The iPhone 16 is finally here, and it does have a bit of a redesign this year. However, the biggest design change this time around is the camera module. Instead of the cameras being diagonal, they are not vertical. This is being done so that users can shoot Spatial photos and videos on it to view on Vision Pro. Inside, the iPhone 16 sports the new A18 chipset (which is basically one CPU core short of the A18 Pro). It also has 8GB of RAM and starts at 128GB of storage.
Now, if you’re thinking about buying the new iPhone 16, you’re going to want to pick up a case or two. And that’s where we come in. Here, we are listing some of the best cases that you can buy for your new iPhone 16.
Best Case
Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe
Not everyone will agree here, but first-party cases are generally the best. And since Apple has killed off leather, and didn’t bring back FineWoven (at least for its iPhone cases), this is the best option. The Silicone case comes in a bunch of colors this year, including Lake Green, Star Fruit, Ultramarine, Fuchsia, Stone Gray, Plum, Black and Denim.
This is a regular silicone case that does look pretty nice. But beware that it tends to hold onto dirt and dust quite a bit. Which is really the only downside for this case. It does have metal buttons for the volume rocker, action button and the power button. It also has a capacitive button for the camera control, versus a cutout like a lot of the other cases on this list. That’s one of the advantages of getting a first-party case.
The Apple Silicone case with MagSafe is currently running for $49. That’s the regular price, and you likely won’t see this on sale very often.
Best Clear Case
ESR Classic Series
ESR makes some really great MagSafe accessories, and it also makes some great cases. Like this clear case from its Classic Series. This case here has a kickstand integrated into the camera module, so you can prop it up to watch content on the go. It’s also going to be scratch resistant and it won’t yellow either.
This clear case is also military-grade, so it can protect your phone from most drops. That’s super important, and kind of the whole reason for getting a case these days.
The Classic Series does come in other colors and styles as well. The ESR Classic Series will cost you $19.99, which is pretty good for a clear case.
Honorable Mention: Spigen Ultra Hybrid
Another good option for a clear case is going to be the Spigen Ultra Hybrid. This is a great looking case for your new iPhone 16, and it does have anti-yellowing technology. So you won’t have to worry about this case getting disgusting after a few months. Like the ESR option above, this also has military-grade protection, keeping your phone safe from drops.
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid costs $17, and it also comes in other colors, other than clear.
Best Leather Case
Nomad Modern Leather Case
The Nomad Modern Leather Case is my go-to case for the iPhone for the last few years. It’s a great looking, premium case for the iPhone that does add a good bit of protection. And it’s one of the few leather cases that actually patinas quite nicely.
This case from Nomad is available in Brown or Black, and unfortunately the regular iPhone 16 doesn’t get the choice of the Traditional or the Horween cases. The traditional case does have the wrap-around leather, versus the modern case having a plastic frame.
Nomad does have a cut out for the new Camera Control on the iPhone 16. Allowing you to still use that capacitive button for controlling the camera. There is also a nice, rigged button for the power button. Making it easy to tell which button is which. There are metal buttons all around, including for the volume rocker and action button on the opposite side.
While the Nomad Modern Leather Case does come in both brown and black, you’ll see the patina a lot more on the brown model.
This case isn’t cheap, coming in at $50. But it’s still a really good option, and one I buy every year.
Best Silicone Case
ZAGG Manhattan Snap
Do you want a Silicone case that won’t be “sticky” and grabbing all of the dirt and dust in your pockets? That’s where the ZAGG Manhattan Snap case comes into play. I used this case on the iPhone 15 Pro Max last year, and absolutely loved it. The Manhattan Snap has that soft-touch feel, without being sticky enough to hold onto dirt and dust. Making it a perfect option for the iPhone 16.
ZAGG does offer the Manhattan Snap in a bunch of different colors. Including Navy Blue, Green, Black, and Begonia Pink. The buttons are easy to use here, along with a cut out for the new Camera Control which is available on all iPhone 16 models.
This is not a cheap case, but it is the same price as Apple’s Silicone case, at $49. In my opinion, it’s much more worth the price versus Apple’s option.
Most Unique Case
Spigen Slim Armor CS
Spigen is known for producing cases for almost every smartphone model. One of our all-time favorites has been the Ultra Hybrid MagFit. This is a somewhat clear case, with the “inside” of the iPhone 16 visible on the back. It’s a pretty unique-looking case, and this year, Spigen has it available in black and white. I must say, the white model does look really nice.
Because this is basically a clear case, Spigen is touting its anti-yellowing technology with this case. It also has military-grade protection, to keep your phone protected from drops and such.
Spigen is also known for offering pretty inexpensive cases, so this one is going to cost you $22.99.
Honorable Mention: Casetify Chrome Doodles Impact Case
Casetify offers a ton of different Impact Case options for the iPhone 16 – and we really mean a ton. One of the more unique ones that we found was the Chrome Doodles. This is available in black, purple, blue and white, and looks pretty interesting.
Casetify cases are pretty good, and do offer quite a bit of protection. Most of all, you can also customize it how ever you like. You can grab this one for $68 from Casetify’s website.
Best Active Case
Peak Design Everyday Case
Of course, we could not do a Best iPhone 16 case roundup without including the Peak Design case. I got a chance to check these out ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 announcement, and they are awesome. They are made of nylon, making them more durable and grippy. But most importantly, they include Peak Design’s SlimLink so it works with its ecosystem of mobile mounts. Making it easy to use it on a bike mount, car mount, wall mount and many more.
The Everyday Case comes in Sage, Charcoal and Eclipse. It also costs $49.95.
Best Grip Case
ZAGG Luxe Snap Case
The ZAGG Luxe Snap Case is another great grip case for the iPhone 16. It comes in a few different colors: Black, River Blue and Grape Purple, and it looks really good. It has a 3D texture on the back, which does help with grip, so you aren’t tempted to drop it. Additionally, it does have Military Grade protection, up to MIL-STD-810G testing. So it can withstand drops of up to 10 feet.
ZAGG is also being eco-friendly with this case, having made up about 97% of the case with recycled materials. It does have a cut out for the new Camera Control button, with actual buttons for the power, volume, and action button.
The ZAGG Luxe Snap Case can be yours for $39.99.
