Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Do you use a case on your iPhone?

  • Yes

    Votes: 1,340 65.4%
  • Yes, but will be removing it

    Votes: 80 3.9%
  • No

    Votes: 454 22.2%
  • No, but will be getting one

    Votes: 19 0.9%
  • Sometimes

    Votes: 157 7.7%

  • Total voters
    2,049
Not worth it for me.

The extra size (even when minimal) and the extra "ugly" isn't worth it vs. just maintaining AppleCare+.

If I was regularly scratching/cracking/denting the phone I'd rethink that, but I haven't scratched one, much less done worse to it, since the original iPhone (and it was the case that scratched that!). So at this point, I don't even think about it.
So you never use cases at all? I thought some models were magnets for scratches
 
Looks like this protects the camera too?
I have a similar case for my 15 Pro Max and it has done a fantastic job protecting my camera lens whenever I have placed my phone on any flat surfaces. This is why I ordered my new case from Pitaka as I know my new Air will be in pristine condition the entire time I am using the new iPhone as my main phone.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Webcat86
Looks like this protects the camera too?

54803272955_4744099bfe_c.jpg

54803192088_ac835b5c6e_c.jpg

54802933441_11464bae29_c.jpg

54803272765_40c6e6d348_c.jpg


This is how my 15 Pro Max looks after having my Pitaka case on it for two years. My iPhone still looks like I just took delivery of it.
54803249728_90e6589f92_b.jpg


In this picture above with my 15 Pro Max installed, you can see imperfections on the edges of my case where I have dropped my iPhone on those rare occasions. The case did its job by absorbing the impact yet keeping my phone secure. This is why I’ll be getting a Pitaka case for my new iPhone Air :apple:
 
Again, just at work. I like my Ringke case, just waiting for my 17PM Cosmic Orange 256GB.

If you're dropping more than $100 for a case and tempered glass, why not just get Apple Care+?

I never understood the apple care argument.

Apple care costs a lot of money. And if (when) you drop your phone and it's still usable but banged up you have to commit insurance fraud and pay even more money to get a new phone, or live with it.
 
I never understood the apple care argument.

Apple care costs a lot of money. And if (when) you drop your phone and it's still usable but banged up you have to commit insurance fraud and pay even more money to get a new phone, or live with it.

But if you drop your cased phone and the display cracks regardless (as has happened to me) you'll wish you'd had Apple Care.

It's not like cases (the ones that don't turn phones into combat style bricks) can prevent bad things from happening. They only make them less likely.
 
No, but if someone gifted me one, I would. The main advantage I see with a case isn't the protection from a fall, but being able to use it while it lies flat on a hard surface without it going up and down as you type because of the camera module jutting out.
 
54803272955_4744099bfe_c.jpg

54803192088_ac835b5c6e_c.jpg

54802933441_11464bae29_c.jpg

54803272765_40c6e6d348_c.jpg


This is how my 15 Pro Max looks after having my Pitaka case on it for two years. My iPhone still looks like I just took delivery of it.
54803249728_90e6589f92_b.jpg


In this picture above with my 15 Pro Max installed, you can see imperfections on the edges of my case where I have dropped my iPhone on those rare occasions. The case did its job by absorbing the impact yet keeping my phone secure. This is why I’ll be getting a Pitaka case for my new iPhone Air :apple:
I see your point, but the case is ugly.
 
I'm dithering back and forth about using a case.

Want to go case-less to enjoy the feel and design of this new phone.
Not so concerned about damage.
But the biggest factor is that the phone has a distinct wobble when placed on a table due to the back camera protrusion.

I'm currently using the Apple clear case.
It solves the wobble problem completely.
But it also covers up the design of the Air.

Anyone in a similar position?
 
But if you drop your cased phone and the display cracks regardless (as has happened to me) you'll wish you'd had Apple Care.

It's not like cases (the ones that don't turn phones into combat style bricks) can prevent bad things from happening. They only make them less likely.
Damage is mitigated massively with a case on. I have dropped all of my phones on concrete many times with zero damage. I have had to replace screen protectors on average once per year but have never had to replace a screen. Never had AC+ as I’ve never seen the need for it. I would have to suffer an extreme stroke of bad luck t for my phone to sustain critical damage.
 
My naked iPhone 13 Pro Max took a cat-induced tumble down concrete stairs and the only physical damage was a small chip on the back glass, which was notoriously weak. The iPhone Air is protected on the front with Ceramic Shield 2 and on the back by Ceramic Shield. It alsot has a Titanium frame and it's light. Taken together, a caseless iPhone Air should be all but impervious to physical damage unless you're super rough on it, unlike the new "pro" line.
 
  • Love
Reactions: arc of the universe
But if you drop your cased phone and the display cracks regardless (as has happened to me) you'll wish you'd had Apple Care.

It's not like cases (the ones that don't turn phones into combat style bricks) can prevent bad things from happening. They only make them less likely.
Yes, thats the calculation one has to make with any insurance. But people keep talking about apple care making it totally unnecessary to have a case, as if they can just ask for a new phone evertime they get a scratch.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3Rock
Yes, thats the calculation one has to make with any insurance. But people keep talking about apple care making it totally unnecessary to have a case, as if they can just ask for a new phone evertime they get a scratch.
I’m tempted to get AC this time and the main benefit for me is the speed of the replacement. Anyone who has gone through home insurance claims knows the endless frustration of that process.
 
  • Like
Reactions: richard13
I’m tempted to get AC this time and the main benefit for me is the speed of the replacement. Anyone who has gone through home insurance claims knows the endless frustration of that process.
So you would be willing to pay double insurance just so you can get a replacement faster?

My home insurance covers lost/stolen items up to 5000 bucks. If my phone gets stolen I would just buy a new one the same day and make a claim, it can take whatever time it takes.

My original point is the false sense of protection some people seem to get from apple care. It basically only protects against the minuscule risk of your screen cracking but they think its a ”replace your phone for any reason no question asked” insurance lol
 
So you would be willing to pay double insurance just so you can get a replacement faster?

My home insurance covers lost/stolen items up to 5000 bucks. If my phone gets stolen I would just buy a new one the same day and make a claim, it can take whatever time it takes.
It’s not just faster, it’s a difference of same/next day versus an unlimited potential wait. When I damaged my MacBook the insurance company wanted me to send it in to them for inspection before even starting the claim. Their estimate was 3 weeks, even after I explained I needed it for my business. I ended up buying a new MacBook so I could work while they did their investigation and repair.

Being in London weekly, it’s tremendous peace of mind to know that if my phone is stolen I’ll have another one the next day.

Plus, the home insurance keeps a record of any claims you make, which you have to declare when renewing each year - even if the claim is denied. And claims lead to premium increases when you renew. And the excess on home insurance is far higher than AC.

So yes, I’d be prepared to pay for a combo of that convenience and avoiding using my home insurance. Home insurance is very good for house stuff but I don’t think it’s the appropriate option for phones.

Also not everyone has the option to buy a replacement same day, especially if they’re paying monthly.
 
Last edited:
I’ve had the iPhone since the very first release, always caseless and no Apple Care. I’ve only damaged the back of 2 iPhones over all those years by dropping them. Fixing the backs twice was soooo much cheaper than having Apple Care for all those years. So yeah, I will always stay caseless and no Apple Care.

I know many people just see the phone as a tool and don’t care about the design or feel in the hand of a case or because they have kids and don’t have a choice. I actual also buy the phone because of its design, so I could never put a case on it as it completely ruins a good looking product sadly.
 
Last edited:
I’ve always put cases on my iPhones from the 4S to now. On a rare occasion I’d take the case off for a day or two… the 5S was my absolute favorite iPhone and loved it caseless but for only a few days at a time
I just took the case off my 16P Tuesday because I’m tired of having it on…I’m sure in another day or so I’ll pop it back on.
FWIW I’ve always had AC+ for my devices and ((knock wood)) didn’t need it.
 
Yes, thats the calculation one has to make with any insurance. But people keep talking about apple care making it totally unnecessary to have a case, as if they can just ask for a new phone evertime they get a scratch.
No, that's what you think people think. I've never seen a post claiming what you are asserting here.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dotnet
I see your point, but the case is ugly.
That's your opinion and that is okay. You can also choose not to use a case for your iPhone. In this case, I will use a new Pitaka case for mine. No agreement or permission from you is required in this "case". Anyone is allowed to use the case they desire for their phones and that is okay.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Andeddu
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.