Best cases you can buy right now for iPhone 16 handsets [Updated]
Photo: Cult of Mac
"If you snatched up an iPhone 16 or 16 Pro — congrats! Now it’s time to consider how you’ll protect it. New iPhones aren’t fragile, and plenty of people go caseless to show off their handset’s sleek lines and cool color. But imagine how bummed you’ll be if you drop it and break it. Fortunately, there are already plenty of protective new cases to choose from.
After all, case-makers anticipate the new iPhone every year, and they bring the variety. You could go minimal with a thin case that works well with iPhone 16’s sleek design. You might seek extreme impact resistance for the most damaging drops. Or maybe you’d pick a luxurious leather that only looks better with age.
We rounded up the best options you can buy right now — in addition to cases by Apple and its subsidiary Beats — with prices starting at less than $20, below.
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Best iPhone 16 cases you can buy right now
The best iPhone 16 case for you comes down to how you use your phone and what type of person you are. Those who treat their gadgets with great care and trust Apple’s sleek design and tough glass to handle most (rare) mishaps can go with ultra-slim or affordable options without much fear. But the mistake-prone might opt for a tougher case to help ensure their device lasts until they want to upgrade.
And you should also consider MagSafe. Apple’s magnetic system will hold your new iPhone in place on compatible power banks, charging stands, car mounts and more. If you plan to utilize any MagSafe or Qi2 wireless accessories, you should look for a MagSafe-compatible case that includes its own magnets. That ensures the case won’t block iPhone’s magnetic pull.
And, while this roundup focuses on third-party cases, we spotted deals on Apple’s official iPhone 16 cases with some pretty sweet discounts.
Table of contents: Best iPhone 16 cases available now
- Best iPhone 16 thin case for people who don’t like cases
- Best iPhone 16 rugged case for ultimate protection
- Best iPhone 16 folio or wallet case for carrying cash and cards
- Best iPhone 16 leather cases for a touch of luxury
- Best Mac-inspired retro-cool iPhone 16 case
- Best iPhone 16 cases for dazzling design
- Best stylish cross-body iPhone 16 case
- Best iPhone 16 case with a built-in stand
- Best iPhone 16 case for photographers and filmmakers
- Best budget case for iPhone 16
- Best iPhone 16 case that takes ‘It’s Glowtime’ literally
Best iPhone 16 thin case for people who don’t like cases
If you want to keep your iPhone 16 protected without spoiling its slim and attractive design, you’ll need a case that’s thin, lightweight and minimalistic. Tottallee’s Super Thin Case is exactly that. Measuring in at a mere 0.02 inches thick and weighing just 0.1 ounces, it gives your new smartphone the protection it needs without sacrificing its looks.
The Super Thin Case is free of logos, slogans and other ugly branding. And it comes in six different colors — including a crystal-clear option that lets your iPhone’s style shine through. You can also get a version with MagSafe built-in if you don’t mind spending a little extra. This is the case for people who hate cases.
As an alternative, Totallee’s Clear Grip Case is slightly thicker, at 0.04 inches, but also quite minimal and transparent.
Totallee case prices start at $35.
Buy from: Super Thin Case or Clear Grip Case at Totallee (coming soon to Amazon)
Best iPhone 16 rugged case for ultimate protection
OtterBox is the king of rugged cases, so you can be confident its revamped Defender Series Pro or colorful Symmetry Series with CrossBody Straps for iPhone 16 will keep your device safe no matter how much you neglect it. But our top pick for ruggedness would be the Fre Series.
The chunky plastic Fre Series, coming soon for iPhone 16, is waterproof, MagSafe-enabled and certified to withstand the most devastating drops. And the Fre Series’ 360-degree design features an integrated screen protector. Combined with rubber gaskets that protect your iPhone’s ports, it makes handset even more resistant to dust and water damage. You can also add a lanyard.
Otterbox case prices are $49.95 and up.
Buy from: Defender Series Pro, Symmetry Series or Fre Series at Otterbox.com
Best iPhone 16 folio or wallet case for carrying cash and cards
Apple Pay lets us leave many of our cards behind, but what about those you need to carry with you? Who really wants a wallet in their pocket these days? Let your iPhone 16 do the heavy lifting with the Nomad Modern Leather Folio. It’s protective and it carries your cash and cards. And because it’s built with full-grain, sustainably sourced leather, it will patina with time to develop a finish unique to you.
The folio case featuring anodized aluminum buttons and a removable magnetic clasp, the folio case includes three card slots and one cash slot. Not only that, but it’s good against drops of up to 8 feet. It also has dual lanyard attachment points and MagSafe and wireless charging compatibility.
You can buy the Modern Leather Folio case for $70.
Buy from: Nomad
Best iPhone 16 leather cases for a touch of luxury
Apple scrapped its upmarket leather case options for iPhone 15 and later dropped its replacement, the much-maligned FineWoven. But a great grain can still be gained elsewhere. For leather lovers, Mujjo’s cases offer a superb alternative. We’ve been reviewing them for years on Cult of Mac, and we firmly believe they’re as good as Apple’s were in many ways — and even better in others.
Made from sustainable leather that’s tanned without the use of harsh chemicals, Mujjo’s cases fit the iPhone beautifully, adding a touch of class you just can’t get from scratchy plastics and cheap silicone. They’re available in a number of color options, with or without a built-in wallet or MagSafe compatibility. All of them will age gracefully like all good leather products. Or you can choose the sustainable MaizCase, a vegan leather option made from corn.
Mujjo’s leather case prices start at $59 (20% off coupon currently available from Amazon).
Woolnut’s pebbled leather iPhone 16 cases
Another classy leather case option comes from Woolnut. The Swedish company produces elegant pebbled leather cases that look and feel remarkable in your hand. Cult of Mac’s review of a Woolnut case said “the pebbled leather finish made the iPhone easier to grip: It was simultaneously slightly cushioned and less slippery.”
These slim leather cases come with CNC-machined aluminum buttons and a cutout for the iPhone 16 lineup’s innovative Camera Control. Color options include black, gray, green and a gorgeous cognac. An embedded neodymium magnetic array makes Woolnut cases MagSafe-compatible, so you can use all your favorite accessories. (See our roundup of the best MagSafe chargers and accessories for iPhone 16.)
Buy from: Woolnut
Best Mac-inspired retro-cool iPhone 16 case
With the Spigen Classic C1 (MagFit) for iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, you can pay homage to the colorful and iconic iMac G3 desktop computer. “The remastered Classic C1 makes sure your iPhone 16 is always making a comeback,” says Spigen. The case combines a retro translucent design with modern MagSafe tech. Two-piece PC and TPU construction lined with impact foam makes for great durability. An open cutout works with the Camera Control button and raised edges beef up screen and camera protection. The Classic C1 comes in those iconic G3 colors — tangerine, Bondi blue, ruby and graphite. You can buy it from Spigen at $59, but it’s only $29 at Amazon.
Spigen also offers Ultra Hybrid T MagFit cases ($29.99 retail), which come with a “touch-sensitive and capacitive T cover for seamless Camera Control Button functionality.” Be sure to clip the on-page coupon when shopping on Amazon to save an additional 5% to 10% off your purchase price.
Buy from: Amazon
Best iPhone 16 cases for dazzling design
All iPhones look pretty much alike. But you can give yours a makeover that’s almost sure to turn heads with one of Casetify’s terrific iPhone 16 cases. The company offers loads of brilliant designs to choose from — almost too many, really. It’s hard to choose. You’ll find pretty floral patterns, cute characters, wood finishes and customizable name cases among many other options. And Casetify said it upgraded its Ultra Bounce Case and refreshed its Bounce case for iPhone 16.
There’s also the Co-Lab collection, which includes cases adorned with the likes of Hello Kitty, The Powerpuff Girls, Barbie and every Major League Baseball team logo. Casetify cases also offer plenty of protection and great build quality. Many are also available with MagSafe, and all feature Casetify’s signature camera surround for lens protection.
Casetify case prices start at $62.
Buy from: Casetify
Best stylish cross-body iPhone 16 case
Made of genuine leather, the Hailey cross-body iPhone 16 case comes with an adjustable (46 inches to 54 inches) and detachable strap that’s 0.75 inches wide. A soft microfiber lining and raised bezel protect the iPhone while keeping it super-handy for festivals or a night on the town. A card holder on the back of the case snaps closed with up to five cards inside. Bandolier, which holds patents on its cross-body design, makes a wide variety of cross-body iPhone 16 cases with varying degrees of bling. The Hailey goes for $138.
You can buy these models at prices from $98.
Buy from: Bandolier
Best iPhone 16 case with a built-in stand
Torras 360° Spin Stand cases integrate magnets, a 360-degree spin kickstand that also functions as a ring holder or grip, and extreme protection for your handset. The Spin Stand’s kickstand allows flexible positioning angles from vertical to horizontal. And it’s actually a 3-in-1 kickstand, working as a stand, charger and grip. Whether you prefer a vertical setup for making video calls or a horizontal orientation for watching TV shows, this kickstand case seals the deal.
It doubles as a handy ring holder for you to hook onto when your hands are full, allowing effortless one-finger handling. The highly conductive zinc alloy kickstand enables fast charging without the need for removal.
Another Torras option to consider would be the similar 360° Spin Fusion. And another great choice — for a bit less money — would be the solid Anker FlexStand Magnetic Phone Case, just $29.99 (with a 15% off coupon you can click on, as well).
Nab Torras’ spin cases for $39.99 (5% off coupon available).
Buy from: Amazon
Best iPhone 16 case for photographers and filmmakers
Moment calls its Camera Case for iPhone 16 “the only case that prioritizes your camera phone.” That’s because it includes Moment’s drop-in mount to securely connect Moment Lenses and Quick-Lock filters.
That case boasts machined aluminum buttons for a premium touch, a contoured Camera Capture button opening and Moment’s proprietary MagSafe magnet array for a secure connection to rigs, chargers and mounts.
Camera Case also protects your phone from unexpected drops with a reinforced polycarbonate core and impact-resistant TPU outer shell, fortified with an array of air pockets. It’s compatible with Qi and Qi2 wireless chargers and optimized for 5G with dielectric constant material in its body material.
Buy Moment’s camera case for $49.99.
Buy from: Moment
Best budget case for iPhone 16
There’s no need to break the bank for great protection. The Spigen Liquid Air for iPhone 16 can be yours for $16 (less if you use the available coupon). And it does more than enough to keep your smartphone in great shape. Featuring military-grade protection, its Air Cushion Technology effectively absorbs impact to prevent shattered screens. And its antislip matte finish helps your device stay securely in your palm.
The textured rear of the Liquid Air does just enough to make it look more appealing than you might expect at this price. And because it’s made by Spigen, you know you’re getting a case you can trust. It’s basic — no MagSafe, though the company says it’s compatible with wireless charging — but brilliant.
Spigen’s case goes for just $15.99 — or even less with the available 5% off coupon.
Buy from: Amazon
Best iPhone 16 case that takes ‘It’s Glowtime’ literally
Pitaka’s new Tactile Woven Cases include Aries models with special glow-in-the-dark tech that seems to take Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event name quite literally. They all incorporate Fusion Weaving Technology and high-tech aramid fiber construction. The iPhone 16 cases offer an unusual 3D grip while remaining ultra-thin and lightweight. They’re MagSafe-compatible and feature built-in NFC chips that offer exclusive services.
As mentioned, the Aries series brings “glowtime.” It incorporates Pitaka’s Lumitex technology, allowing the case to glow in the dark after absorbing light energy for a visually striking look. The Aries Model comes in three designs — Alien, Credit Card and NoProblemo — priced at $69.99. Regular Tactile Woven Cases costt $59.99.
Buy from: Pitaka
Lewis Wallace and Killian Bell contributed to this report. We originally published this post on the best iPhone 16 cases on September 10, 2024. We updated the information."
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