13 excellent iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases for design and function

Apple’s class of 2024 iPhones has arrived. The iPhone 16 series consists of four new models, all of which differ slightly in size from each other and from last year’s iPhones. The iPhone 16 has a display of 6.1 inches and the screen of the iPhone 16 Plus measures 6.7 inches. Both phones are virtually identical in size to the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.

But no, your old case won’t fit because there’s a new button on the latest models, the camera control, and the old mute/ring switch has now become the action button, which has a different shape. And anyway, do you really want to put your brand new phone in a year-old case?

Most, but not all, cases have a hole where the camera controls are, but a select few have a special case that works with the button, a hybrid of a mechanical and a touch-sensitive control.

The other two iPhones are the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens respectively; the latter is the largest screen yet on an iPhone. These sizes are new, so you will need a new cover again.

That is then arranged. Then you need to decide whether you want protection that only covers the back of the phone, and whether you want something bulky but rugged or slim but less protective. Or perhaps a wraparound case that holds the phone like a wallet, with room for cards and cash. You can choose a cover so that you can take it out of its protection when you need it. All these types of cases, and more, are below.

---

Great protection

Mous Boundless 6.0

$64.99 from mous.co

Suitable for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

Mous makes exceptional cases that are highly protective, thanks to the company’s custom AiroShock material, without being too bulky. The Limitless is the flagship protective case and has reinforced corners and a rigid construction. The lip around the long edges of the case is tapered, so you won’t feel them against your face when you’re on the phone, but the corners and edges are secure. There are nine different finishes to choose from, including aramid fiber, black leather, walnut and bamboo. Limitless 6.0 is 25% thinner than the version it replaces, without sacrificing protection. At the time of writing, prices are $10 off.

---

Great budget purchase

Smart Gripmunk with Magsafe

$19.99 from smartish.com

Suitable for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

While this case comes at a bargain price, it still offers decent protection, including lips on the sides of the phone and camera island, plus air pocket corners. The edges feel nice and the back is smooth, but not slippery. Build quality is good and comes in two clear versions and other colors, some of which cost $5 more. Definitely worth a look.

---

Sumptuous folio

Nomad leather folio Horween

$90 from nomadgoods.com

Suitable for iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

Nomad is another brand with an impeccable track record of creating products that are beautiful, well-made, and effective. Many of the products, like this one, come in versions made from Horween leather, which is so soft and attractive you’ll find yourself caressing it. This folio has a magnetic closure to keep it closed (although you can remove that if you prefer) and the leather-lined interior has three card slots and a place for cash. The case has decent protection and looks and feels sensational. This case is for Pro versions and is available in limited edition black, rustic brown and a green chrome finish.

---

Sleek, fashionable case

Beat’s case

$49 from beatsbydre.com

Suitable for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

This case slid all the way to the top of my favorite pile and it’s still there. This is a shiny, stunning case that feels great. It comes in four different colors, including a subtle pale shade called topstone. They all have the familiar MagSafe ring on the back, but here it has been slimmed down to look particularly cool. While Beats headphones reveal their heritage in an unmissable logo, the giveaway here is a little branding on the edge. Unlike most cases, this one has a Camera Control cover, which adds to the allure.

---

Colorful protection

Otterbox Defender Pro XT

$69.95 from otterbox.com

Suitable for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

This is a sturdy case that provides significant protection while keeping the phone securely inside. It has grippy rubber edges, so it’ll probably stay put in your hand, and if it doesn’t, the phone should still be fine. There is also a cover over the USB-C port, which keeps dirt and dust out. The buttons have rubber covers that also keep the phone clean, but note that you have to press firmly to activate them. Choose between cases that are completely transparent, which shows off the inside of the iPhone, or with a pattern in vibrant colors.

---

Trendy lightweight suitcase

Thin-based aramid fibre

$69.98 from thinborne.com

Suitable for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

Thinborne’s light and thin casing is strong and protective because it is made of aramid, five times stronger and lighter than steel, not least because Thinborne uses a premium version, 600D. It is strong and also feels good, making it easy to hold. It has a minimalist look and adds very little bulk to the iPhone. The company also thoughtfully packs a screen protector into the box. Only available in black.

---

Neat wallet alternative

Smart Wallet Slayer

$24.99 from smartish.com

Suitable for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

Austin, Texas is home to the cool brand Smartish. The Wallet Slayer had a slot on the back for three cards and some cash, cleverly designed so that the cards are held securely but can be easily removed. Air pockets in the corners of the case help the iPhone survive a drop. Due to the space for credit cards on the back, this case is not MagSafe compatible. Choose between subdued colors like Black Tie Affair or Blues on the Green, or striped or floral patterns (the latter two are $5 extra).

---

Super slim design

Peel the super thin casing

$35 from buypeel.com

Suitable for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

I’ve been using Peel cases for years because they feel so good and add so little to the size of the phone: the case is two-hundredths of an inch thick. The closest you get is using the phone naked, so to speak. Choose from a variety of finishes, some opaque, others allowing the Apple logo to shine through. Note that the thinness means there is very little protection on the front of the phone, unlike some larger cases that have a raised lip to protect the glass. So best chosen with a screen protector in tow.

---

Minimalist leather back

Nomad magnetic leather back

$40 from nomadgoods.com

Suitable for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

It’s all very well using an iPhone without a case, but the back can get very scratched if you’re not careful. So how about this: a back made from Horween leather that snaps into place magnetically, protecting the back but leaving the sides and front as Apple intended. The leather develops a patina over time and the cameras are protected by a raised ring. Remove the stickers to reveal microsuction for even better adhesion. It goes without saying that you should consider a screen protector.

---

Sturdy sleeve protection

Ryan London leather cover

$46 from ryanlondon.com

Suitable for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

If you like to hold the iPhone the way it’s built, a case is a crafty solution, keeping the handset safe and protected until you slide it out to use it. Ryan London’s handmade covers are available in a great range of colours, with a contrasting inner cover. The soft Italian leather and wool felt lining make for a strong and effective cover. For example, choose from turquoise and orange, navy blue and mint or orange and beige. For an additional €5 you can personalize the case with an embossed name.

---

Classic and clear

Apple Clear case with MagSafe

$49 from apple.com

Suitable for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

With a transparent case you can show which color iPhone you have chosen. This model is made by Apple, so it has a perfect fit and, unlike most others, it has a cover on the Camera Control. This is cool: because the new button is partially capacitive, it means the button has to transmit what the capacitive button recognizes. This is done by means of a sapphire glass, linked to a conductive layer. It works as smoothly as the camera controls themselves. This case is transparent everywhere, even the edges, except for the white camera controls. It is shiny and very attractive.

---

Protective and clear

Mous Clarity 3.0

$64.99 from mous.co

Suitable for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

Even more super protection from Mous, this time in a clear case. Choose from completely clear or an iridescent finish. The latest Clarity is 32% thinner than previous versions, but still offers excellent drop protection. There are reinforced corners, subtly raised edges and camera panel protection for peace of mind. The clear material is designed so that it does not yellow over time. The camera controls have a larger cutout around them than many here, making access to the new button easy.

---

Smart leather bag

Nomad traditional leather bag

$80 from nomadgoods.com

Suitable for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

Nomad’s traditional case is sublime. It wraps around the edges of the iPhone to protect it and to give the entire phone an attractive all-leather look, leaving only the screen. The lip is slightly raised to protect the screen. The buttons have anodized aluminum covers and an opening for the camera controls. If you’re not attracted to the amazingly soft Horween leather, Nomad also makes this case in regular leather, which is cheaper. But trust me, the Horween leather is sensational. The patina will change over time and the MagSafe ring shape may eventually become visible.