Cases with no plateau protection are starting to make sense

[Ravox]

At first, I was really worried (and honestly upset) about the 17 Pro and Pro Max cases having that huge opening at the top. It felt like the phone was left totally vulnerable to impacts, scratches, etc. I’ve always used Apple cases and never liked third-party ones, so when Apple themselves released cases with that design, I immediately started searching for alternatives that actually covered the whole frame.

But wow… almost every third-party option I tried with the covered plateau was terrible.

Then I came across a video comparing iPhone temperatures, and suddenly it all made sense. The reason for the large opening is heat management. On the 17 Pro and Pro Max, that area generates the most heat, and leaving it exposed helps with cooling. That’s why most case makers—Apple included—are leaving that section uncovered.

Even knowing that, I’m still uneasy using the Apple case on the Pro Max with that huge opening. I’ve got AppleCare and really hope nothing bad ends up happening there.

Based on that, I think it might not be a good idea to use any glass or film protector covering the plateau.

Section taken directly from Apple Keynote

 

[FattiesGoneWild]

The main components are no where near the camera bump. The Air is a different story though and packed main components in there.

 

[Ravox]

The main components are no where near the camera bump. The Air is a different story though and packed main components in there.

the teardown shows the Motherboard at the top and the bottom is battery only

 

[richxps]

Exactly, It may not be a good idea to cover the camera plateau with any skin or plastic because it will definitely trap in additional heat . Most of the boards are located in that area similar to the air.

 

[ls1dreams]

What case did you settle on for the 17 pro non-max?

 

[Ravox]

I have the Silver Pro Max on a black techwoven case but still extremely concerned about that big opening

 

[VSMacOne]

Get a clear skin for the camera bump. A couple of folks in the cases thread have ordered from XtremeSkins and looks really good.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Start treating the phone as a tool instead of trying to make it into an art investment (which it isn't) and you will begin to enjoy using the tool instead of constantly worrying about getting a scratch etc.

Think about it for a moment.

Camp A says the iPhone (pick your model) looks great and they really like the form factor, color, (insert premium forum rhetoric here lol ) but, then the campers immediately put a case on and want to wrap it in a giant bandage to protect it so, they can resell it (typically at a loss) and rinse and repeat the next year.

Camp B appreciates the look, feel and color of the phone and doesn't want to hide it away with layers of bubble wrap or thick cases where only a tiny bit of color of the phone is revealed. The campers want to actually experience using the tool on a daily basis. After all, one of the reasons they bought the phone was for the aesthetics. The campers are reticent to upgrade every year or even every 2 years because they come to really enjoy the phone they bought and have actually handled time and time again.

Which camp do you want to be in?

 

[jfried8]

I bought the ugly Bullstrap one - I’m worried about the trapped in heat and antenna being blocked - is this a real thing???

 

[PowerClerk]

I bought the ugly Bullstrap one - I’m worried about the trapped in heat and antenna being blocked - is this a real thing???

My other concern with the bullstrap is that the design of the 17 pro case covers the right side of the camera area. See attached photo boxed in purple.

This is where the flash, lidar, and microphone are. My concern is that covering that area with leather will impede those from working properly.

 

[Ravox]

Bullstrap case makes 17 pro looks like a 16/15/14 pro

 

[Just_Kevin]

I was disappointed to see the lenses still stick out beyond the edge of the plateau. I was hoping the camera bar would eliminate the wobble, but although not as much as previous models, it still wobbles.