Happy new iPhone week. ICYMI, Apple unveiled the iPhone 17 family Tuesday during its “Awe Dropping” event out of Cupertino, showcasing the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. They’re all set for release on Sept. 19 alongside the ultra-thin iPhone Air, and you can preorder them starting Sept. 12 if you’re due for an upgrade (…but then again, maybe not).
Next on your shopping list should be a protective case, which will help your new iPhone withstand years of use. There’s no faster way to experience out-of-body panic than to drop or scratch it right out of the box. Below, I’ve rounded up a list of popular brands that have already started selling iPhone 17 cases ahead of the lineup’s formal launch.
For those buying the base model, a clear case might be the way to go: The standard iPhone 17 introduces fresh color options like lavender, sage, and mist blue, which are almost too pretty to cover up. The opposite is probably true for those buying one of the two Pro models, whose divisive design could stand to be a little more demure, shall we say. Either way, there’s an iPhone 17 case for that.
Apple itself
The tech giant is selling its usual silicone cases for the entire iPhone 17 lineup ($49 each), which come in a rainbow of new eye-catching colors like purple fog, neon yellow, and terra cotta. It’s introduced new “TechWoven” cases for the Pro and Pro Max models ($59), which are made with interwoven multicolored yarn that’s protected by a scratch- and stain-resistant coating. The Pro model gets an additional clear case ($49). All of them are compatible with MagSafe wireless chargers and accessories, by the way.
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Beats
The Apple-owned audio brand debuted three new MagSafe iPhone 17 cases this week. One is a classic hardshell case with impact-absorbing sidewalls ($45). The more “rugged” version has a grippy matte exterior and a microfiber lining ($79). The third option is a hardshell case with a removable lanyard that can be used as a kickstand ($59) — convenient for watching movies. All three styles work with every model in the iPhone 17 lineup and come in earthy hues like Everest black, lime stone, and pebble pink.
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Case-Mate
If you don’t want to commit to the fully clear look, Case-Mate has some fun transparent iPhone 17 cases with patterned, ombre, and shifting glitter overlays (plus UV protection that should prevent them from yellowing over time). They’ve all been drop-tested and equipped with MagSafe support. Prices range from $45 for a plain, clear case to $70 for a reinforced carbon fiber case with a built-in stand.
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Casetify
Casetify’s iPhone 17 styles include some attractive semi-transparent styles, too, but its customization options are what really set it apart. Shoppers can basically make their own MagSafe iPhone 17 case from scratch with their choice of color, text, photos, and degree of protection, starting from $50.
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Caudabe
For something a little more minimalist and utilitarian, go with an iPhone 17 case in one of Caudabe’s four sleek styles. There’s Sheath (tight-fitting, pebbled, $52); Paragon (smooth, pearlescent, $55); Synthesis (grippy, can be frosted on the back, $50); and Veil (thin, matte, $35). The first two can be configured with or without camera cutouts for the Pro and Pro Max. They were all still in their preorder phase at the time of writing and are scheduled to ship by late September to mid-October.
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Otterbox
Otterbox added iPhone 17 options to its popular Profile, Symmetry, Commuter, Sole, and Defender series this week, starting from just $29. (I’ve listed them in order from least to most durable.) Of note, the Symmetry collection comes in cactus leather styles that you can upgrade with three embroidery patterns for $79.99 a pop. I’m not sure how well they’ll hold up over time, but they look extremely cool.
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PopSockets
The brand behind your favorite phone grips has MagSafe cases for iPhone 17 owners of all stripes, from Bookstagrammers to Star Wars fans, Pokémon fans, Disney adults, Halloween lovers, and so much more. (Truly, there’s an obscene amount of niche options in its collection. I’d go with the tomatoey “Campari” one, personally.) They start at $40, and if you buy one at some point through Sept. 11, you can save 30% on a new MagSafe Grip.
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Wildflower Cases
Wildflower’s whimsical, limited-edition cases are popular among Gen Z celebrities (and $37 apiece). Its iPhone 17 collection features 26 different patterns, including four made in collaboration with model Bella Hadid, singer Laufey, and influencers Taylor Giavasis and Kensington Tillo.
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