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The best new Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases: Protect your precious new tech in serious style
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It’s finally official: Apple debuted the new series of Apple iPhone 16 models (now up for preorder) during the “It’s Glowtime” event this week, showcasing devices with on-board AI features, better audio and video, new colors and much more. The new phone also includes the new A18 chip with 8GB of RAM that’s 30% faster than the previous iPhone 15 lineup.
The new Apple iPhone 16 is set to hit stores on September 20, with pre-orders starting on Friday, September 12. But don’t pre-order the new iPhone without also ordering a new case. You’re going to want to protect your new investment the second it arrives — breaking it on Day 1 would be a really expensive heartbreaker.
Whether you’re into a clear case that’ll show off one of the new phone colors or whether you need something rugged enough to handle serious drops, we found a handful of iPhone cases from trusted brands you’ll love using. Here are our top iPhone 16 case picks that you can get right now.
The best new iPhone 16 cases you can get now
We recommend protecting your new Apple iPhone 16 with a phone case from a reliable brand that’s guaranteed to fit your new phone. Lesser-known brands that do not partner with Apple may not offer cases that fit correctly at first.
Best iPhone 16 case: Casetify customizable Ultra Bounce case
Casetify
Casetify is known for its wide range of customization options on its cases, and its iPhone 16 options are no exception. When you choose an Ultra Bounce case for your iPhone, you get some of the best protection you’ll find for your new device. It features rubber bumpers on each corner of the phone, so if you happen to drop it the first night you bring it home and the next night after that too, you’re more than covered.
It comes equipped with an 10x military-grade drop standard and up to 32.8 ft of drop protection. It also covers your phone from all angles, as it encases your device in a multi-piece case. It’s meant to travel as well, with an added carabiner slot. It also comes with integrated lens protection and six layers to keep your phone safe. You can choose your favorite colors and features as well, so you can make it match your personality. It’s got everything you could need to keep your iPhone 16 as safe as possible, and you can’t beat the cool factor, either.
Best thin iPhone 16 case: Totallee Super Thin iPhone case
Totallee
If you’re not into bulky cases that don’t quite fit into your pocket, Totallee is the brand for you. This super thin case is a minimalist’s delight, with no bulk and no branding so your phone is left to shine on its own merits. It’s just 0.02″ thick, and incredibly light at 0.1 oz, made specifically to fit your iPhone.
Though it’s available without MagSafe, you can opt for a version that’s compatible so you can drop it on a charger and go. Plus, it has a raised lip around the camera array in case you have any drops or falls and your camera takes the brunt of it.
Keep in mind that it won’t offer the utmost protection like other cases will, but it’ll keep your phone thin and good-looking, and if that’s what you’re looking for, you can’t do any better than Totallee.
Best rugged iPhone 16 case: Urban Armor Gear Monarch Pro Kevlar iPhone case
UAG
This durable case is crafted from DuPont Kevlar fiber, which makes it a fantastic option if you’re looking to keep your brand new purchase in great condition. It boasts 25 ft. drop protection, with multiple layers between you and your phone hitting the pavement or other hard surface that could find its glass shattering, or its chassis getting banged up. Plus, its shock-resistant core absorbs and disperses the impact to minimize damage.
This case is all about safety for your device, and it shows in just about every facet, from the top-grain leather carbon fiber frame to the polycarbonate shear plate that adds a bit more rigidity. It also has lanyard anchor points so you can wear your phone or keep it close to you. All this, and it’s also MagSafe compatible as well. So if you’re serious about keeping your phone as close to new as possible, this is a case that can make it happen.
Looking for a slightly more affordable rugged option? Check out the OtterBox Defender Series for MagSafe designed for the new Apple iPhone 16. Available in six colors, the case features three layers of defense: a silicone cover, a rigid inner shell and memory foam backing. The all-over texture makes it easier to hold without dropping it. The case also features port covers that block dirt.
Find it at OtterBox for $65. You’ll save 10% when you buy a case and screen protector or power product together.
Best budget iPhone 16 case: Spigen Liquid Air case
Amazon
Spigen routinely offers a variety of affordable cases that you can count on for your different devices, and it’s already shown off quite a few iPhone 16 options. For under $20, you get an attractive thin yet grippy case crafted from TPU that can keep your phone protected from falls and drops. Its matte texture comes in five different colors, and it helps you keep your hand on your phone even when you get sweaty or if your phone somehow gets wet.
The case’s air cushion tech keeps it from getting too damaged by absorbing any impact that occurs as the result of a drop. Beyond that, the case has raised edges to protect both your screen and camera array. It’s a great set of features for a case you can get for less than a fast food meal these days for two people, and Spigen is a good brand to come back to if you need protection for your other devices.
Best leather iPhone 16 case: Mujjo full leather case for iPhone 16
Mujjo
Sure, you could go with something chic and thin, or you could get a huge, rugged case to protect your new phone. But if you want to go the cool and classy route, leather is always a good choice, and Mujjo is just the brand to get your leather iPhone case from. Crafted from Velore full-grain leather calfskin from the Netherlands, this is the real deal. It feels like butter and will develop a natural patina over time that you only get with the genuine article.
But this isn’t just a leather case that’ll do nothing to keep your iPhone 16 from splintering or shattering. It’s also paired with a metal rear camera bump to protect your lenses and a 1mm raised leather bezel to keep your screen from hitting rough surfaces. It replaces Apple’s selection of leather cases since they’re no longer available anymore, and Mujjo offers higher quality leather anyway.
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Falling into debt is easy. One bad month leads to a balance on the credit card, and with compounding interest working against you, it may not be long until you’ve racked up a hefty credit card balance that you can’t pay off.
If this sounds like something you’re dealing with, you’re certainly not alone. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, average credit balances are up almost 6% from a year ago. American consumers now have more than $1.17 trillion in total credit card debt.
Fortunately, there are solutions for this issue.
One is credit card debt forgiveness (also called debt settlement) — an option that could even help you settle those debts for less than you owe. But this type of debt relief may not be the right move for everyone, and it won’t be right for every situation, either.
Find out more about your debt relief options today.
Is debt forgiveness a good option right now? Here’s what experts say
Here’s what experts have to say about this strategy and when it might work for you.
When debt forgiveness might work for you
Debt forgiveness is when a creditor — a lender, credit card issuer, etc. — agrees to cancel a portion of (or with some types of debts, all of) an outstanding debt you have with them. It’s more common with certain types of debts, like federal student loans, for example.
“These are often forgiven through government programs or for people working in public service,” says Nate Towers, director at Five Pathways Financial. “You can get a big chunk of your student loans wiped out if you qualify.”
You also may be able to get medical bills forgiven or reduced, especially if you’re facing financial hardship, and there’s tax debt forgiveness, too (though it’s technically called an “offer in compromise,” Towers says.)
Finally, credit card issuers will sometimes forgive a portion of your balance, but typically only in certain circumstances.
“Creditors are generally reluctant to forgive debts, as it results in financial losses for them,” says Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com. “However, in situations where the debtor demonstrates significant financial hardship and the likelihood of full repayment is low, creditors might consider forgiveness as a viable option.”
Take steps to tackle your expensive debt now.
The downsides to debt forgiveness
Debt forgiveness may sound ideal, but as Dvorkin puts it, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Eventually, you pay a price.”
The main price? That comes in the form of extra taxes.
“When a company decides to forgive debt, they will write that off as a loss and take a tax deduction,” says Eric Elkins, CEO at Double E Financial. “Well, the IRS lost tax revenue, so they try to make up for that loss by applying the amount of debt forgiveness and add that as taxable income to you.”
In short: It means a higher tax bill next April.
On top of this added tax burden, debt forgiveness can also hurt your credit, which can make it harder to get a loan or apply for credit in the future. It’s also just a “time-consuming and challenging process,” Elkins says.
“If an entity is potentially willing to forgive your debt, then they are going to make you work for it,” Elkins says. “Prepare to meet high eligibility requirements. Be ready to prove you are struggling financially. Prepare to fill out numerous forms and applications.”
The bottom line
If you’re deep into debt, debt forgiveness isn’t your only debt relief option. You can also explore debt consolidation, which is when you use a single loan or card to pay off all your debts, essentially rolling them into one lower-rate balance.
Balance transfer cards that come with promotional 0% rates can be a good tool for this, but “Just be careful not to fall into the trap of using that new credit for more spending after you consolidate,” Towers says.
You can also work with a financial advisor or debt relief company to help you get out of debt or, in many cases, work something out with your creditors directly.
“Contact your creditors and try and negotiate a better deal for yourself,” Elkins says. “The worst thing they can say is no.”