iPhone 17/Air/Pro/Pro Max Cases

[Zensō]

If you’re not getting a 17 due to the big rear bump, chances are you won’t be getting an iPhone for a few years as they usually keep a new design for a while.

Could be, let’s hope not - it’s hideous. I’m also not “upgrading” due to the switch from titanium to aluminum, which structurally puts the pro models on the same level with the non-pro models, while also introducing a price increase. The equation just doesn’t work for someone who has a mint condition titanium 16PM, with 100% battery life, zero issues, and a drawer full of over 20 cases… lol.

 

[JBlass421]

Could be, let’s hope not - it’s hideous. I’m also not “upgrading” due to the switch from titanium to aluminum, which structurally puts the pro models on the same level with the non-pro models, while also introducing a price increase. The equation just doesn’t work for someone who has a mint condition titanium 16PM, with 100% battery life, zero issues, and a drawer full of over 20 cases… lol.

Let’s pin this message! 😄

 

[Zensō]

Let’s pin this message! 😄

Are you “upgrading” to the IP17?

 

[JBlass421]

Are you “upgrading” to the IP17?

Yes personally the hardware materials and appearance won’t stop me from upgrading.

I don’t think there’s any reason to complain about the material being titanium vs aluminum as it gets slapped into a case anyway and when you slap on a heavy bulky case on it why does the material even matter? Just for your own personal reasonings of knowing it’s a better metal underneath?

I’ll be sticking to ultra thin and the exposed aluminum vs titanium is a non issue at all.

And not going to lie the camera module design could be nicer but it’s the way forward.

Also I don’t buy 20+ cases per phones. I know very unpopular thing to say around here lol

 

[Zensō]

Yes personally the hardware materials and appearance won’t stop me from upgrading.

I don’t think there’s any reason to complain about the material being titanium vs aluminum as it gets slapped into a case anyway and when you slap on a heavy bulky case on it why does the material even matter? Just for your own personal reasonings of knowing it’s a better metal underneath?

I’ll be sticking to ultra thin and the exposed aluminum vs titanium is a non issue at all.

And not going to lie the camera module design could be nicer but it’s the way forward.

Also I don’t buy 20+ cases per phones. I know very unpopular thing to say around here lol

I definitely don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade if they like the new design. On the other hand, since we’re all pretty open about our likes and dislikes on this forum, I feel obligated to be honest with my opinions, not that they’re worth any more than $.02 to anyone else.

Regarding Apple’s decision to downgrade the materials while raising the price, it’s a case of “vote with your feet” for me. I can afford the new phone and, like you intimated, in practical use the difference in materials is not likely to be significant (though the titanium frame is probably slightly stronger), but I’m pretty disappointed in the direction they’re taking and I’m starting to feel taken advantage of. It just sort of sits wrong. The only thing that would get me to upgrade at this point is significant accidental damage to my 16PM, which is unlikely. Not than anyone cares of course - it’s just an internal conversation I’m having with myself.

Honestly, the thing I’ll miss most about not upgrading is the annual ritual of griping about cases… lol.

 

[JBlass421]

I definitely don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade if they like the new design. On the other hand, since we’re all pretty open about our likes and dislikes on this forum, I feel obligated to be honest about my opinions, not that they’re worth any more than $.02 to anyone else.

Regarding Apple’s decision to downgrade the materials while raising the price, it’s a case of “vote with your feet” for me. I can afford the new phone and, like you intimated, in practical use the difference in materials is not likely to be significant (though the titanium frame is probably slightly stronger), but I’m pretty disappointed in the direction they’re taking and I’m starting to feel taken advantage of. It just sort of sits wrong. The only thing that would get me to upgrade at this point is significant accidental damage to my 16PM, which is unlikely. Not than anyone cares of course - it’s just an internal conversation I’m having with myself.

Honestly, the thing I’ll miss most about not upgrading is the annual ritual of griping about cases… lol.

Absolutely it’s all love here and I appreciate reading everyone’s opinion.

I get what you mean about not liking the route Apple is taking and feeling like we’re being taken advantage of. I mean for Apple to have reached such success and value have they ever really “looked out” for the customer? Apple is a premium company that let’s be real has always charged premium prices.

Also at the end of the day when you do decide to upgrade to the 18 or 19. The 16 will be worth less and less and the upgrade will cost more having kept money in your pockets from lack of upgrade for a year or two but at the end of the day it’s the same money spent whether you upgrade yearly, every 2 years or so on.

So personally I look at it as might as well upgrade yearly and just continue to enjoy the latest and greatest.

 

[Zensō]

Absolutely it’s all love here and I appreciate reading everyone’s opinion.

I get what you mean about not liking the route Apple is taking and feeling like we’re being taken advantage of. I mean for Apple to have reached such success and value have they ever really “looked out” for the customer? Apple is a premium company that let’s be real has always charged premium prices.

Also at the end of the day when you do decide to upgrade to the 18 or 19. The 16 will be worth less and less and the upgrade will cost more having kept money in your pockets from lack of upgrade for a year or two but at the end of the day it’s the same money spent whether you upgrade yearly, every 2 years or so on.

So personally I look at it as might as well upgrade yearly and just continue to enjoy the latest and greatest.

That all makes perfect sense, and is exactly how I’ve thought about it in the past. I’m actually on the Upgrade Program, and since I’m essentially leasing my phone, it makes sense to upgrade every year, which I’ve done every year since they started the program. The problem this year is that—at least on paper—I actually prefer the 16 over the 17, and imagine I would regret upgrading if I was to do so.

Regarding Apple’s direction, I do believe some of what made their brand so compelling was their focus on the customer experience; with using the devices, with their in-store experiences, and with their excellent support. Their stores and support have taken a major nose dive over the years, and now it seems (from my perspective) the same is happening with their hardware. So much of this new design seems gratuitous to me—changes for the sake of changes—not to make a better device, but to quiet the critics and provide a “new” device for those most loyal customers who upgrade every year. No one has yet convincingly explained why moving the flash and sensors away from the lenses, or changing from titanium to aluminum, makes for a better user experience.

All that said, I’ll be lurking around here once the new phone comes out, to see how the case manufacturers deal with this new challenge.

 

[Zensō]

 

[DCIFRTHS]

View attachment 2537370

That’s an interesting design for the camera bump!

 

[DyMndSkiR]

That all makes perfect sense, and is exactly how I’ve thought about it in the past. I’m actually on the Upgrade Program, and since I’m essentially leasing my phone, it makes sense to upgrade every year, which I’ve done every year since they started the program. The problem this year is that—at least on paper—I actually prefer the 16 over the 17, and imagine I would regret upgrading if I was to do so.

Regarding Apple’s direction, I do believe some of what made their brand so compelling was their focus on the customer experience; with using the devices, with their in-store experiences, and with their excellent support. Their stores and support have taken a major nose dive over the years, and now it seems (from my perspective) the same is happening with their hardware. So much of this new design seems gratuitous to me—changes for the sake of changes—not to make a better device, but to quiet the critics and provide a “new” device for those most loyal customers who upgrade every year. No one has yet convincingly explained why moving the flash and sensors away from the lenses, or changing from titanium to aluminum, makes for a better user experience.

All that said, I’ll be lurking around here once the new phone comes out, to see how the case manufacturers deal with this new challenge.

One of the videos I watched claimed the reason for the larger camera bump may have something to do with improved optical stabilization on the optical zoom lens, potentially increasing it to 8X with a 48MP sensor (I forget if the 16 Pro series is already a 48MP sensor on the telephoto lens). If there is a functional reason for extending the bump that they at least try to justify, could that change your opinion on it?

Obviously not talking about the materials themselves as I agree - I'm not a fan of the idea we upgraded to titanium from stainless steel, both very premium materials, to now going to aluminum. I am only guessing this is an attempt to shave additional weight off of the device as the rumors are they'll be a little thicker with a larger battery, and they are attempting to minimize the weight increase.

I also believe Apple knows the percentage of their user base that actually cares about the materials is almost immaterially small. Frustrating for those of us that do value what we spend our money on and the value and details of the products we buy. But, we have to face the fact that we are not the majority.

 

[Pug72]

The thing I'm not keen on with aluminium Apple devices is the anodising, dying and sealing is not as hard wearing as the PVD on the steel or titanium. I know most of us use cases, but some like open bottom or aramid shell type cases that leave exposed areas.
Heck, even tiny bits of grit getting in a full case can result in pit marks. Maybe there's a new coating that is hard wearing and, "you'll gunna love it."

 

[Hooterville]

No "Tank" for the 16PM, might need to upgrade

 

[Zensō]

The thing I'm not keen on with aluminium Apple devices is the anodising, dying and sealing is not as hard wearing as the PVD on the steel or titanium. I know most of us use cases, but some like open bottom or aramid shell type cases that leave exposed areas.
Heck, even tiny bits of grit getting in a full case can result in pit marks. Maybe there's a new coating that is hard wearing and, "you'll gunna love it."

Yeah, there’s really no legitimate argument for aluminum over titanium other than cost cutting.

 

[Itsedstech]

No "Tank" for the 16PM, might need to upgrade

Figured the orange phone would be enough to convince you lol

 

[martint235]

Remember those who said that they will never upgrade their iPhone 6s because of headphone jack? I wonder how they’re holding up

And the notch. The tears shed over the notch.

 

[martint235]

I’ll be getting my usual Snakehive case.

Is the move to aluminium actually confirmed yet or do we need to wait for the event? It’s a definite step backwards to me (but won’t stop me)

 

[iFone88]

Andar 17 series options are online. Can’t preorder yet.

Hunter Green is getting ordered as soon as it’s live

The Aspen | Camera Control Button

The Aspen is minimally designed to complement your iPhone and fit Apple’s MagSafe capabilities. Made with built-in magnets that make using MagSafe accessories quick and easy. The Aspen iPhone case is made of premium full-grain leather and fits snugly around your iPhone without adding bulk—all...

www.andar.com

 

[Hooterville]

Figured the orange phone would be enough to convince you lol

I'm just not feeling that orange

 

[Itsedstech]

Andar 17 series options are online. Can’t preorder yet.

Hunter Green is getting ordered as soon as it’s live

The Aspen | Camera Control Button

The Aspen is minimally designed to complement your iPhone and fit Apple’s MagSafe capabilities. Made with built-in magnets that make using MagSafe accessories quick and easy. The Aspen iPhone case is made of premium full-grain leather and fits snugly around your iPhone without adding bulk—all...

www.andar.com

Red blue green and if they come out with a saddle brown I’ll order that too.

 

[DyMndSkiR]

It’s all speculation, but the most reliable sources are reporting an increase in pixel density on the telephoto sensor, from 12MP to 48MP, but without an increase in sensor size, along with a reduction in optical zoom from 5X to 3.5X. This would indicate better detail retention when digital zooming in post, but worse low light performance. If true, for me personally this would be a side-grade at best.

My uneducated (and admittedly cynical) guess is that the real reason for the “camera bar” is to keep pace with Samsung and Google while offering something visually different enough to their current offerings to satisfy critics and frequent upgraders.

I agree with all of that as well. My dissatisfaction with the 5X in lower-light performance is already so high I am ordering one of the Sandmarc 6X lenses for the main shooter hoping I can capture higher detail in these performances I am now occasionally filming for my daughter.

Absolutely no reason to invest in a high quality camera/lens system for young children's things, but a couple hundred on a lens may offer a good cost-benefit compared to the stock 5X zoom, at least I am hoping.

 

[Zensō]

I’ll be getting my usual Snakehive case.

Is the move to aluminium actually confirmed yet or do we need to wait for the event? It’s a definite step backwards to me (but won’t stop me)

Nothing at all is officially confirmed, but the change to aluminum is highly probable considering the sources. If you consider the much higher percentage of metal to glass on this new phone compared to the 16PM, it makes sense as a cost cutting measure (that would be a lot of titanium). As others have stated, it could also be due to weight.

 

[martint235]

Nothing at all is officially confirmed, but the change to aluminum is highly probable considering the sources. If you consider the much higher percentage of metal to glass on this new phone compared to the 16PM, it makes sense as a cost cutting measure (that would be a lot of titanium). As others have stated, it could also be due to weight.

Oh well. Don’t mind weight and even my bike is titanium but if it’s alu so be it

 

[igauravarora]

Andar 17 series options are online. Can’t preorder yet.

Hunter Green is getting ordered as soon as it’s live

The Aspen | Camera Control Button

The Aspen is minimally designed to complement your iPhone and fit Apple’s MagSafe capabilities. Made with built-in magnets that make using MagSafe accessories quick and easy. The Aspen iPhone case is made of premium full-grain leather and fits snugly around your iPhone without adding bulk—all...

www.andar.com

Wow! I love that green and purple color 😍

 

[Pug72]

Benks Mist:
The Mist is nice with a velvet feel frosted back. Bad for finger marks though.

 

[Itsedstech]

Im getting the pro max solely because i need the battery (currently have to charge my 16 pro max twice a day and even then its at like 5% when im going to bed) but mannnnnn that 17 air would look nice in an Andar case. Looks nice to hold