Okay, let’s talk about cases for the iPhone 16 Plus.
Getting Ready Early
So, yeah, the iPhone 16 Plus isn’t even out yet, I know. Sounds a bit crazy to be thinking about cases already, right? But here’s the thing, my current phone case is looking pretty rough. It’s done its job, took a few tumbles for the team, you know? And I figure, why wait until the last minute? I like to be prepared. Plus, thinking about the new phone is kinda exciting.
First thing I did was just think back. What did I like or dislike about my past iPhone Plus cases? I’ve had a few. Definitely need something with good grip. I remember dropping my old phone once just because the case was too slick. Slipped right out of my hand. Never again.
Then I started looking, well, not buying obviously, but browsing around online, just seeing what kinds of designs are usually popular for the Plus models. You get the usual suspects:
- Clear cases: Show off the phone color, but man, they can get yellow over time. Had that happen before. Not my favorite.
- Rugged cases: Great protection, but sometimes they feel like you’re carrying a brick. I want protection, sure, but not that much bulk.
- Leather cases: Look nice, feel good. But good ones can cost a bit, and they show wear and tear differently. Sometimes that looks cool, sometimes just… old.
- Silicone cases: Good grip, lots of colors. But lint magnets! My pockets always seem to fill them with fluff.
I also thought about MagSafe. That’s pretty much a must-have now, right? Need my charger and wallet thingy to snap on properly. So whatever case I eventually get, it has to have strong magnets. I learned that lesson with a cheap case once – the accessories barely held on.
I didn’t really look at specific “iPhone 16 Plus” cases yet because, well, they’re mostly guesses right now. Companies put them up early, but the exact fit might be slightly off until the phone is actually released. Seen that happen too. You buy early, and the camera cutout isn’t quite perfect, or a button feels mushy.
So, my process right now is more about narrowing down the type of case I want. Based on past experiences:
Must-haves:
- Good grip (not slippery!)
- Decent drop protection (I’m not planning to drop it, but…)
- Strong MagSafe compatibility
- Not excessively bulky
- Buttons need to feel clicky, not mushy
Probably avoiding:
- Totally clear cases (the yellowing…)
- Super cheap, no-name brands (bad magnet experience)
I’m leaning towards maybe a hybrid case? You know, the ones with a harder back and slightly softer, grippier sides. Or perhaps a good quality silicone one if I can find one that maybe resists lint a bit better. Still undecided.
For now, I’ve just bookmarked a few brands I’ve used before and liked. Ones that usually get the fit right quickly after launch. When the phone actually drops, and the real reviews for the 16 Plus specific cases start coming out, I’ll pull the trigger. But doing this little bit of homework now makes me feel less rushed later. Just sharing my process, maybe it helps someone else think about what they need too.