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.

Although this is Smartish’s affordable case it still has decent protection, including raised lips for the sides of the phone and the camera island, plus air pocket corners to work, as the company puts it, like small airbags. The edges have a rough feel to improve grip and the back, while smooth, is far from slippery. Build quality is good and it comes in two clear versions, one with a black tint and other colours for the same price. There are three patterned finishes which cost £20, which is great value.

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.

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.

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.

Apple’s silicone and clear cases are the company’s most popular, and the silicone case this year retains the joys of its predecessors. It is smooth but not slippery, feeling good but not making you think you’re about to drop it. The colours are as feisty as the phone colours this year, including a powerful blue that goes well with the ultramarine iPhone 16 (pictured). Apple has contrived a cover that operates the camera control effectively, and every other part of the case is perfectly matched to the phone inside. Sometimes the case can attract smudges.

Otterbox is best known for its high-protection cases and some of them are big and chunky, but the symmetry range, while still offering some shock absorption, is about the look and the finish. There’s a silky, ridged feel to the case, even down to the button covers – though the camera control is achieved by leaving a gap in the edge. The corners feature anchors to which you can attach straps, for instance. Despite being much thinner than the company’s toughest options, this case certainly adds a little extra size, though not much weight.

Although it’s light and thin, the Thinborne is tough and protective because it’s made of aramid, that is carbon fibre which the company points out is five times stronger and lighter than steel. It’s strong and it also has a great feel to it that’s both tactile and good to grip. The case comes with a warning on how to take it off, which basically involves pushing upwards on the top corners rather than backward as you might imagine. It adds very little bulk to the iPhone. The company also includes a screen protector in the box. It comes in any colour, so long as it’s black.

Snakehive’s leather cases are more affordable than much of the competition despite being handmade in the UK. Some colours (navy, black , bottle green and grey) have a pleasing suede-like feel to them on the outside, with a smooth leather inside. Other colours, such as chestnut brown, teal and plum are glossier. The case has a clever design where the bumper that holds the iPhone can be slid forward and angled for video playback, for instance. A magnetic clasp holds the case shut effectively.

Beats is owned by Apple and this is the first foray into phone cases for the brand, best known for headphones and speakers. The slim and shiny case is very attractive and comes in quiet shades like summit stone (pictured) and riptide blue, which is a pale teal-like shade. The MagSafe magnets which look like a magnifying glass are represented in a stylishly thin line, and the camera control cover is a perfectly flush sapphire crystal that works smoothly. Beats headphones are known for their unmissable logo. Here, the name of the brand sits quietly on the edge, picked out in orange on the summit stone and a much subtler turquoise on riptide blue. Inside the case – for your eyes only! – the microfibre lining has an unexpected pop of colour. Elegant and beautifully made.

Mujjo makes excellent leather cases with understated designs, such as this one which comes in five colours – the one pictured is called green smoke and has enough colour to be distinctive while still being subtle and demure. The leather is tanned to be almost smooth, giving it a great feel while still having a level of grippiness. The metal buttons work well, with just the right amount of give, and there’s a gap for the new camera control. The leather frame sits 1mm above the display to protect it.

This is the flagship protective case from Mous, which tells you that it’s going to be more protective than almost anything thanks to the company’s bespoke AiroShock materials with reinforced corners and rigid build. Like the Mous clarity above, it cleverly tailors the long edges so you don’t feel them against your face when talking on the phone. There are nine different finishes to choose from, including aramid fibre (£5 extra), black leather, walnut and bamboo. Limitless 6.0 is 25 per cent thinner than the version it replaces. All models are currently £5 off.