb quality.”
Torras Ostand MagSafe Case features: 12 feet military drop protection | MagSafe back | 16ft Military drop protection
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Latercase for iPhone 16
Best thin iPhone 16 case
Bulky phone cases are annoying, especially if you prefer the Pro version of iPhones. Many protective cases have this problem, making them hard to grasp and stick in your pocket. A Latercase for your iPhone 16 will fix this.
The Latercase brand boasts the case as “the impossibly thin case,” and it’s not a fib. The case measures up to 0.6mm in thickness and only 11 grams in weight — very thin. It also has MagSafe capabilities and a textured surface for easy gripping.
Reddit users say they like the case for this reason, with one noting, “I used the Latercase for 2 years, and I really liked the case. It adds more grip and comfort to the phone whilst only adding very minimal bulk.”
The case is made from aramid fibers, which is virtually the same as Kevlar, the fabric used in bulletproof vests and aircraft panels. Therefore, the case is durable, scratch-resistant, and protects from everyday wear and tear. If you are looking to find something protective, unique, and thin for your phone, give Latercase a go.
Latercase for iPhone 16 features: MagSafe capabilities | Ultra-thin form factor | Camera protection | Aramid fiber material
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Incase Icon
Best stylish iPhone 16 case
Incase makes great laptop cases, and its designs for iPhone are no different. To best summarize this case, Reddit users describe the Incase Icon as “awesome” and “sexy.”
The case retails for $60 and has convenient features for its simple but unique woven design. The Incase Icon has raised edges for screen protection, press-fit buttons, MagSafe capabilities, and 10 feet of drop protection.
The case has two material options, plant-based corn leather (which comes in Pebbled Obsidian, Pebbled Cocoa, and Pebbled Oat Milk) and Woolenex woven blend (which comes in Graphite, Navy, Blush Pink, Cosmic Red, and Asphalt). The multitude of color options means the Incase Icon can fit any vibe.
Incase is a great place to look if you want a simple but stylish case.
Incase Icon features: 10 ft of drop protection | MagSafe | Raised edges for screen protection | Color options
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Nomad Modern Leather Case
Best leather case for iPhone 16
Leather is always a stylish and sleek choice for a phone case. However, it is not always the best at lasting or, sometimes, gripping your phone. That is why the Nomad Modern Leather case is a standout in this category. Even though leather is not the most sustainable material, Nomad asserts it sources it in sustainable ways.
ZDNET’s Hiner places the Nomad Leather case on his list of the best cases for iPhone 15 Pro. He writes, “With Apple’s leather cases, it would take weeks or months to absorb hand oils and become softer and easier to grip… With Nomad’s leather, you don’t have to do that. It’s soft and feels great in your hands as soon as you take it out of the box. If leather is still your thing, it’s a better leather case than the ones Apple used to sell.”
That being said, leather is not everybody’s thing. But, if you are in the market for a leather case with a MagSafe back, possibly sustainably sourced material, a camera protection, the Nomad Modern Leather case may be your winner.
Nomad Modern Leather case features: 8 feet drop protection | Sustainably sourced leather | MagSafe and magnetic back
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Our pick for the best iPhone 16 case is the Nomad Sport case for its sleek design and solid protection. Check out how the other options stack up below.
| iPhone 16 case | Price | Drop Protection | MagSafe |
| Nomad Sport case | $50 | Yes | Yes |
| Torras Ostand MagSafe case | $30 | Yes | Yes |
| Latercase for iPhone 16 | $60 | No | Yes |
| Incase Icon case | $60 | Yes | Yes |
| Nomad Modern Leather case | $70 | Yes | Yes |
The best iPhone 16 case option for you differs depending on your needs. For one, you may require an extremely protective case if you are clumsy with your device. Maybe you’re lucky with great phone handling skills and want a stylish case. There are options for everyone.
| Choose this iPhone 16 case… | If you want or are… |
| Nomad Sport case | A simple but protective sleek case that is a tried and true favorite. |
| Torras Ostand MagSafe case | A phone case that has more uses than protection. It has a kickstand and can stick to magnetic surfaces! |
| Latercase for iPhone 16 | A super thin case to stick your large phone in your small pocket. |
| Incase Icon case | A unique and stylish case with protection and MagSafe capabilities. |
| Nomad Modern Leather case | A person who prefers leather cases. This one also protects and comes worn in. |
We kept in mind the most important factors when choosing the best iPhone 16 cases. The most relevant aspects are:
- Drop Protection: The hard truth is that all humans are accident-prone. If you are anything like me, dropping your phone is more than a daily occurrence. When picking a phone case, it is wise to consider how often you drop your phone.
- Style: iPhone cases go beyond just protecting the device. Like most people, you may want a phone case that matches your personal style and is pleasing to the eye.
- Cost: iPhones are expensive, and spending a lot on a phone case just adds to the bill. Therefore, we consider price an important factor in our selections.
- Special Features: Many cases have added features like MagSafe capabilities and a kickstand. We include these products to appease those who may prefer wireless charging or other necessary features.
To choose these iPhone 16 cases, we performed extensive research over every corner of the internet, like Reddit forums and customer reviews, to find the best picks at the time of this writing. When we can’t test a product, we rely on opinions from real people over company promises. We also receive recommendations from ZDNET experts like reviews editor Kerry Wan and editor-in-chief Jason Hiner, who have years of experience in the tech journalism field. Our picks are meant to leave the reader happy and their device healthy.
On this list, the Nomad Sport case and the Torras Ostand MagSafe Case are the most protective for their drop protection and protective features.
However, if you stray from the list, the best options are those with a solid bumper and durable material. Before purchasing a case, make sure to check its drop protection and other safety features.
Unfortunately, there isn’t such a thing as the best phone case brand. Many sources point to Spigen and Otterbox as the most popular phone case brands with the most units sold. That, however, does not necessarily mean they are the best brands. It is ultimately up to you and your lived experience and opinion.
Materials like plastic or polycarbonate usually offer the best price and durability. Other cases made from leather or metal can be pricier and may not offer the best protection.
The iPhone 16 is available for preorder now, and will arrive in stores on September 20.
If your phone has the problem of overheating, it may be best to look into specialty cases called heat dissipation cases. These cases are made of heat-wicking material that regulates heat and allows airflow to cool your phone down.
This is a good question, and if we had to chime in, we would say something more durable. A study by tech protection service Asurion in 2013 that 3 out of 10 teenagers have dropped and/or damaged their cell phones in the past 18 months. Ten years later, many phones are even less durable. Therefore, that number may be higher, especially if teenagers have more phones than ever. To prevent damage to your teen’s phone, it may be wise to invest in a durable case that protects the device.
The internet is filled with many options, so it’s no surprise that some products are just as good as the ones on this list. Here are some alternatives that may suit your needs better.
