iPhone 16 Pro I got a 16 pro and I want to stop being addicted to the case

[ProbablyDylan]

People who say their phone is ‘literally perfect/as new’ after two years without a case/screen protector are just more tolerant of microscratches/blemishes.

There are ways to minimize them. For example, natural and white titanium do not show scratches in the metal prominently. White also minimizes the appearance of scratches in the back glass.

The screen is more difficult. Usually, I'll run with a screen protector, but this year I'll go without. So far so good.

 

[justmadeupname]

Always get a screen protector

BUT

My compromise is to buy the ARC Pulse 'case'. I have this on my pro max and it looks good and gives me some drop protection even though I dont really feel I need it but the rest of the phone I get to use and experience as Apple intended.

Its the last time im buying a case.

What iPhone Pro Max model do you have and what screen protecter do you use?

The Arc Pulse cases are high on my list if get an iPhone 16 Pro - a bit pricey though but worth it for a minimalist design.

 

[Allyance]

I have 12 Pro in polished gold, I use a clear case because I have slight arthritis in my hands and the case makes it much easier to hold plus I can still the nice finish. Never used a screen protector since iPhone 3, never had a scratch.

 

[solo118]

there is something special about the 16 pro, it is actually almost sticky feeling and not slippery at all. The 14 pro was like melted butter in the hand

that being said, my screen had too many scratches from going in and out of my pocket, so I put a screen protector and it would just be weird without a case, so put a clear slim case on and I am good for now

 

[stocklen]

What iPhone Pro Max model do you have and what screen protecter do you use?

The Arc Pulse cases are high on my list if get an iPhone 16 Pro - a bit pricey though but worth it for a minimalist design.

I have a 15 Pro Max.

Usually I just get cheap protectors as they are fine. The company I usually go for is ESR and they are readily available on Amazon.

A bit of advice re ARC pulse. Don't be too tempted by the shiny polished models. They are more expensive and they scratch pretty easily. The matt black is cheaper and is apparently more scratch resistant. I have the polished silver one but next time I will get black.

 

[justmadeupname]

I have a 15 Pro Max.

Usually I just get cheap protectors as they are fine. The company I usually go for is ESR and they are readily available on Amazon.

A bit of advice re ARC pulse. Don't be too tempted by the shiny polished models. They are more expensive and they scratch pretty easily. The matt black is cheaper and is apparently more scratch resistant. I have the polished silver one but next time I will get black.

Interesting you mention the scratching part as I saw evidence of that in a couple of YouTube videos. Both were Gold Arc cases.

Do your cheap protecters eg ESR, cover the screen, edge to edge on your 15 Pro Max ? That's the issue I find reading on various forums.

 

[stocklen]

Interesting you mention the scratching part as I saw evidence of that in a couple of YouTube videos. Both were Gold Arc cases.

Do your cheap protecters eg ESR, cover the screen, edge to edge on your 15 Pro Max ? That's the issue I find reading one various forums.

absolutely. As far as possible they do. Right to just before the edge although they still allow cases to be used.
They are only £5-10 for a pair so next to nothing.

I just don't trust Apple's screen claims and for the sake of applying a screen protector is not worth the risk.


For my ARC, I first bought the grey one, and was very disappointed to see it scratch easily within days. Bear in mind how careful I am with my phones and even with the ARC on it didn't get a very hard life... the most the ARC was exposed to was a drag across a desktop of a few inches at most when picking up or rearranging.
I reported the scratch to ARC and they kindly for no charge sent me the silver version telling me that scratching was part of the thing and that the silver one would be less noticeable and polishable if needed.

Well, the silver one does scratch just as bad and easily as the grey and it actually does NOT polish out with a stainless steel polish (the type used on old iPods etc).
But, I have seen a case review of the black and it was very much unscathed and used for months and not babied at all. There were sone nicks in it but by admission that was because they had dropped the phone multiple times.


So, TL;DR the black finish is the cheapest and the least susceptible to scratching.

But, its only a case, and its better to get scratched than the phone of course.

 

[1rottenapple]

I did case less on my mini and I dropped it after a few weeks. Needless to say back to a thin case! Thin cases give enough protection coupled with a screen protector. Yes I could have bought Apple care before but I don’t feel like giving Apple another hundred or so in profit

 

[justmadeupname]

absolutely. As far as possible they do. Right to just before the edge although they still allow cases to be used.
They are only £5-10 for a pair so next to nothing.

I just don't trust Apple's screen claims and for the sake of applying a screen protector is not worth the risk.


For my ARC, I first bought the grey one, and was very disappointed to see it scratch easily within days. Bear in mind how careful I am with my phones and even with the ARC on it didn't get a very hard life... the most the ARC was exposed to was a drag across a desktop of a few inches at most when picking up or rearranging.
I reported the scratch to ARC and they kindly for no charge sent me the silver version telling me that scratching was part of the thing and that the silver one would be less noticeable and polishable if needed.

Well, the silver one does scratch just as bad and easily as the grey and it actually does NOT polish out with a stainless steel polish (the type used on old iPods etc).
But, I have seen a case review of the black and it was very much unscathed and used for months and not babied at all. There were sone nicks in it but by admission that was because they had dropped the phone multiple times.


So, TL;DR the black finish is the cheapest and the least susceptible to scratching.

But, its only a case, and its better to get scratched than the phone of course.

Thanks for taking the time to explaining your experiences with the Arc cases.

If I went for the non black matte case, eg Bronze (16 Pro), then I'd email Arc and ask about its durability asking if they've improved the coating.

I'll leave it there as I don't want this thread to turn into an Arc Pulse discussion between us.

 

[stocklen]

Thanks for taking the time to explaining your experiences with the Arc cases.

If I went for the non black matte case, eg Bronze (16 Pro), then I'd email Arc and ask about its durability asking if they've improved the coating.

I'll leave it there as I don't want this thread to turn into an Arc Pulse discussion between us.

Feel free to ask whatever you like. The topic is very much on-thread so dont worry about that.

Not sure ARC will be too honest regarding durability of the case itself so do take anecdotal experience from actual customers like myself.

I have no axe to grind. I like the ARC case and WILL get another when I next change my phone but I will not get any of the polished versions as they do scratch.

As I said before, cases are there to be scratched and dinged as thats their whole M.O. but with the ARC it is quite an attractive thing and you dont really want it to scratch or mark in itself (which seems silly doesn't it).
But, stick with the black at least if it does scratch you wont have paid an additional £20+ for the privilege of the polished versions.

 

[justmadeupname]

Feel free to ask whatever you like. The topic is very much on-thread so dont worry about that.

Not sure ARC will be too honest regarding durability of the case itself so do take anecdotal experience from actual customers like myself.

I have no axe to grind. I like the ARC case and WILL get another when I next change my phone but I will not get any of the polished versions as they do scratch.

As I said before, cases are there to be scratched and dinged as thats their whole M.O. but with the ARC it is quite an attractive thing and you dont really want it to scratch or mark in itself (which seems silly doesn't it).
But, stick with the black at least if it does scratch you wont have paid an additional £20+ for the privilege of the polished versions.

Thanks 👍 That's the kind of clarity I needed from somewhere with real work experience.

 

[digitalcuriosity]

Again i wish all of you who choise to go caseless, lots of good luck and i do hope your good luck holds.

 

[Taco1933]

I'd like to. They are slick phones without the case, but they are also slick phones without the case. In my hands, it would definitely hit the ground more often without the case. Bit of a double whammy there.

 

[cvconde]

I like reading these types of posts/threads. Obvisouly, metal, glass, titanium, etc. can all get damaged. No matter if it is a phone, car, golf club, tool, etc. But as many have posted here and in many other threads, it seems funny Apple should boast about all of the "durability", "strength", of the phone, frame, screen, etc., and then hawk both Apple and now Beats cases.

Even more ironic is how sooooo many debate about what color iPhone to get, just to throw a case on it. If you have a Desert Titanium iPhone in a black case, guess what color it is..... black!

 

[justmadeupname]

The rest of the phone, particularly the pro with the titanium case is remarkably resilient. It really is. It takes a leap of faith when you are so used to protecting it but really beyond a screen protector you just dont need a case.

My compromise is to buy the ARC Pulse 'case'. I have this on my pro max and it looks good and gives me some drop protection even though I dont really feel I need it but the rest of the phone I get to use and experience as Apple intended.

Its the last time im buying a case.

Do you have AppleCare+ in addition to your screen protecter and an Arc Pulse case or are you confident you don't need it ?

 

[DDustiNN]

Get AppleCare, stop using your case, enjoy your phone.

Use a case only when you think you might need it, if it makes you feel better. For example, I have always been caseless because I love the sleekness of the phones. The times I most often drop my phone are during concerts. This year I bought a case and used it at a couple concerts. I felt I had a better grip on the phone. My other use case would be roller coasters, so the case keeps the phone more gripped to the inside of my pocket (Apple silicone case).

Aside from those two scenarios… caseless all day. Phone is far too beautiful and sleek to cover it up constantly. You just have to accept that you will get a tiny scratch or scuff somewhere, and that’s okay. There’s no point in covering that beauty with a case and screen protector, if you never get to actually admire that beauty, right?

If you drop it and get it too scratched/shattered, you can pay $100 for a replacement though AppleCare. I did that with my 13 Pro after dropping it in a parking lot and they sent me a brand new one. I was considering doing it again with my 15 Pro as it has a small deep scratch right where my thumb goes and I can’t stand when I feel it with my nail. But I’ll probably end up keeping this 16 Pro and trading in the 15. The guy at the Apple Store said it’s perfectly fine for a trade-in.

 

[erasr]

So Apple Care covers drops and damage like that?

I never have a case. Never had Apple Care.

 

[justmadeupname]

If you drop it and get it too scratched/shattered, you can pay $100 for a replacement though AppleCare. I did that with my 13 Pro after dropping it in a parking lot and they sent me a brand new one. I was considering doing it again with my 15 Pro as it has a small deep scratch right where my thumb goes and I can’t stand when I feel it with my nail. But I’ll probably end up keeping this 16 Pro and trading in the 15. The guy at the Apple Store said it’s perfectly fine for a trade-in.

I talked to Apple at my local store here in the UK, and they said AppleCare+ cannot be used to replace screens with deep scratches, only (as you written) a screen that been shattered. They recommended using a screen protecter.

The thing is with screen protecters many conflicting reports.

Some say, they don't sit edge to edge and you can feel them when eg swiping from the bottom, some say they don't sit edge to edge causing a rainbow effect and some report theirs works perfectly.

It seems you can end up trying different brands, successfully used by other people, and still not be satisfied or conversely try one and it works first time.

At least Apple did say if they install the Belkin one in the store then you have 14 days to change your mind and they will remove it.

 

[PaladinGuy]

I talked to Apple at my local store here in the UK, and they said AppleCare+ cannot be used to replace screens with deep scratches, only (as you written) a screen that been shattered. They recommended using a screen protecter.

The thing is with screen protecters many conflicting reports.

Some say, they don't sit edge to edge and you can feel them when eg swiping from the bottom, some say they don't sit edge to edge causing a rainbow effect and some report theirs works perfectly.

It seems you can end up trying different brands, successfully used by other people, and still not be satisfied or conversely try one and it works first time.

At least Apple did say if they install the Belkin one in the store then you have 14 days to change your mind and they will remove it.

If you have actually deep scratches, I’m pretty sure most geniuses would repair it for you. I’ve usually found apple to be quite forgiving for me when I have AppleCare+. If they’re micro-scratches, less likely.

 

[Fred Zed]

People who say their phone is ‘literally perfect/as new’ after two years without a case/screen protector are just more tolerant of microscratches/blemishes.

Which is fine, of course - everyone is different. Of course the case is a compromise - they look so beautiful without one. But for some people the constant low-level anxiety of being caseless just isn’t worth it. Which is also fine.

It’s your phone, and it’s your choice.

Reminds of those folks that claim their house is tidy until one walks inside and see it Wowzer. 😂

 

[stocklen]

Do you have AppleCare+ in addition to your screen protecter and an Arc Pulse case or are you confident you don't need it ?

No. I used to routinely get AppleCare with my new phone but stopped about 5 years ago when it got too expensive.

It used to be about £80 ish which was fine but nowadays it puts too much on top of what is already an expensive phone.

If it really worries you, just add personal items protection on your home insurance... its cheaper and covers everything you have (all apple products and anything else).


Basically, and I know some won't agree, but I don't and have never dropped my phone. If it's in my hand im using it.... and if im not using it it's in my pocket. When handling the phone im giving it appropriate grip, care and attention give its a £1200 device!
The screen protector is there because I don't trust Apple's Ceramic Shield claims and when its in a pocket there are always small bits of grit etc which are very scratchy things... and the Arc Pulse is there mainly to protect the sides and corners when placing the phone down on a table etc - and yes if dropped on a flat surface (no gravel!) it will protect the phone.

 

[DDustiNN]

I talked to Apple at my local store here in the UK, and they said AppleCare+ cannot be used to replace screens with deep scratches, only (as you written) a screen that been shattered. They recommended using a screen protecter.

The thing is with screen protecters many conflicting reports.

Some say, they don't sit edge to edge and you can feel them when eg swiping from the bottom, some say they don't sit edge to edge causing a rainbow effect and some report theirs works perfectly.

It seems you can end up trying different brands, successfully used by other people, and still not be satisfied or conversely try one and it works first time.

At least Apple did say if they install the Belkin one in the store then you have 14 days to change your mind and they will remove it.

Yeah, I can’t stand the feel of a screen protector. To me it’s even worse than a case, haha.

But with AppleCare you can just get a full phone replacement rather than just getting the screen repaired. Here in the U.S. it’s $99 for an express replacement. I’ve done it through mail but also heard it can be done in-store. Is it not the same for you over there?

 

[mizmor]

I use the case mainly for protecting the camera lenses.

What I've been searching for is a current version of Apple's old bumper 'case'.

-

You can just get a protector like this: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CF3QWTQX

Why Apple thought that having the camera glass the highest part of the back of the phone is a smart move is just mind-boggling.

 

[monstermash]

I switched to a 16 pro from a 14 pro. I took the 16 out of the silicone case, and now I don’t want to put it back on.

For one, the 14 felt like a brick with or without a case, while the 16 feels so light (I know it really isn’t) that you feel the difference when the case is on.

Second, without a case on the edges of the screen are nearly invisible. I don’t know it it’s the thinner bezels, or if the edge of the glass curves down, but it’s like I don’t see the frame. I never got this feeling from the 14, so having the case on made no difference.

The one reason to keep a case is that the silicon makes for a firmer grip. My 14 never slipped out of my hands, but it was always in its case, so perhaps that’s why.
Actually there is another reason, the edges of the case are raised, and protect the screen and cameras from hitting and banging against things.

I’m seriously tempted to keep the 16 out of the case, and I do have applecare. But tell me your horror stories of accidental damage, and the times you wished you had a case. Or tell me how badly not using a case impacts trade in value.
So maybe I will come to my senses and decide it’s safer with the case on.

The horror stories are horrible.

I simply would not use the phone without a case, period.

Besides the protection a case offers, I found an uncased phone is simply too slippery and too thin for me to handle comfortably.

I also see no real benefit to not using a case. My phone is a tool. I don't need it to be "beautiful", nor to non-verbally advertise what phone I have. I don't need to look at my tool and admire its design or think, "what a beautiful tool I have".

Plus, I have an emergency $100 bill tucked into the case behind my phone. Can't really do that without a case. Case also has a name, email address, phone label for someone to contact me in case they find it somewhere.

UAG Monarch Pro Kevlar case.

 

[monstermash]

Obviously it is possible to damage any iPhone (physics), but unlikely today.

I have a drawer of five or six destroyed phones that says otherwise.

One of them was destroyed while I was sleep when, in my sleep, I knocked over a bottle of doctor pepper onto the phone.

One was destroyed by a glass of V-8 juice when I accidentally dropped the phone in it.

One was destroyed when I put in a pocket that had filled with water while riding down Interstate 376 on my motorcycle in the rain.

The rest were dropped one too many times.

Every instance, the phone was just out of the purchased Apple Car when it happened.

This is the first year I replaced a phone that wasn't because I destroyed the one I had (or my wife did). It's like some freakin' miracle.