So you've been tempted to buy a new iPhone 17. Whether that's the cheaper iPhone 17 and iPhone Air or the top-of-the-line iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, that $1,399+ investment is worth protecting. Cue the entry of the phone case.
And you don't need to stick with an Apple-branded iPhone case as there are plenty of other options available from reputable competitors.
Here's a look at the best phone cases for the iPhone 17 line.
Just in case you're not aware, there's not a generic phone case that fits all iPhone 17 models. Nor should you look to your older iPhone case as a zero-cost hand-me-down for your new iPhone. If you buy an iPhone 17 base model, it needs a case that's built to match the exact dimensions of the iPhone 17 base model. And the same is true for the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Best Apple iPhone 17 case: Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe

RRP AUD$79
- Soft-touch external and microfibre-lined internal
- Magnet alignment built-in for a snug fit
- Extra cost for buying from Apple
If you're ordering your iPhone 17 directly from Apple, it makes sense to add an Apple-branded case to your cart. The Apple iPhone 17 Silicone Case with MagSafe has an inelegant name but one that spells out the important stuff. Namely, compatibility with the respective iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max models. Silicone protection. And MagSafe functionality. This Apple phone case also has five colour options to choose from.
If you want a hands-free option for your iPhone 17, it's also compatible with the Crossbody Strap (for an extra $99). For hands-on mode, you get a case that's soft to the touch on the outside, with a microfibre lining inside for all-important iPhone protection. This Apple phone case has built-in magnets to help with proper alignment. It's also made of 45% recycled silicone material.Best MagSafe case: Burga Tough MagSafe Case

RRP AUD$89.95
A flat price for your choice of hundreds of MagSafe-friendly iPhone 17 case options.
- Hundreds of personalised case options
- Buy two cases, get two for free (for those who accessorise)
- Pricier cases than other competing brands
It's easy to see why Burga is such a popular phone case brand with Aussies. While functionally the same, aesthetically, there are 300+ designs to choose from to help find a phone case that best represents you. While not exactly cheap, if one case isn't enough, Burga entices you to buy two or more to double the cases. Two for four, three for six, and so on. Free shipping for orders over $150 also helps in that regard.
The core Tough MagSafe case is built to snap on and off, with a scratch-resistant hard-shell exterior and a protective silicone interior. The Burga phone case offers shock protection and raised bezels to protect the front screen and camera lenses. As you'd hope, none of that protection comes at the cost of MagSafe charging. If anything goes wrong with it in the first year, Burga cases come with a 12-month warranty.
Best expandable case: Quad Lock MAG Case

RRP AUD$54.99
- Reasonably priced starter price for the base case
- Practical expansion for different phone use-cases
- May have issues with MagSafe charging
If you just want the base case, you can nab a Quad Lock iPhone case for under $50. You'll get a polycarbonate case that offers edge-to-edge protection against everyday bumps, and impact protection for those seemingly inevitable drops. Despite the protection, Quad Lock cases are thin and soft to the touch.
Casetify offers a customisation tool that lets you choose from a range of fun options including adding text, polka dots, checks, stripes, gradients and more. There are even side sockets for you to attach any charms you want to add.
But the real value of buying into the Quad Lock ecosystem is practical expansion. The default case is built to connect to a Quad Lock mount, handy for cyclists and motorcyclists who want to see their phone on the road. But the MAG version unlocks magnetic connections, including wallets, phone rings, and even bottle mounts. For additional accessorising, add a lanyard or coloured case ring.
Best waterproof case: iiCASE MagSafe IP68 Waterproof Dust Protection Case
RRP AUD$69.99
- Phone case and screen protector rolled into one
- Extra protection against water, snow, and dust
- Sealed case may impact overall iPhone volume
Word is the iPhone 17 range has an IP 68 rating, which means you can technically have it in shallow (fresh) water for around 30 minutes. But if you want extra 'proofing', check out the iiCASE MagSafe IP68 WaterProof Dust Protection iPhone Case. At a top level, this phone case is built to protect against water, snow, and dust.
According to iiCASE, you can even use this case to take photos and videos in up to two metres of water. As a phone case, it also offers shock protection, and it's not so thick that it blocks MagSafe wireless charging. The other big perk is that you don't need a screen protector with a waterproof case, as the design necessitates full enclosure. For this iiCASE waterproof case, you get a scratch-proof, anti-fingerprint screen protector that shouldn't impact touchscreen functionality.
Best clear case: Mous Protective Clear Phone Case

RRP AUD$64.66
A simple-looking case hides some clever protective features without hiding your iPhone 17's shell colour.
- See-through case without compromises on protection
- Built-in magnets preserve Qi2 and MagSafe compatibility
- International shipping means longer delivery times
Depending on which iPhone 17 you buy, you get a choice of at least three colours. But there's not much point in choosing your preferred iPhone 17 colour if it's hidden behind a case. This is where clear phone cases are handy, offering protection without hiding your iPhone's shell. Despite being a transparent case, the Mous Protective Clear Phone Case has a couple of edge colour choices (admittedly, for $5 more).
Despite the transparency, Mous hasn't compromised on the all-important case protection. This Mous clear phone case has an aluminium frame, glass top, and reinforced corners for shock protection. Raised edges and a reinforced camera ring help protect the sensitive glass on the front and back. Additionally, a special UV coating stops the case from yellowing and also offers scratch protection.
Best wallet case: Torro Leather Case

RRP AUD$128.99
Protect your iPhone 17 front and back with a detachable cover that holds cards and cash.
- Protective wallet case with a multipurpose cover
- Compatible with MagSafe charging (unlike other wallet cases)
- Comparatively pricey RRP
If you're craving a leather phone case, Torro is a retailer worth checking out. For iPhone 17 users, we're recommending the Torro iPhone 17 Leather Case as a good place to start comparisons. While not as cheap as competing phone cases with a card holder, this Torro wallet case has plenty to appreciate. For starters, the wrap-around leather case doesn't interfere with MagSafe charging, which isn't true of other wallet cases.
The leather wallet case is made of two parts: the main snap-in case and a detachable magnetic cover. When attached, that cover can be used as a makeshift landscape-view stand. It also closes around the screen with a magnetic latch for extra protection. But the cover's main function is as a slimline wallet, with three card slots and a cash compartment.
What to look for in an iPhone 17 case
When looking for a protective case for your iPhone 17 there are a handful of criteria to consider to find the right case for you:
- Price. The cost of iPhone 17 cases can vary. You can find cheap cases for less than $10 on Amazon or you can pay around $100 for products with premium builds. If you decide on a budget you can reduce the number of options to a manageable amount
- Protection. All iPhone 17 cases with provide a degree of protection. But they're not all made equal. Consider the type of environment you work or travel in and decide what level of protection you need. Some cases have been drop-tested and rated for certain levels of toughness
- Features. Not every iPhone 17 case will include magnets for a proper MagSafe fit and others may not be MagSafe compatible at all. Some offer wallets or folio designs so you can store cards or extra items on the back of your phone
- Style. Depending on what kind of iPhone 17 case you're after your options may be limited. Leather and rugged build cases tend to have fewer colour options while cheaper silicon cases come in a variety of colours
iPhone 17 case FAQS
Do I need a case for my iPhone 17?
Yes, we strongly advise buying an iPhone 17 case either before or alongside your new phone. Ensure the case is compatible with the specific iPhone 17 model: iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Can I use my old iPhone case with an iPhone 17?
No, older iPhone cases aren't generally compatible with newer iPhone models, including the iPhone 17. Even if dimensions only slightly change between iPhone generations, older cases may be too loose or not fit at all with newer models.
What is the most popular type of phone case?
If Google searches in Australia are any indication, Burga offers the most popular phone cases. Technically, Burga only has the one case, but it offers 300+ different designs for that case.
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Nathan Lawrence
Freelance Contributor