To Caudabe or not to Caudabe!

[NJRonbo]

What issues did you heave with the Sheath btw? I bought mine the same day the iPhone 16 Pro Max launched and mine was perfect. Were there bad batches or something?

I bought the Paragon released last October. I didn't mention having issues with the Sheath.

The problem is that Caudabe rushed those cases to market and now, 7 months later, they offer a revision with a minimal discount to those who purchased the originals.

I have heard back from Caudabe on this issue. They increased the discount, but even with that discount, the case is still too costly to consider buying for a second time. You are talking about a case in the $50-$55 price range. That's exorbitant. I don't know if they were originally priced that high or if the tariffs have affected pricing.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I bought the Paragon released last October. I didn't mention having issues with the Sheath.

The problem is that Caudabe rushed those cases to market and now, 7 months later, they offer a revision with a minimal discount to those who purchased the originals.

I have heard back from Caudabe on this issue. They increased the discount, but even with that discount, the case is still too costly to consider buying for a second time. You are talking about a case in the $50-$55 price range. That's exorbitant. I don't know if they were originally priced that high or if the tariffs have affected pricing.

Ah right ok, fair enough. I was lucky with mine I think, which is odd as you'd expect them to be produced on the same moulds, unless they are produced in different factories.

I would not be happy if mine was a dud and Caudabe only offered a discount to buy another. I paid £35 for mine at the time and they should offer a free replacement if they've admitted to production issues. American company and different terms and conditions I suppose to what I am used to.

 

[Saladin12]

I just rolled off a letter to support expressing my dissatisfaction with their 20% discount

I feel they should have offered a more substantial discount for those of us who bought cases they rushed to market.

I was particularly agitated because I had been sending them letters (as well as posting concerns on this forum) regarding the September/October 2024 release of their Sheath and Paragon cases for the new iPhones. At the time, cases with the revised camera control overlay were appearing on the Apple website. I had informed Caudabe of this, and I had hoped they would delay releasing their cases to implement the changes, but instead, they opted to rush the cases to market and make the changes later.

Are you lot okay? Serious question.

The first part of your post, I can sort of get onboard with. But let's be clear you bought the case out of your own free will. They have no obligation to subsidise your future purchases. Do you get a discount from Apple when you buy a new iPhone?

As for your 'letters' and your 'informing' and 'hopes' please chill out. They're a company who were caught off guard by Apple's camera control implementation (as was the rest of the accessories market). You REALLY expected them, whose primary business and therefore source of income is cases, to hold off until they could implement the button? The months of lost revenue would probably bankrupt them. You lot think that implementing that button was 'easy' for manufacturers. It bloody well hasn't been. They didn't rush to the market - they released the cases they had R&D'd. Caudabe isn't a big company who can rely on other income - look at what they sell compared to other companies you refer to that implemented the button earlier.

My only concern here is that they've released these cases just months before the next iPhone release. I'd be all over that ruby one if it wasn't for the fact that I will be upgrading come September.

But please guys and gals, take a breather. People acting like Caudabe stole their first born out here.

 

[Sanforized]

They have purposely delayed replying to you there.

Their CS would reply within a couple of days usually.

I just received a reply this morning and I'm happy with the solution. They've offered to let me place a new order for the version with Camera Control and refund me for the original order. I just had to send proof that I've destroyed the case so I cut it in half and sent over a photo to them. I'm quite certain they offered this to me due to the timing of when I placed my original order so I'm not sure how much luck others that ordered last year will have.

 

[NJRonbo]

Are you lot okay? Serious question.

The first part of your post, I can sort of get onboard with. But let's be clear you bought the case out of your own free will. They have no obligation to subsidise your future purchases. Do you get a discount from Apple when you buy a new iPhone?

As for your 'letters' and your 'informing' and 'hopes' please chill out. They're a company who were caught off guard by Apple's camera control implementation (as was the rest of the accessories market). You REALLY expected them, whose primary business and therefore source of income is cases, to hold off until they could implement the button? The months of lost revenue would probably bankrupt them. You lot think that implementing that button was 'easy' for manufacturers. It bloody well hasn't been. They didn't rush to the market - they released the cases they had R&D'd. Caudabe isn't a big company who can rely on other income - look at what they sell compared to other companies you refer to that implemented the button earlier.

My only concern here is that they've released these cases just months before the next iPhone release. I'd be all over that ruby one if it wasn't for the fact that I will be upgrading come September.

But please guys and gals, take a breather. People acting like Caudabe stole their first born out here.

I'm fine. Are you?

Do you feel powerful trying to make a sarcastic remark like that toward someone else? Was that necessary? State your opinion without the sarcasm.

In your words, please "Chill Out." Some of us have a right to be concerned about the way this issue was handled.

On a positive note, I am happy to read they did the right thing for @Sanforized.

 

[Saladin12]

I'm fine. Are you?

Do you feel powerful trying to make a sarcastic remark like that toward someone else? Was that necessary? State your opinion without the sarcasm.

In your words, please "Chill Out." Some of us have a right to be concerned about the way this issue was handled.

On a positive note, I am happy to read they did the right thing for @Sanforized.

I'm British. Asking me not to be sarcastic is like asking an American to vote for gun control - amirite?

You can be concerned about the way an issue is handled but you're very clearly misplacing your anger at Caudabe. @Sanforized situation is different, they had every right to be annoyed because of the return window. But look at how Caudabe handled it; all good.

Your concerns, however, involve telling Caudabe how to run their business. If you didn't like the fact that they released a case without CC then you shouldn't have bought it. No company, like Caudabe's size and product lineup, was going to delay a case release. It would cost too much.

 

[NJRonbo]

I'm British. Asking me not to be sarcastic is like asking an American to vote for gun control - amirite?

You can be concerned about the way an issue is handled but you're very clearly misplacing your anger at Caudabe. @Sanforized situation is different, they had every right to be annoyed because of the return window. But look at how Caudabe handled it; all good.

Your concerns, however, involve telling Caudabe how to run their business. If you didn't like the fact that they released a case without CC then you shouldn't have bought it. No company, like Caudabe's size and product lineup, was going to delay a case release. It would cost too much.

That’s all good, and that’s your opinion. If it had been stated in that manner, it would have been taken under good advice.

Adding in the sarcasm and seemingly personal attack with that opinion, whether British or not, was unnecessary.

 

[Zensō]

Are you lot okay? Serious question.

The first part of your post, I can sort of get onboard with. But let's be clear you bought the case out of your own free will. They have no obligation to subsidise your future purchases. Do you get a discount from Apple when you buy a new iPhone?

As for your 'letters' and your 'informing' and 'hopes' please chill out. They're a company who were caught off guard by Apple's camera control implementation (as was the rest of the accessories market). You REALLY expected them, whose primary business and therefore source of income is cases, to hold off until they could implement the button? The months of lost revenue would probably bankrupt them. You lot think that implementing that button was 'easy' for manufacturers. It bloody well hasn't been. They didn't rush to the market - they released the cases they had R&D'd. Caudabe isn't a big company who can rely on other income - look at what they sell compared to other companies you refer to that implemented the button earlier.

My only concern here is that they've released these cases just months before the next iPhone release. I'd be all over that ruby one if it wasn't for the fact that I will be upgrading come September.

But please guys and gals, take a breather. People acting like Caudabe stole their first born out here.

I believe people are frustrated with Caudabe due to the fact that they now have a tendency to over promise and under deliver. Using words like “perfection” and “responsive” set high expectations, which frankly in my experience are no longer usually met. I’ve been a long time customer of Caudabe going all the way back to their founding, but in recent years their products and customer service have come nowhere near the high standard they used to meet.

 

[Saladin12]

I believe people are frustrated with Caudabe due to the fact that they now have a tendency to over promise and under deliver. Using words like “perfection” and “responsive” set high expectations, which frankly in my experience are no longer usually met. I’ve been a long time customer of Caudabe going all the way back to their founding, but in recent years their products and customer service have come nowhere near the high standard they used to meet.

That's a fair complaint to have and I hear that. The vibe does seem to be that they've lost what made them special in their early days. I will also say I think they dropped the ball on the late launch of the CC button case. June is just far too late for anybody who's realistically going to pay these kind of prices. They should have just held off for the 17 series.

 

[Sal09]

I think ….

Still thinking.

 

[Spocky]

Caudabe easily makes the best cases for an iPhone. Simple as. Roll on June.

 

[Zensō]

Caudabe easily makes the best cases for an iPhone. Simple as. Roll on June.

One obvious issue, among others, is that 50 grams ≠ “minimalist”.

 

[Spocky]

One obvious issue, among others, is that 50 grams ≠ “minimalist”.

Maybe you should direct your ire towards Caudabe. I don't make up their marketing material 👍

 

[NJRonbo]

I think the big problem right now is that we are only 4 months away from iPhone 17

The introduction of this revised case at a $55 price point -- even with an additional 20% discount -- would mean an expensive short-term ownership unless you are not planning on upgrading in September.

 

[maxrest]

I’ve decided to keep the Caudabe case (and my Apple case). The more I hold my phone in the Caudabe case, the more I realize that it’s actually not that bad.

I likely missed this discussion but, for those of you who have the cutout version, is Caudabe giving any sort of discount if you want the button version when it’s available?

 

[NJRonbo]

I’ve decided to keep the Caudabe case (and my Apple case). The more I hold my phone in the Caudabe case, the more I realize that it’s actually not that bad.

I likely missed this discussion but, for those of you who have the cutout version, is Caudabe giving any sort of discount if you want the button version when it’s available?

The current case works fine. I think the revised case would work better/more seamlessly.

Yes, Caudabe is offering a 20% discount to those who bought the original case. The concerns are that this is the same discount you can usually find online.

 

[Zensō]

Maybe you should direct your ire towards Caudabe. I don't make up their marketing material 👍

When you make a strong statement like “Caudabe easily makes the best cases for an iPhone,” you might expect some pushback from those who have had a different experience. I’ve directed my “ire” toward Caudabe in the past, providing constructive criticism and suggestions, but it hasn’t yielded any positive results (no surprise).

 

[Hooterville]

Have they shipped yet......................................🤣🤣

 

[Sal09]

Have they shipped yet......................................🤣🤣

Yes

 

[depmesh]

That's a fair complaint to have and I hear that. The vibe does seem to be that they've lost what made them special in their early days. I will also say I think they dropped the ball on the late launch of the CC button case. June is just far too late for anybody who's realistically going to pay these kind of prices. They should have just held off for the 17 series.

I respectfully disagree. They are late and I too was and still am frustrated with this delay and the extra delay in shipping, but I don’t think they should have waited for the 17 series, as that will be a whole different product. There are those of us who might not be upgrading and wanted the cc button Caudabe cases.

One obvious issue, among others, is that 50 grams ≠ “minimalist”.

For me minimalist mostly refers to the design and i find their cases, especially the sheath, just that. Also, my Gen-6 (another great case) is 56grams but I’ve barely read any criticism for the weight of that case on these forums. We buy these cases knowing that they are ‘heavy’, for their other characteristics, otherwise we could just stick with the 35gramm apple silicone one ( which I also love). I think we might have been overly critical of Caudabe. Not defending them, as I have nothing to gain, just like their cases, but I find some of the criticism somewhat unfair.

 

[Zensō]

I respectfully disagree. They are late and I too was and still am frustrated with this delay and the extra delay in shipping, but I don’t think they should have waited for the 17 series, as that will be a whole different product. There are those of us who might not be upgrading and wanted the cc button Caudabe cases.

For me minimalist mostly refers to the design and i find their cases, especially the sheath, just that. Also, my Gen-6 (another great case) is 56grams but I’ve barely read any criticism for the weight of that case on these forums. We buy these cases knowing that they are ‘heavy’, for their other characteristics, otherwise we could just stick with the 35gramm apple silicone one ( which I also love). I think we might have been overly critical of Caudabe. Not defending them, as I have nothing to gain, just like their cases, but I find some of the criticism somewhat unfair.

We complain because we would like Caudabe to do better. I bought the first ever case they made for the iPhone and have had at least one (often more than one) almost every year since. They used to be thin and light, and were super durable while being protective enough for everyday drops; they perfectly fit the minimalist concept. A few years ago (around when they added MagSafe) the cases all got much beefier, and in my opinion they lost the essence of what made their earlier cases so appealing. Now they’re even heavier than cases like the Otterbox Symmetry and Spigen Ultra Hybrid.

Regarding Phone Rebel, no one expects their cases to be light. They are, in fact, the opposite of minimalist with their extreme drop protection, removable parts, and so forth. The expectations are different because they’ve never made a minimalist case, and don’t use that term in their marketing.

 

[Sal09]

We complain because we would like Caudabe to do better. I bought the first ever case they made for the iPhone and have had at least one (often more than one) almost every year since. They used to be thin and light, and were super durable while being protective enough for everyday drops; they perfectly fit the minimalist concept. A few years ago (around when they added MagSafe) the cases all got much beefier, and in my opinion they lost the essence of what made their earlier cases so appealing. Now they’re even heavier than cases like the Otterbox Symmetry and Spigen Ultra Hybrid.

Regarding Phone Rebel, no one expects their cases to be light. They are, in fact, the opposite of minimalist with their extreme drop protection, removable parts, and so forth. The expectations are different because they’ve never made a minimalist case, and don’t use that term in their marketing.

Come on bud … let it all out.

 

[Zensō]

Come on bud … let it all out.

I feel much better now. 😂

 

[Sal09]

I feel much better now. 😂

I bet your tummy feels light now.

 

[Infinitewisdom]

I respectfully disagree. They are late and I too was and still am frustrated with this delay and the extra delay in shipping, but I don’t think they should have waited for the 17 series, as that will be a whole different product. There are those of us who might not be upgrading and wanted the cc button Caudabe cases.

For me minimalist mostly refers to the design and i find their cases, especially the sheath, just that. Also, my Gen-6 (another great case) is 56grams but I’ve barely read any criticism for the weight of that case on these forums. We buy these cases knowing that they are ‘heavy’, for their other characteristics, otherwise we could just stick with the 35gramm apple silicone one ( which I also love). I think we might have been overly critical of Caudabe. Not defending them, as I have nothing to gain, just like their cases, but I find some of the criticism somewhat unfair.

I agree with you. I wouldn’t describe any of my Caudabe cases as heavy. I’ve seen a lot of hair splitting over differences of a few grams which is always entertaining.

And I don’t even think minimalist refers primarily to weight. I buy Caudabe because of their minimalist but tasteful external design. I wouldn’t be caught dead using a case like PhoneRebel or one of those aramid fiber cases. Call me a snob, I won’t deny it. But looks matter to me and Caudabe has always been a cut above on design and overall fit and finish. If you want a cheaper option, there are many like with anything else. But generally in life I don’t mind paying more for products that are higher quality and fit my tastes. This is also why I never shop on Amazon (in addition to their despicable practices). All my opinion. Take it for whatever it’s worth.

I’ve got two of the camera control cases on preorder, happily used the discount. Only annoying thing is the shipping date, but I’m fine using what I have for now. I’m expecting that the only thing that’s different from what I have now is the camera control button.