Best iPhone 16 cases 2024, according to a tech critic

Mous makes outstandingly good protective cases. The new Mous clarity is noticeably thinner than previous versions (almost a third thinner, the company says), while still offering outstanding drop protection. The corners are subtly raised while the edging on the long sides is lower, so your phone’s protected if it falls but remains comfortable to hold to your face. The company’s bespoke material, AiroShock, is in the corners and the rigid materials of the case, dissipating energy when it falls. There’s a cut-out that gives full access to the camera control, while the surround for the rear cameras stands just proud of the lenses. This case is clear apart from a black MagSafe array, though an iridescent option is also available. The material is designed not to yellow over time, too.

Smartish is based in Austin, Texas, and it makes a wide range of cases and accessories. The wallet slayer has a slot on the back for three cards and a bit of cash – it’s cleverly designed so the cards are securely held but easily removed. It’s a funky case, which is in tune with the company – even the colours have eye-catching names such as ‘black tie affair’ or ‘so jaded’ (pictured). 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. Meanwhile, it includes a gap to access camera control.

While it’s true you can’t really go wrong with any product from the wonderful Nomad, the very best products use something called Horween leather, which is impossibly tactile and soft. The folio is a secure fit on the iPhone and even has a magnetic clasp. Don’t want the clasp? It slides out of the case easily, while a gap is included to access camera control. The inside has three card slots and another place for cash. The lining is also leather, making it even more sumptuous. Buttons have a pleasant anodised aluminium cover to them and the bumper ensures the iPhone stays safe, even if you drop it from a height of 8ft.

Burga makes a wide range of cases, and they look great – there are 300 designs to choose from. Once you’ve chosen the pattern you like (the one pictured is called ‘full glam’ and has a sultry liquid wood kind of vibe, but there are many more), you can then choose whether you want a tough MagSafe case. Tough MagSafe is compatible with Apple’s charging system and has a raised buffer that’s 2mm above the display. You could also go for tough, elite or elite MagSafe. All look and feel good and there are thoughtful additions such as a ring holder to attach to the back (£19.95, Burga.com), as well as a gap to access camera control.

If you like to use your iPhone without a case but want some added protection while you’re carting it around, a sleeve can be a brilliant solution. Your phone sits, safe and protected, in the sleeve and then, when the phone rings or you need to check something, you simply slide it out. This case from Harber’s range of highly appealing leather protectors also has a slot for a credit card and a pull tag, so you can pop the case off faster than you can say “is that my phone ringing?”. It’s soft but strong, and has a pleasant feel in the hand. Choose from tan, black, navy or deep brown colourways.

A clear case shows off whichever colour of iPhone you’ve chosen. As this case is made by Apple, it’s no surprise it’s a perfect fit and it has a cover on the camera control. This is cool as, because the new button is part-capacitive touch, it means that, somehow, the button needs to transmit what the capacitive button understands (the electrical field that is the human finger). It does this through a sapphire crystal, coupled to a conductive layer. It works as smoothly as the camera control itself, so you can not only press to take a photo but slide your finger back and forth to zoom, for instance. Unlike some cases, this clear case is clear all over, even the edges, save for the white camera control. It’s shiny and can be a little slippy in the hand.

This case wraps around the edges of the iPhone to protect it and to give an attractive all-leather look to the entire phone, apart from the display. The lip is slightly raised, to protect the screen; the buttons have anodised aluminium covers; and there’s 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 £15 cheaper. Trust us, though, the Horween leather is sensational. Choose from black or rustic brown. The patina changes over time and note that the ring shape from MagSafe can be visible over time.

A super thin case that’s just two-hundredths of an inch thick, it’s no wonder this model almost feels like there’s no case there at all. It doesn’t add any discernible weight and it feels good in the hand. The lip around the front of the display is minimal, so, protection for the display is non-existent – it’s worth investing in a screen protector if you opt for this case. It’s elegant and classy, with accurately manufactured button covers and a gap for the camera control. Some colours are translucent, so the Apple logo shines through, while others, like the handsome ‘jet white’ have a glossy, solid finish.

Another minimalist option is protection that just covers the back of the iPhone, not even the edges. The magnetic leather back uses the same highly tactile Nomad leather as many of Nomad’s other cases but this literally just plonks into place to cover the iPhone’s rear. It’s precisely cut to sit just right and there’s a raised lip to protect the cameras. The leather, as well as being soft, develops a patina over time. It’s attached by a combination of magnets and microsuction, so it stays in place well. Nomad is based in Santa Barbara, California, but its prices include duties and taxes.