If you are looking to buy one of the new iPhones (or you already got one), you can’t have missed reports that the two Pro models are prone to scratching – apparently, it has something to do with how their aluminum chassis was anodized. And while the vanilla iPhone 17 is harder to scratch, it’s not immune either. The iPhone Air turned out to be pretty tough (it’s the only new model to use titanium), you still may want to protect your investment.
That means picking out a case for your new iPhone – we picked out some of the highest rated options and listed them below. Note that most of these are MagSafe compatible and we will mark the ones that aren’t (we know some of you don’t care about wireless charging). So, here it goes, starting with Apple’s own cases.
The Silicone Cases from Apple have a soft-touch finish and can be paired with a Crossbody Strap ($60). The outside is made of 45% recycled silicone and features a sapphire crystal with a conductive layer, so that the Camera Control works. The Silicone cases cost around $37 at the moment.
The inside has a soft microfiber lining to protect your phone from scratches. Note that these support Qi2 charging at up to 25W thanks to the built-in magnets.
Apple Silicone Case for the iPhone 17 series
Apple’s Clear Cases are the simplest option – they show off the color you picked for your phone as they are built from optically clear polycarbonate with special coating to prevent yellowing. These cases will cost you $37-$49, depending on the exact model you are looking for.
These have the same sapphire crystal over the Camera Control and support 25W Qi2 charging. Unlike the silicone cases, these are compatible with the iPhone Air.
Apple Clear Case for the iPhone 17 series and the iPhone Air
The TechWoven Cases are exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. The name comes from the technical woven fabric – multiple yarns of different colors are woven together on a Jacquard loom. The sides are covered with textured TPU for improved grip. Despite the more complicated construction, the TechWoven cases are only slightly more than the Clear cases, costing just under $60.
Like the silicone cases, these can also be paired with a Crossbody Strap. Qi2 charging is supported at up to 25W with built-in magnets.
Apple TechWoven Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max
The iPhone Air also has an exclusive case design – the Bumper Case. This keeps the phone thin and light while also offering edge protection with reinforced polycarbonate material. A bumper can be yours for $30.
The bumpers are compatible with the Crossbody Strap and with Qi2 charging, of course (there’s nothing covering the back).
Apple Bumper Case for the iPhone Air
The Enzo Aramid T cases from Spigen are cheaper than Apple’s TechWoven cases and they have an option for the vanilla iPhone 17 too (but not the Air). The Aramid material doesn’t add much to the cost, keeping these cases at $40.
These are made of aramid fiber (used for bullet-proof vests, among other things) for lightweight protection. Being MagFit cases, the Case Enzos have built-in magnets, similar to Apple’s own cases.
Spigen Case Enzo Aramid T for the iPhone 17 series
The Spigen Liquid Air cases are available for the iPhone 17 trio as well as the Air. They are made of TPU and have a grippy geometric design. Note that these omit the magnets in favor of a slimmer design. Liquid Air cases go for $17-$19.
Spigen Liquid Air cases for the iPhone 17 series and the iPhone Air
If you want MagSafe charging or plan to use magnet stands and accessories, the Spigen Ultra Hybrid cases do have magnets while offering a minimalist look. These are some of the most affordable cases that you can find from a name brand, going for around $14.
Like Apple’s clear cases, these are resistant to yellowing. And Spigen offers versions for the four new premium iPhone models.
Spigen Ultra Hybrid cases for the iPhone 17 series and the iPhone Air
The CASETiFY Impact cases come in several variations – with and without MagSafe support, but also some have an option for a flip-out ring around the camera that can act as a kickstand. Prices vary based on the exact configuration and can go from $60 to $78.
The MagSafe versions are only $4 more than the non-MagSafe ones. The cases have been drop-tested from around 8ft and are MIL-STD-810G certified.
CASETiFY Impact Cases for the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air
The CASETiFY Compact cases below are part of the Stamp Collection, meaning that their backs are adorned with a wide variety of fun and cute images. You can pick one up for $50.
While the focus is on the whimsy designs, the cases still feature padding on the sides to dissipate the force of impacts as well as a rivet bond lock that secures the bumper and back plate.
CASETiFY Compact Cases (Stamp Collection) for the iPhone 17 series and Air
The Bounce cases from CASETiFY take drop protection to the next level – these have been drop-tested from 21ft, not 8ft like the Impact cases. These are pricey at $74, but the phone they protect is even more expensive.
The characteristic Bounce Corners also offer a place to attach a ring – as a way to secure the phone or to clip on all sorts of accessories to it.
CASETiFY Bounce Cases for the iPhone 17 series and the iPhone Air
The OtterBox Symmetry cases are available in plain and textured versions depending on the look you want to go for. Also, there are transparent and opaque versions. Most have MagSafe support, but a few don’t, so double check the specs before you hit “Buy”. You can grab a Symmetry case for $60.
The Symmetry cases aim to be slim and stylish, while still offering protection with raised edges around the screen and the camera. These are rated MIL-STD-810G.
OtterBox Symmetry Cases for iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air
The Profile cases from OtterBox are similar – what makes them stand out is the dual-tone design with a bumper and a transparent back plate. These are the more affordable option from OtterBox, going for $30.
Note that these also come in MagSafe and non-MagSafe variants and have a MIL-STD-810G rating like the Symmetry cases.
OtterBox Profile Cases for the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 series
The OtterBox Commuter cases have a dual-layer design – a rigid outer shell and a rubber inner lining protect from scratches and drops. These have port covers that keep dust and dirt out. The Commuter cases are cheaper than the Symmetry models and go for $50.
The Commuter cases are also rated MIL-STD-810G. They are still pretty slender, weighing in at 0.12lbs / 54g.
OtterBox Commuter Cases for the iPhone 17 series and the iPhone Air
OtterBox’s Defender Pro cases dial up the protection level with a third layer. They also have port covers to block dust and dirt and a grippy texture on the outside. That extra layer comes at a price – specifically, $80 (though some can be found for $72).
While the Defender Pro series goes for a tough look, you can have some fun with customization by attaching straps and charms to the built-in anchor points.
OtterBox Defender Pro Cases for the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air
The UAG Pathfinder cases are designed to be light and durable. Reinforced TPU bumpers help with drop protection while lanyard anchor points make it less likely that you will drop your phone in the first place. You can grab a Pathfinder case for $60.
These are made with 25% recycled materials, while the optional lanyard is made from paracord.
UAG Pathfinder Cases for the iPhone 17 series
UAG’s Civilian cases are drop tested from 20ft and they try to strike a balance between protection and a sleek design. They have a triple-shot overmold construction and a hex cushioning core. The Civilian cases are only slightly more than the Pathfinder models, going for $65.
Like the Pathfinder series, the Civilian cases use 25% recycled materials.
UAG Civilian Cases for the iPhone 17 series
The UAG Monarch Pro cases (UAG stands for Urban Armor Gear, by the way) are designed for rugged protection. Some models are made with Kevlar. All Monarch Pro cases have impact-resistant rubber on the side, a polycarbonate shear plate on the back and a shock-resistant core. The non-Kevlar models sell for $85.
Since these are meant to be used outdoors, they have oversized tactile buttons that are easier to press with gloves on. They have been drop-tested from 25ft.
UAG Monarch Pro Cases for the iPhone 17 series
The UAG Plasma XTE cases feature an integrated metal kickstand that can be used in portrait and landscape orientations. They have reinforced TPU bumpers and oversized buttons – you can attach a lanyard too, if desired. The XTE cases sell for $70-$75 (lanyard sold separately).
The Plasma XTE cases have been drop-tested from 20ft.
UAG Plasma XTE cases for the iPhone 17 series and the iPhone Air
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