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I don’t think I would go that route as I read it doesn’t protect the camera lens otherwise that would be an ideal option.
It doesn’t. That’s my only gripe with it. I ordered a camera protector though, so I’m hoping it won’t look horrible with it. It arrives today. I’ll post pictures when it does. 👍🏼
 
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Got this TOCOL case, fits well, no issues - not much grip.

Really like the Spigen Neo ones but not clear TPU, despite their claims - they still go yellow. Translucent grey or frosted would be better.

Also love this for the Pro - https://aulumu.com/cdn/shop/files/2_a0267eee-2fad-4251-a94a-c9e98ee4bb4a.jpg?v=1757487197&width=700

Wish I could get that for the Air.
 
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For those using a case, did you buy the Air primarily because of the new thin form factor and aesthetics? If so, is it possible you are defeating ( in essence) the primary reason for the purchase with the case? Something to consider.
No, not really. The Air with the Apple clear case on is thinner and weighs significantly less than the bare naked 16 Pro Max. And with a protective case on, the 16PM weighs almost 100 grams more.

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Do you use a tempered glass screen protector on your Air? If so which one?
Yes, I’m using the Ultraglass 9H. I had the same on my 16 Pro Max for a year and it held up really well. It has a black border that hides lint while being narrow enough to not encroach on the screen.

UltraGlass UNBREAK TOP 9H+ Armor for iPhone 17 Air Screen Protector, 2 Pack https://a.co/d/4QSoyvy
 
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Yes, I’m using the Ultraglass 9H. I had the same on my 16 Pro Max for a year and it held up really well. It has a black border that hides lint while being narrow enough to not encroach on the screen.

UltraGlass UNBREAK TOP 9H+ Armor for iPhone 17 Air Screen Protector, 2 Pack https://a.co/d/4QSoyvy
Excellent, thank you very much.
 
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No, not really. The Air with the Apple clear case on is thinner and weighs significantly less than the bare naked 16 Pro Max. And with a protective case on, the 16PM weighs almost 100 grams more.

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But that PhoneRebel case is heavier than your average case. It's that actual case that made me realize how much a brick the 16PM was when I was on a trip and convinced me to go for the Air.
 
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But that PhoneRebel case is heavier than your average case. It's that actual case that made me realize how much a brick the 16PM was when I was on a trip and convinced me to go for the Air.
The Phone Rebel is in the mid 50’s which is about average if you consider the full range of cases available, from ultra light like the Pitaka at 20-25 grams, up to heavy duty like the Defender or Monarch at 70+. But yes, 50+ grams on a 16PM is a brick compared to any case on the Air.
 
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Does this add much bulk to the phone?
The beats case definitely adds bulk in a way that takes away from the wow-factor of the Air. I would say it felt like holding an iPhone 11 without a case. Still felt really good, and I would have used it as a case for doing something outdoors, like going to the beach.

I also got the x-level case, which did a much better job keeping to the original form. I liked the finish with the semi-translucent black plastic - it gave a nice look on the edges. Slightly more piece of mind keeping the phone in this case, and gave it a more matte look (which I preferred over the polished metal).

I speak of these in past-tense because in the end I decided to return the Air! My amazement at the form quickly turned into a feeling of a significant trade-off, especially with the camera system, coming from the 15 Pro.

Anyway here’s some pics of the cases before I packed it all up:

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For those of you that are using an Apple case with a screen protector, and since the case doesn’t cover the bottom area, is it working out ok? Or does your finger hit the screen protector at the bottom of the phone every time you swipe up?

I ask as I really like the Apple case and think it’s best if I use a screen protector so I’m just wondering if the two combined cause any issues. Had the case fully covered the bottom of the phone this would have been an easy decision to make.

Also, is Apple even selling screen protectors for the air? I looked on both the Apple site and Belkin site and none are listed for the air.
 
For those of you that are using an Apple case with a screen protector, and since the case doesn’t cover the bottom area, is it working out ok? Or does your finger hit the screen protector at the bottom of the phone every time you swipe up?

I ask as I really like the Apple case and think it’s best if I use a screen protector so I’m just wondering if the two combined cause any issues. Had the case fully covered the bottom of the phone this would have been an easy decision to make.

Also, is Apple even selling screen protectors for the air? I looked on both the Apple site and Belkin site and none are listed for the air.
I have this combo and haven’t had any problems so far. It probably depends upon the screen protector and how smooth the edge is polished.
 
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I have this combo and haven’t had any problems so far. It probably depends upon the screen protector and how smooth the edge is polished.
I was wondering that. Since the brand you told me you are using is working well that is going to be high on my list (I’ll probably go with it based on the info provided).

Again, thank you.

Edit: I assume the brand you mentioned earlier that you are using has a smooth polished edge?
 
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Got a 9 dollar ESR clear case, which arrived a day before the Apple Bumper. I love the cheap ESR case, but am exchanging the Bumper because the side buttons feel like they’re gonna fall off. Hoping it’s just a defect, but if not, I’ll just keep the cheap case and return the bumper.
 
After using the Air for a day, I decided *any* case was too much case. I don't like the bumper feel (which I'm pretty sure the clear case shares, just with a thin backplate), and I don't want to add any thickness that compromises the chief selling point. I just want a more friendly texture in the back, and to not worry about whether my hand is sweaty/slippery.

So I cancelled my preorder for the Nomad magnetic back I was going to use, and ordered a Dbrand leather skin instead. I think that ends up being about 0.35mm and negligible weight, which sounds perfect to me.

Edit: ugh, I just realized after the fact that the dbrand skin ****s with MagSafe. Ok, back to the drawing board.
 
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Why did Apple make the Air bumper so slippery. Seriously, is it really about looks over function?
There is no reason the bumper needed to be this way. I am taking the phone out of my pocket so carefully is ridiculous.

Has anyone found an alternative bumper as this is really all that the Air needs short of a screen protector.
 
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Why did Apple make the Air bumper so slippery. Seriously, is it really about looks over function?
There is no reason the bumper needed to be this way. I am taking the phone out of my pocket so carefully is ridiculous.

Has anyone found an alternative bumper as this is really all that the Air needs short of a screen protector.
After a few days of using the bumper, I ordered the ringke onyx to use for the time being. The bumper is getting returned because it’s way too slippery.
 
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After a few days of using the bumper, I ordered the ringke onyx to use for the time being. The bumper is getting returned because it’s way too slippery.
Hoping for another bumper. Cases defeat the purpose of the Air for me. Minimal is the goal. Bumper and Screen Protector.
 
Hoping for another bumper. Cases defeat the purpose of the Air for me. Minimal is the goal. Bumper and Screen Protector.
You could always try one of the thin metal bumpers on Amazon. I’ve seen several already listed on there for sale.
 
After using the Air for a day, I decided *any* case was too much case. I don't like the bumper feel (which I'm pretty sure the clear case shares, just with a thin backplate), and I don't want to add any thickness that compromises the chief selling point. I just want a more friendly texture in the back, and to not worry about whether my hand is sweaty/slippery.

So I cancelled my preorder for the Nomad magnetic back I was going to use, and ordered a Dbrand leather skin instead. I think that ends up being about 0.35mm and negligible weight, which sounds perfect to me.

Edit: ugh, I just realized after the fact that the dbrand skin ****s with MagSafe. Ok, back to the drawing board.
That’s pretty much where I’m at too. The air really needs to be used caseless. I got the matter fake leather phone back but it adds significant weight at 44 grams and the fake leather doesn’t feel great. I ordered the dbrand leather skin also. I had one for my 15 Pro and MagSafe still worked but I did notice my MagSafe wallet did slide around more with the skin on. I’m trying to get used to using the phone naked but I’d also like a little more grip.
 
Tried the bumper case but it's not very well designed so I went back to my trusty Encased belt clip case.

Got the Spigen GlasTR privacy screen protector and love it.
 
I had one for my 15 Pro and MagSafe still worked but I did notice my MagSafe wallet did slide around more with the skin on.
Yeah, that's my concern. I use one of the ESR wallet stands with a finger loop when I'm out and about, and having it suddenly detach would suck.

I may be ok caseless, honestly. On the 16PM the leather back was mostly to insulate my hand from the heat of the phone. Since the screen portion of the Air doesn't get very hot most of the time it's not so much of an issue, and I'm finding it pretty grippy by default.
 
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With the Apple frost and shadow cases, any difference in feel or grip between the two?
 
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