Apple iPhone 16 and 16 Pro case quick picks
Clear case: Apple Clear Case With MagSafe
Solid color case: Nomad Sport Case
Most affordable case: Smartish Gripmunk Case
When most people think of apple picking, their minds wander to orchards filled with trees. But when we hear “apple picking,” our brains jump to deciding whether we want the new iPhone 16 or the iPhone 16 Pro — and what case we want to pair it with.
Whether you’ve already grabbed Apple’s newest smartphone or you’re adding it to your holiday shopping list, you’ll want a protective and stylish case to pair it with. Thankfully, a host of editor-approved brands have dropped new collections for the iPhone 16.
From sophisticated leather options to pops of color, all the way to rugged and durable designs, there’s a case for every style and protection level you could want. We’ve rounded up our top picks below, so once that new phone is in your hand, it’s fully outfitted.
The best iPhone 16 cases
It’s not the cheapest or most exciting covering, but I find myself buying Apple’s own clear case for pretty much every new iPhone I get. I like being able to see my phone’s actual color (especially on my base iPhone 16, which really pops in Teal), and the case’s MagSafe compatibility makes it easy to plop my phone on my Belkin stand at my desk or attach a MagSafe charger when I’m on the go. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor?
The iPhone 16 Pro feels at home in the Apple Silicone Case, thanks to a tight seal and that rubbery texture that actually feels good. I'm not a case person, but I wouldn't think twice to tell my relatives to protect their iPhones with this case. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer
I've been a fan of Nomad's Sport Case ever since it launched. It's lightweight, slim, protective and simple. The 8-foot drop protection makes sense for everyday accidents, grippy sides make it easy to hold and I'm really into the bright blue tone. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer
Casetify always manages to recapture my attention with fun collaborations, but the basics are worthy of praise too. The company has been making my favorite clear case for years and that continues with this year’s model for the iPhone 16 Pro. I love the clear back to show off my phone’s color or even to slip a Pokémon card in for some extra personalization. Plus, the grippy bumper design and super-strong MagSafe support make this an easy recommendation. — Rikka Altland,?senior deals editor?
The Gripzilla case has grippier sides than other Smartish offerings I've tested. The added bumpers on the corners were a bit of a worry for me, but the design still feels streamlined while staying protective. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer
The City Case nicely hides the MagSafe ring from view, which I'm a big fan of. The material feels somewhere between a plastic and a leather while you're holding it, and the slim design doesn't add bulk to my already-large iPhone 16 Pro Max. The raised edges don't get in the way of accessing the camera control button, which is a win in my book. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer
If you're on the hunt for a minimalistic case, this pick from Zagg does the trick. It's soft to the touch, and I love the bright pop of color. The raised edges don't feel bulky either, like some harder plastic options do. Just keep in mind that it collects a bit of lint or dust if you stick it in your pocket. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer
The case is also available for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
The grippy sides of this case do make it slightly easier to hold, but I'm even more impressed by the quality you get for the price. It's under $20, lightweight, slim and there are lots of pattern options. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer
I’ve been buying new iPhones every year for over a decade now. If there’s a single case that I have to have on launch day, it’s Nomad’s leather covers. The company has been protecting my phones with a luxurious design for years now that only gets better over time as the Horween leather develops a unique patina over time. The new iPhone 16 edition keeps up with past expectations to deliver an updated version of my personal favorite case on the market. — Rikka Altland,?senior deals editor?
I like that the design of this clear (but patterned) case lets the Desert Sand tone I've chosen for my new phone show through. You can see the MagSafe magnets (read: it's compatible), and it has raised edges to protect the screen that only slightly get in the way of accessing camera control. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer
The textured edges of this case help give me a better grip on my phone. I'm a fan of the more subtle MagSafe magnets, since a lot of clear/translucent cases feature magnets that look incredibly obvious. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer
You can also shop the case for the iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
I was drawn to this case due to its 16-foot drop protection, which is wild compared to other options on this list. It has an industrial feel, but it's the case I've been snapping onto my phone before running because it gives me peace of mind. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer
The case is available in limited colors for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro as well.
I couldn't grab Mujjo's case for my phone size just yet, but the inside of this case feels smooth, which is a luxe touch to keep the back of your phone from scratching. There are built-in MagSafe rings, and the leather has a nice soft feel. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer
How to pick the best iPhone 16 case
Protection
Even though we love a case that looks nice, the whole point is that your case protects your phone from damage. For drop protection, consider features like a raised lip that helps protect the screen, a ring around the camera and a thicker build for extra impact absorption.
Design
Does the case have a MagSafe magnet built-in? Do you have easy access to the Action, Camera Control and volume buttons? These are questions you’ll want to consider while shopping for an iPhone 16 case. There are so many cases out there with different design features (even ones that hold your lip gloss) that it’s important to make sure your top priorities are included.
Style
This one’s entirely up to you! Maybe you like a more industrial look or you want something that has a trendy graphic on the back. No matter if your case adds a pop of color to your device or keeps it clear and simple, there are loads of options out there to fit your personal style.
Cost
Always in our list of things to consider, phone cases can get surprisingly pricey. Just because a case is more expensive, though, doesn’t mean it’s more protective. That said, full-featured models, like those with MagSafe compatibility, kickstands or screen covers, will be pricier. The same is true for cases made with premium materials, like leather. But affordable cases can be as protective and stylish, like the Smartish Gripmunk Case for $15.
