You've probably found yourself here after looking at one of the handsets in the iPhone 16 range and are worried about slips, spills and near misses. Fear not!
We've scoured the internet to put together this guide with some of our favourite iPhone 16 cases that will protect your brand-new toy.
Best fit case: Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe
RRP AUD$79
The most convenient option when you're buying direct from Apple.
- Snug fit with soft microfibre lining inside, made of 55% recycled silicone
- Apple tested and compatible with MagSafe accessories
- Pricey for a fairly simple case
Link not available
If you want a simple case that does the basic job of protecting your iPhone 16 from bumps and scratches then Apple's own Silicone Case with MagSafe is a safe (pardon the pun) option.
You can add it to your order from Apple, or pick it off the shelf in-store. This way your phone will be protected from the moment you unbox it.
This iPhone 16 case comes in a range of colours including Star Fruit, Ultramarine, Lake Green, Fuschia, Stone Grey, Plum, Black and Denim.
Best protective case: OtterBox Defender Series
RRP AUD$99.95
A tough case to make sure your iPhone 16 is protected from the worst.
- Tri-layer case offering protection from dirt, debris and hard hits, made with a minimum of 45% recycled content
- Drop Plus standard (Seven times as many drops as the military standard)
- MagSafe compatible
- Limited colour options for base model iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
OtterBox is a world leader when it comes to protective smartphone cases. Its Defender series is a tri-layer silicon cover with "all-over texture" to provide a firm grip preventing drops before they happen.
A screen lip keeps the display safely out of contact with surfaces and the corners have extra cushioning. OtterBox has stepped it up for the iPhone 16, this year its Defender range features in-built magnets for extra security when using MagSafe accessories.
They've even added a splash of colour to the range this year. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus cases come in Black, Denver Dusk Purple and Baby Blue Jeans. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max case options come in the same colourways plus Foxberry (Pink) and Sagebrush (Green).
Best custom case: Casetify Custom
RRP AUD$107.99
Casetify does the most when it comes to adding a pop (or two, or three) of colour to your iPhone 16.
- Hundreds of customisation combinations and designs to choose from
- MagSafe compatible
- Pay more for additional bounce and drop protection
Casetify is the go-to brand for customising your iPhone 16 case. The basic customisable Impact case is MagSafe Compatible or you can choose to save a bit without it. If you're prepared to pay more you can add more bounce protection while still customising the colours or pattern on the case.
Casetify offers a customisation tool that lets you choose from a range of fun options including adding text, polkadots, checks, stripes, gradients and more. There are even side sockets for you to attach any charms you want to add.
Best leather case: NOMAD Modern Leather
RRP AUD$80
NOMAD offers leather iPhone 16 cases for those who want something a little more elegant.
- Premium sustainably sourced leather
- MagSafe compatible
- 8ft drop protection with raised edges to protect the screen and camera
If you couldn't get behind Apple's FineWoven replacement for its official leather-made accessories then NOMAD is a great substitute.
NOMAD's iPhone 16 cases are made of sustainably sourced leather that will develop a lovely patina over time. NOMAD works with Danish leather tannery Ecco that works with techniques that reduce water and energy use during the manufacturing process. The modern leather case has a bumper to absorb shocks for drops of up to 2.4 metres.
Best clear case: ZAGG Crystal Palace
RRP USD$49.99
ZAGG sells premium clear phone cases that will protect your iPhone 16 without hiding it away.
- Slim, clear iPhone 16 case with scratch-resistant and anti-yellowing properties
- MagSafe compatible, with drop-resistance up to 3.9m, made of recycled materials strengthened with graphene
- Pricier than your average plain clear plastic case
Some people don't want their iPhone 16 case to cover up the look of their new purchase but still want some added protection. That's where a clear case like ZAGG's Crystal Palance range comes in.
The lightweight, graphene strengthened design is built to last without ending up that gross yellow colour.
Best wallet case: Bellroy 3 Card
.jpg "Bellroy Wallet Case")
RRP AUD$119
Melbourne-based everyday carry specialists Bellroy are always finding ways to sneak extra storage into its products. This iPhone 16 case is no different.
- Form-fitting premium leather case with storage for up to three cards, SIM slot for travellers
- Three-year warranty
- You'll need to remove the case to use MagSafe or Qi charging
Not everyone needs a full-sized wallet these days. If you want to store a couple of cards then look no further then Bellroys three-card phone case. Made of leather, it has a magnetic trapdoor to keep the card pocket secure plus a SIM card slot too.
Available in Black, Sienna and Agave colourways.
Best eco-friendly case: Pela Case
RRP USD$50
After a fully compostable phone case? Pela's iPhone 16 case protects without harming the environment.
- Pela iPhone 16 cases are made from Flaxstic, a biodegradable material designed to break down over six months to two years in a compostable environment
- Dozens of designs to choose from, and personalisation available
- Pay extra for full MagSafe compatibility
The Pela case is designed to be fully compostable with a starch based elastomer and flax shive blend. With hundreds of designs to choose from you don't have to compromise on style either. While it will protect your phone from bumps it's not rated as highly as other phones for extra durability.
Pela's iPhone 16 cases are MagSafe compatible but lack magnets for a strong connection. For an extra USD$9 you can add a MagSafe module. This enables a strong magnetic connection and can be removed and sent back to Pela for upcycling so you can properly compost your phone.
What to look for in an iPhone 16 case
When looking for a protective case for your iPhone 16 there are a handful of criteria to consider to find the right case for you:
- Price. The cost of iPhone 16 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 16 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 16 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 16 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 16 case FAQS
Can I use an iPhone 15 case on an iPhone 16?
No. You won't be able to use your iPhone 15 case on your iPhone 16 and get full functionality. While the base model iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have the same dimensions the new models all have the new camera control button and the action button. Your old case won't have space to enable the use of these buttons and might not fit at all if it's not flexible enough.
The Pro models are also slightly larger than last years devices. For best protection, it's a good idea to size your phone case correctly.
Can I use an iPhone 14 case on an iPhone 16?
No, it's a similar story with an iPhone 14 case the iPhone 16 is slightly taller so you might not get a snug fit, plus you'll lose access to those extra buttons.
Can I use an iPhone 13 case on an iPhone 16?
No, again you won't be able to use an iPhone 13 case with the iPhone 16 due to size differences. The iPhone 16 is slightly larger in both height and depth and you'll lose access to the new buttons.
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Dylan Crismale
Digital Content Editor
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