3 reasons Apple’s official iPhone 16 cases aren’t worth the money, and what you should get instead

This article was published as part of our ongoing partnership with Supcase.

Whether you choose the base iPhone 16 or the swankier iPhone 16 Pro models, one thing is for certain—well, two things, as it’s no secret that these are among the best smartphones you can get. The titanium frame around the newest iPhones isn’t going to protect the glass back or front from damage if dropped. With most people putting a case on their phone as soon as they get it, the only decision is between one of Apple’s first-party cases or a third-party case. Both have their pros and cons, but you get more options and arguably more value if you go for a third-party case.

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3 Apple’s official cases are all slimline

Which is fine, but you don’t get a lot of protection for your cash

The iPhone 16 range is all about sleek lines, thinness, and beautiful finishes. Which is awesome, but it does make for problems while using them as intended. Glass, even with a frosted texture, isn’t the grippiest of materials, and thin sides don’t give you much to grip, either. That means going with a case is almost a certainty, as you’ll want to protect your investment and cut down on potential AppleCare+ visits. However, since Apple discontinued leather cases in favor of FineWoven cases when the iPhone 15 launched and has discontinued FineWoven cases as the quality wasn’t there, that leaves few first-party options.

Currently, you can only get Apple-branded iPhone 16 cases in slimline silicone or clear options. That’s fine if you like either of those materials and are happy paying a premium for first-party cases that will fit around the new capacitive camera button and other controls, but you’re not really getting good value here.

You can get more protection and features by going for a third-party case, like the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro, which we reviewed for the Pixel 8a but has the same feature set for the iPhone 16. The case features a rubber cover for the USB-C port so it doesn’t get dust or lint inside, a built-in kickstand, and a screen protector for all-around protection. I’m also a big fan of Peak Design’s Everyday Case range, which links into a larger ecosystem of stands and accessories for content creators or those with an active lifestyle.

Pile of phone cases from Spigen, Speck, Otterbox, Incipio, Thinbourne, Casebourne, Peak, Mous, and more

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2 You’ll want corner protection

Glass panels crack regardless of the titanium frame they’re in

Another area in which third-party cases excel is beefed-up protection, particularly for the corners, which are often the first part of your phone to hit the ground. Apple doesn’t have any rugged first-party cases this year, and even the third-party cases that are available at the Apple Store are mostly of the slimline type this year. Maybe that’s okay if you opted for AppleCare+ coverage, but a short drop shouldn’t be the end of your premium iPhone 16.

The Spigen Enzo Aramid Fiber case on an iPhone 16 Pro.

Other case manufacturers are stepping up to protect the corners, edges, and camera bumps more thoroughly. If you want the best protection, a rugged case will cover every part of your phone while paying particular attention to the parts that stick out, as they need more protection. You can even get ones with 360-degree protection that have integrated screen protectors, which often give water protection as well. But you don’t have to go for a rugged case to get good corner protection, as Casetify has slimline cases with air corner bumpers, as do a few other manufacturers. And you can get exotic materials from third-party manufacturers, like Aramid fibers, leather, and even ones with wood inlays.

An image showing an iPhone 16 Pro Max and a person distressed.

Does a titanium phone really need a case? I broke mine so you don’t have to

Glass breaks, no matter the material on your phone’s rails

1 Third-party cases give you better value

You’ll get more protection and added features from shopping around

It’s great that Apple still makes its own cases, so that first-day purchasers can get a protective case at the same time as ordering their iPhone. But, especially this year, the number of first-party cases on offer is small and does little to offer more than basic protection. Even with titanium phones, you still need good drop protection to keep the glass faces of your iPhone 16 safe from impacts, and the slimline cases Apple makes offer little in added value. They’re great for a quick fix when you first get your phone while you wait for more protective alternatives.

With the depth of third-party case options for the iPhone 16, it’s easy to find something that fits your needs and sense of style. Rugged cases like those from Supcase will offer superior protection, while Peak Design has an awesome system for attached stands and accessories, and companies like Casetify offer deep customization. Whichever third-party case you go for, they all give you more value than the official cases, with more features and options.

Supcase UB Mag case for iPhone 16

Supcase has a slimline, stylish case in the UB Mag. It has clear panels so you can see your iPhone 16 and comes in several colors to match your personal style. Even the camera control button is protected, with 46 copper conductors to ensure peak performance, and the MagSafe ring brings secure magnetic connection to accessories, stands, and chargers.
Supcase UB Grip case for iPhone 16 Plus

Supcase’s UB Grip is a rugged case with tons of added value features, like a MagSafe ring that doubles up as a kickstand so you get hands-free viewing wherever you are. You also get enhanced corner drop protection, a stunning angular design, and integrated camera button protection that works just as well as the bare button.
Peak Design Everyday Case for iPhone 16

The Peak Design Mobile Everyday Case isn’t just a stylish case for your iPhone 16 that features a soft-touch fabric backing. It’s your link to a world of accessories, thanks to the SlimLink connector on the back that can hook onto motorcycle mounts to mobile tripods and more, while also retaining MagSafe compatibility for chargers and stands.