Skip to main content

iPhone cases

See All Stories

Apple launches six new iPhone 7/Plus case colors, matching new silicone & leather Watch bands

Site default logo image

Alongside the new (RED) iPhone, Apple has also given existing iPhone 7/Plus owners the chance to update the color of their phone with a range of six new cases. These match the colors of the new Watch bands also announced today.

As with the bands, the new colors are split between silicone and leather. You might need a color chart to make sense of some of the names, though …


Expand
Expanding
Close

ASUS and LG mock Apple’s ‘bumpy’ iPhone battery case

lg-asus-apple-fun

Earlier this week, Apple launched its very first official battery case for the iPhone 6/6s. It’d be an understatement to say that it got some attention on social media, mostly from people who couldn’t believe the design-focused company released something so hideous. In fact, you’ll be hard pushed to find someone who has something good to say about the way the case looks.

Not to miss a good marketing opportunity, ASUS and LG were among those mocking the battery case and using it to sell the benefits of its own products. ASUS was keen to point out that, even with the battery case attached, the iPhone 6 is still no match for the ZenFone Max. ASUS claims its 5000mAh battery-powered smartphone can handle 2 hours more video playback, 2 hour more internet use and 12 hours more talk time than a case-equipped iPhone.

[tweet https://twitter.com/ASUS/status/674561517639958529 align=’center’]

Meanwhile, LG took a slightly different line with the V10, ribbing the Apple case’s ‘bumpy’ design. Incidentally, LG’s V10 has a 3,000mAh battery which you can fast-charge up to 50% in just 40mins. :

[tweet https://twitter.com/LGJordan/status/674631588894806016 align=’center’]

It’s no surprise to see the companies exploiting a weakness in Apple’s armor to fuel their own marketing efforts, and the Cupertino-based company could certainly have tried to make it a little harder. Right now, the humped battery case is an easy target.

One thing no company has mocked is perhaps the one thing that has impressed all of us: iOS integration. When an iPhone has a Smart Battery Case attached, it displays both the phone and case’s battery levels in the notification drawer’s ‘Today’ view. What’s more, it charges the iPhone automatically and charges via Lightning cable. Those are some convenient features, for sure. Whether or not you’d want a ‘bumpy’ case in your hand to gain those features is another matter entirely.

Opinion: There’s a broader problem with Apple’s battery case – a schizophrenic attitude to design

cases

Like many this morning, my first reaction to Apple’s Smart Battery Case was … what the heck? Albeit not expressed in those exact words. Seth tweeted that it seemed to be evidence that Jony Ive has left the building.

My colleague Jeremy has addressed the battery case specifically, but I think there’s a broader issue here. Apple claims to sweat the details when it comes to the design of its devices, and – a few grumbles aside – I think that’s a legitimate claim on the aesthetic front. It does go to obsessive lengths when it comes to making its devices as visually pleasing as possible. One part of that obsession is making iPhones as thin as it can.

But, to my mind, the company has an almost schizophrenic attitude here. It goes to all that trouble to make the phones as slim and sleek as humanly possible, yet it knows full well that the first thing the vast majority of owners do when they take delivery is to slip the phone into a case. Those cases substantially increase the thickness, and hide the design.

Which brings us to problem two … 
Expand
Expanding
Close

Speck’s iPhone 6s CandyShell + MightyShell cases bring best-of-breed protection to Apple’s latest iPhones

IMG_6019

With the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus debuting next week, it’s important to start thinking about how to make sure your new phone is protected as soon as you get it. At some point, you’ll probably want to resell your phone for top dollar to upgrade to the iPhone 7s, and getting the best price will require your device to be in like-new condition. The smartest way to protect your iPhone is with the updated Speck CandyShell series or new MightyShell line. “Designed for Impact” and available in all-new styles, Speck’s CandyShell cases have a perfect combination of great looks, protection, and accessory compatibility for your new iPhone.

We’ve checked out Speck’s all-new CandyShell series for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, and the cases are certainly impressive. Each one-piece case is made with two bonded layers — one soft, one hard — together creating a snug fit and incredibly easy installation. But unlike competitors, the CandyShell cases have almost no bulk, keeping your iPhone nearly as thin as they’d be without cases. And the latest clear CandyShell lets you see your iPhone 6s/6s Plus’s colors through an all-new design, available for the first time for both 4.7″ and 5.5″ iPhone sizes. Below, you’ll get a first look at some brand new CandyShell and MightyShell versions at great prices, available to order today…


Expand
Expanding
Close

Apple to simplify retail stores by demoting iPods to shelves, dropping iPad Smart Signs

Site default logo image

apple-store-italy

Apple is preparing to make significant changes to its stores to simplify the experience by relocating iPod stock to accessory shelves and removing iPad-based Smart Signs, according to several Apple Retail managers briefed today on the plans. Apple will begin rolling out these notable changes overnight on Tuesday of next week to stores in the United States so that customers who begin coming in on Wednesday see the refreshed look.


Expand
Expanding
Close

The best iPhone cases & battery packs on show at CES 2015

Site default logo image

There is a never ending supply of new iPhone cases at CES again this year, so we’ve decided to roundup the best of the best below. Some of the cases include backup batteries, others offer charging via built-in solar panels, and one includes a detachable Bluetooth speaker. One of the new cases even claims to “defend against the bend,” a jab at the iPhone 6 Plus bending controversy of last year. Head below for the run down on the growing list of iPhone cases launching at CES:
Expand
Expanding
Close

Review: Twelve South’s BookBook is the best iPhone 6 / Plus flip case, while Tech21’s Classic Frame and Shells absorb shocks

Site default logo image

bookbook-1

Personal preferences differ enough that there’s no single style of iPhone case that’s “right” for every person. Some people prefer “playthrough” cases that always expose the iPhone’s screen; others like flip-style cases with lids that open like books. Today, we’re looking at two cases of each type for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus: Twelve South’s latest BookBook and Tech21’s Classic Shell with Cover are flip-style designs, while Tech21’s Classic Frame and Classic Shell are playthrough cases.

tech21-1

One of these is the best case of its type that we’ve ever seen, while the others are all good.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Black Friday: Sabrent 10-port USB charger $20, Macs up to $200 off, Made In America deals, Anki $99, more

sabrent-10-port-family-usb-charger

Last USB charger you’ll need: Sabrent 10-Port USB Desktop Charger: $20 (orig. $45)

apple-macbook-air-2014

Best Buy Black Friday Mac deals: MacBooks/iMacs up to $200 offmore

this-is-ground-mod-air

Made in America Black Friday Deals: This is Ground, Spool Dock, DODOcase, more

anki-drive-ios

Anki Drive Starter Kit, iOS-controlled killer robot car racing game $99 shipped (Reg. $150)

Continue on for the rest of our favorite Black Friday tech deals:


Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Lunch Break: iPad Air from $365 w/ .edu, Case-Mate 60% off, Samsung 48″ smart HDTV $600, more

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

ipad-air

Apple Deals:

Case-Mate sitewide sale-02

Case-Mate sitewide sale: 60% off with free shipping, iPhone cases $6more

samsung-un48h6350-48-inch-1080p-120hz-smart-led-tv

Samsung 48″ 1080p Smart HDTV 120Hz $600 shipped (Reg. $1000)

 

Western Digital 2TB Elements Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drive

Storage Deals:

Other new deals:

More tech deals still alive:

Home/fashion/magazines/media:

New products/ongoing promos:

Google/Microsoft/misc tech:

OtterBox launches durable, fast charging Resurgence Power Case for iPhone 5/5s

Site default logo image

Otterbox Resurgence

OtterBox is adding a new collection of protective cases to its accessory lineup today with the introduction of its new Resurgence series. The Resurgence case is similar in concept to other battery pack case offerings from Mophie and similar case makers, but the Resurgence iPhone case boasts Military-rated drop protection (MIL STD 810G-516.6) as you would expect from an OtterBox case.

Superior protection isn’t the only extra benefit to OtterBox’s charing case. The 2,000 milliamp hour nominal lithium ion battery doubles your iPhone battery usage, and OtterBox says the Resurgence case will automatically stop charging your iPhone when your battery reaches full capacity. This auto-stop technology differs from other battery packs which continue to charge your device despite being full…
Expand
Expanding
Close

The best iPhone 5c (and iPhone 5s) cases already available online

Site default logo image

A small surprise yesterday during Apple’s introduction of the new iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s was the launch of new cases for the devices. The iPhone 5s gets a new leather case in six colors, and the 5c gets colourful silicone cases with small circular cutouts meant to show off the iPhone’s color underneath. The silicone 5c cases don’t seem to be getting the best response following yesterday’s unveiling, but the good news is there are already several reputable case manufacturers with cases available for both the iPhone 5c and 5s.

Screen Shot 2013-09-11 at 2.39.53 PMThe biggest complaint (apart from comparisons to crocs) seems to be lack of attention to detail, highlighted best in the image of the “iPhone” text to the right.  If Apple’s new cases won’t cut it, below we’ve put together a roundup of the best cases from around the web that are already available to order and coming soon for the launch of the device later this month. 
Expand
Expanding
Close

Crowdfunding roundup: Qooqi cable organizer, iPhone wallet cases, headset without speakers, more

Site default logo image

Print

As the success stories keep piling up, so do the number of projects filling up crowdfunding websites with, among other things, neat hardware- and software-related products. Some projects, like Pebble, gain thousands of supporters as well as millions of dollars in funding (and end up at Best Buy’s retail stores). Other projects flop and don’t reach their necessary funding amount.

Rather than make you sift through all of these projects, we’re rounding up the best or most notable projects from around the web and delivering them to you in a simple roundup.

If there’s a project that you’ve backed – or even a project that you founded – be sure to leave a link below so it can be considered for the next roundup.

  • Qooqi for your cables (Kickstarter project) – All of my cables like to fall off my desk and into oblivion. I’ve tried small, adhesive cord holders in the past, but usually the cords tug on the holder so much that peel off. Qooqi, on the other hand, uses what they call “nano pad tad technology” which sounds a lot like the microsuction of my favorite NanoTek Stand dock.I personally backed this project and it has already exceeded its $10k goal. Expect the Qooqi to ship out in December.

    Expand
    Expanding
    Close

Mophie joins colorful iPhone trend with Spectrum Collection battery-cases

Site default logo image

1350x1240_wysiwyg-helium-ip5-hero

With a gold iPhone 5S and multi-colored iPhone 5C expected on September 10th, Mophie has responded by offering a choice of five different colors for the Juice Pack Helium external battery-case for the iPhone 5/5S which we reviewed back in March.

[We] today announced five distinctive new colors for the juice pack helium: blue, purple, pink, green and red. The new matte-finish, jewel-tone cases wrap serious protection and power in a burst of color, delivering 80 percent more battery life and edge-to-edge protection against the drops, bumps and scratches of everyday mobile device use.

The units are otherwise identical to the standard Juice Pack Helium, with a 1500mAh battery that we found delivered on Mophie’s claim of between 6-7 hours additional usage.

You can pick up Mophie Helium Juicepacks at Amazon starting at $68 or on Mophie.com for $79.99 retail price.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Last Call: Up to 83% off Incase Apple accessories, $40 Logitech Ultrathin iPad keyboard case (Refurb), Mac/iPad deals, more

From 9to5Toys.com:

A large majority of the deals we cover each day come from a variety of ‘Daily Deal’ websites or are so popular that they don’t even last 24 hours. We know you can’t be at your computer every second, so we’re going to round up the best deals each day to make sure you have a fair shot at the deals you want. Be sure to follow 9to5Toys.com so you never miss a deal... Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+

Today’s Featured deals:

incase-deal-tanga-apple

Up to 83% off Incase Apple Mac/iPhone/iPad accessories (Bags, Cases, Sleeves, more)

7-11-main

Sold out. Logitech Ultrathin Bluetooth Keyboard/Cover/Stand for iPad (red/black/white-refurb): $40 shipped

starwars-mac-oldrepublic

Apple Deals:

Apple MacBook Air 11.6″ 1.3GHz i5 Haswell processor, 128GB SSD, 802.11ac WiFi $949 (Reg. $999). Also available with a 256GB SSD for $1,149 (Reg. $1,199).apple-macbookair-haswell-deal-amazon

MacBook Pro 13″ (MD101LL/A) 500GB, 4GB RAM, 2.5GHz i5 $999 (Reg. $1,199)

Retina MacBook Pro (MD212LL/A) 128GB SSD, 8GB RAM, 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor $1,399 (Reg. $1,499)

Apple iPad 3rd Generation 16GB w/Verizon LTE, Retina display (Black or White) $399 shipped

Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Gen. 2GB (blue, silver, orange, green) $38 + free shipping

original_summermacbundle-5

The Summer 2013 Mac Bundle Ft. Parallels Desktop 8 For Mac for $50 (89% off)

Other great deals we love:

Site default logo image

9to5Toys Last Call: 14% off $50 iTunes Gift Card, Incipio/OtterBox iPhone cases from $5, smartphone car mount $8, more

From 9to5Toys.com:

A large majority of the deals we cover each day come from a variety of ‘Daily Deal’ websites or are so popular that they don’t even last 24 hours. We know you can’t be at your computer every second, so we’re going to round up the best deals each day to make sure you have a fair shot at the deals you want. Be sure to follow 9to5Toys.com so you never miss a deal... Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook

Today’s Featured deals:

itunesgiftcard-apps-deals-itunes
As one of their Daily Deals, eBay is offering a $50 iTunes gift card for just $43 with free shipping, a total savings of 14%. Each card can be redeemed for music, movies, apps, books and more from the iTunes Store, App Store, iBook Store and all other Apple digital distribution stores.  This is a perfect way to save on expensive Apps like the iWork / iLife suite or even OS X Mavericks when it is released.

incipio-stowaway-iphone5-deal-case

iPhone Case Deals: Incipio Stowaway (iP5) $5 Shipped, OtterBox Impact Series (iP4/4S) $10 + $3 Shipping, more

*The Incipio Stowaway case is now sold out, but you can still grab an Incipio Textured Impact Resistant case or one of several iLuv (Snoopy design) cases for $5 and $4.50 respectively.

42413-1

Universal Car Mount with 360-Degree Rotation and Adjustable Fit $8 Shipped

onkyo-tx-nr616-receiver-3d-deal

ONKYO TX-NR616 7.2-Channel THX Certified Network A/V Receiver $300 Shipped (Reg. $350)

  • Apple TV integration, streaming services (Pandora, Slacker, SiriusXM), USB port for iPod/iPhone/iPad

Other great deals we love:

OtterBox CEO discusses LifeProof acquisition, product portfolio diversity, and roadmap for growth [Interview]

Site default logo image

OtterBox President and CEO Brian Thomas

OtterBox President and CEO Brian Thomas

We’ve seen OtterBox frequent the headlines lately, most recently for announcing at CTIA that it acquired its competitor LifeProof, and we’ve served up several hands-on reviews of their products.

I recently had the opportunity to discuss OtterBox and its vision for the future with President and CEO Brian Thomas, who is a former high school teacher turned company leader.

OtterBox, for me, is the defacto hyper-protective case maker and king of their market, but Apple and Jony Ive have increasingly thrilled us with beautiful hardware design of iPhone after iPhone. I wondered if there is room for an OtterBox product in every user’s life, especially those who most admire Apple’s design aesthetic.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Site default logo image

As expected, Otterbox acquires fellow case maker LifeProof

Screen Shot 2013-05-22 at 2.28.52 PM

Otterbox and LifeProof executives announcing the deal at CTIA

At CTIA, notable case maker Otterbox announced that it has closed an acquisition deal for competing iPhone case maker LifeProof. Both companies offer similar cases with a focus on durability.

During a question and answer session, executives from both companies revealed that the deal was 120 days in the making.While LifeProof will be embedded into Otterbox, the companies shared that the LifeProof branding is well-known and will be retained in some yet-to-be determined fashion.

We’ve been hearing rumblings of this acquisition for several weeks.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Review: Otterbox Defender iON powered iPhone case

Site default logo image

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGule4qJaM0

As I mentioned in my review of a couple of wood cases, I’m not normally a case kind of guy. I’ve never quite seen the point of paying a premium for something beautifully designed and then hiding it away inside a case.

However, a cycling holiday from the Netherlands to Denmark in which my iPhone would be used for both photos and video suggested that at least a temporary change of policy might be in order. Videoing while cycling always carries the risk of an unintended phone-road interface, and using it with the screen on a lot during some long days might also be pushing the battery-life …
Expand
Expanding
Close