I’m a millennial, and I used a leather pouch for my iPhone 4 for a couple years - and liked it. The primary driver was being able to use the phone naked. Definitely had to get used to pulling it out and putting it back in all the time, but I loved how it completely protected the screen when it was stored, and how I could enjoy the iPhone’s form factor (a nice design change from the 3 series) while using it.
The thing that dissuades me from going with Apple’s sleeve now is mostly the price (I bought a Sena leather sleeve for $35), and the apparent design miss of lighting up the entire screen to show the time in the window, instead of only activating the pixels in the window. Lastly, I wouldn’t be using the strap or card insert, both of which likely constitute a notable part of the retail cost.
Admittedly, part of what makes sleeves work for me is that the Apple Watch now takes care of most of my notifications.
At the end of the day the sleeve can definitely be an unforgiving but purposeful and unique compromise. I do have another slim case for when I’m using the phone with tripods or other constant photography work, and yet another somewhat ridiculous ruggedized case for when I’m working on towers.
After covering up my X for three years with a leather case, and having black/slate iPhones since the 3GS, I’m really enjoying seeing my Pacific Blue Pro every time I use it, and feeling the edge of the glass and stainless steel (instead of a case lip) when swiping is awesome.
Gorgeous phone.
