● Wired 📅 14/04/2026 à 13:30

Géopolitique 👤 Julian Chokkattu, Louryn Strampe

🏷️ Tags : chine cert fibre free orange pm pto rag rte rust

Save this storySave this storyFeatured in this articleBest Case OverallNative Union Active CaseRead more$50 AmazonRunner-UpMous Limitless Phone CaseRead more$75 AmazonBest Clear Casedbrand Ghost Case 2.0Read more$60 $50 (17% off) Dbrand (Air)Best Cheap CaseSpigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit CaseRead more$24 $20 (17% off) Amazon (17)It’s still necessary to get an iPhone 17 case, no matter how new and flashy the lineup is. The Ceramic Shield 2 glass on the front may be three times as scratch-resistant as its predecessors, but that hasn't prevented us from experiencing scratches on our iPhone Air and iPhone 17. Glass is still glass, folks. The best iPhone 17 cases and screen protectors can work together to keep your phone in pristine condition for as long as possible, aka when you decide to sell your iPhone to buy a new one.We have tested more than 100 cases and screen protectors to find the very best. Whether you have an iPhone 17 Pro Max or a new iPhone 17e, we've got something for you. We're continuously testing new cases and accessories—if there's something you want us to check out, drop a comment.Be sure to read our other Apple guides, including the Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers, Best MagSafe Wallets, and Best MagSafe Accessories. You might also be interested in the Best AirPods, Best iPads, and Best MacBooks.Updated April 2026: We’ve added information and links to iPhone 17e cases, reformatted portions of this guide, and removed some older picks.Your Old Case Won’t Fit—With One ExceptionAccordionItemContainerButtonSometimes, new iPhones have the same dimensions as older ones, so you can reuse a case. That's sadly not the case with the iPhone 17 lineup. Things are different enough that most older iPhone cases will not fit. Don't just throw out your old case though. If it's in decent condition, you could donate it to a place like Goodwill or look for accessory companies that have recycling services, like Casetify or PopSockets. Your carrier or local Best Buy and Staples may even be able to help.The only exception is the iPhone 17e. You can reuse iPhone 16e cases, but the new iPhone 17e has MagSafe, so you'll want a case that allows for it. There's no point in having a MagSafe phone if your case doesn't play well with magnetic accessories.What Is the Camera Plateau and Camera Control?AccordionItemContainerButtonYou'll see these two words mentioned throughout this guide. They're relatively new additions to the iPhone.Camera Plateau is Apple's ridiculous name for the camera module on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The entire top quarter of the phone is raised, like a plateau, creating a distinctive design unlike any iPhone that came before.Camera Control is a new button that was introduced in the iPhone 16 models. It sits below the power button and lets you press it once to open the camera and again to take a picture. A long-press captures video. Outside the camera app, a long press can trigger Apple's Visual Intelligence feature, which is kind of like Google Lens. Case makers leave a cutout for this button instead of covering it. This is because you can slide your finger over the Camera Control button to change camera modes. However, some manufacturers are using glass buttons and other methods instead of a cutout, offering a much more symmetrical design.Make Sure You Buy a MagSafe CaseAccordionItemContainerButtonAll of the cases we recommend in this guide have MagSafe unless otherwise noted. A MagSafe case will have a ring of magnets inside to make sure magnetic accessories stay attached. Otherwise, the case will just weaken the magnets. You should absolutely explore the world of MagSafe because there are so many kinds of accessories to play around with. Check our our guides:Best MagSafe AccessoriesBest MagSafe WalletsBest MagSafe GripsBest MagSafe Power BanksBest Apple 3-in-1 ChargersWhat Size iPhone Do You Have?AccordionItemContainerButtonIf you're unsure which iPhone model you have, you can head to Settings > General > About Phone and look at the Model Number. Some case makers will identify case models by screen size, so here's a handy guide.The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch screenThe iPhone Air has a 6.5-inch screenThe iPhone 17 Pro has a 6.3-inch screenThe iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch screenThe iPhone 17e has a 6.1-inch screenNote that just because the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro share the same screen size doesn't mean you can mix cases between them. Their dimensions are different, and so are the designs.What's the Deal With Scratchgate?AccordionItemContainerButtonYou may have seen chatter online about iPhone 17 models showing scratches very easily. This seems to be largely affecting the redesigned iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple uses anodized aluminum, but due to the sharp edges of the Camera Plateau module, the anodized layer doesn't adhere as well to the edges. That makes scratches more visible on the corners and around the camera lenses. You can read more details about it in iFixit's blog post.What you can do to get around this problem is buy a case that covers the Camera Plateau rather than one that leaves it open. Our top pick, the Native Union Active Case, is a good example of a case that keeps the aluminum covered.How We Test CasesAccordionItemContainerButtonUnfortunately, we cannot conduct drop tests with the limited number of iPhones we have. However, we install every case that comes our way onto the latest iPhones, inspect the cutouts for the speakers and microphones, make sure the buttons are responsive, and analyze the edges around the screen and cameras to see how raised they are. We also test them with MagSafe accessories to ensure the magnetic connection is strong.For screen protectors, we install each of them per the manufacturer's instructions and tools, and we note how easy the process is.Best Case OverallPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistNative UnionActive Case$50 Amazon$50 Native UnionNative Union's Active case for the iPhone 17 models is fantastic. I love the dot pattern design on the back, and there are a handful of colors to choose from. I previously had Mous' Limitless case as the absolute best iPhone 17 case—it's still excellent—but I've quickly come to prefer Native Union's option. It's slightly grippier and employs a softer microfiber inner lining, the edges around the display and cameras are nicely raised, and the rear texture is lovely. The buttons are snappy, and the Camera Control button is covered up by glass, so you can still slide your finger on it to change camera modes. Better yet, considering the aluminum on the Pro models tends to show scratches easily, especially around the Camera Plateau, the Active case covers it up for maximum protection.The MagSafe magnetic connection works well, and these cases are made of recycled materials, including the microfiber lining and the 100 percent recycled TPU bumper. All this and it manages to keep a fairly slim profile. —Julian ChokkattuRunner-UpPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistMousLimitless Phone Case$75 Amazon$70 MousMous makes some of my favorite cases, and the Limitless series is great because you can choose from various designs, from a wood back to speckled fabric. I tried the Marine, which has a lovely, soft fabric-like texture on the back. The thermoplastic polyurethane bumper is rigid and nicely raised to protect the screen and cameras, and I especially love that the Camera Control button isn't a cutout, but a real button embedded in the case. It makes the case more symmetrical. MagSafe works excellently, and the buttons are snappy. I like the design of the Native Union Active case a little more, but the Limitless is otherwise flawless. —Julian ChokkattuBest Clear CasePhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistdbrandGhost Case 2.0$60 $50 (17% off) Dbrand (Air)$60 $50 (17% off) Dbrand (Pro)$60 $50 (17% off) Dbrand (Max)$50 Best BuyDbrand company promises its Ghost 2.0 case won't yellow over time, and if it does, you'll get your money back. You can see your iPhone's color through the clear back, but the edges are wrapped in a thicker material to absorb shocks. It has a ribbed design for better grip, and the textured buttons are very clicky. I've also found Dbrand's magnets to be a little stronger than those in most other cases.If you look closely, you might be able to notice a rainbow-like effect happening right on the Apple logo when paired with this case. Dbrand calls it a “watermarking” effect that happens when two polished surfaces come into contact with one another, but this only seems to be happening to some devices and customers. I barely noticed it on mine (and I don't think it's a big deal), but if you want to avoid it, there's good news. Dbrand will send existing customers a “hotfix” sticker (now included in the box for new customers) that you can apply under the MagSafe magnet. This acts as a spacer on the interior, and I can confirm I do not see this issue anymore after adding the stickers.The only problem? There's no Ghost 2.0 case for the iPhone 17. If you're in that camp, I recommend BodyGuardz's Accent Clear Case. It has a Camera Control button, works with MagSafe, and it comes with a wrist strap. For the iPhone 17e, you might want the Zagg Crystal Palace Snap, though be aware it shows smudges pretty easily. —Julian ChokkattuBest Cheap CasePhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistSpigenUltra Hybrid MagFit Case$24 $20 (17% off) Amazon (17)$24 $20 (17% off) Amazon (Pro)$24 $20 (17% off) Amazon (Max)$35 $22 (37% off) Amazon (17e)$24 $20 (17% off) Amazon (Air)I tested several Spigen cases, and the Ultra Hybrid MagFit is my favorite, specifically the model with the teardown skin. Spigen has been making cases with these designs for a few years now, but this iteration is my favorite. It's surprisingly elegant without being too much. The clear case also lets your iPhone's color shine through. I had no trouble with MagSafe, and the buttons are very clicky. The edges around the screen and cameras rise well enough to keep them off surfaces. It's hard to beat the value here at just $20—even the Camera Control is covered up and isn't a silly cutout!If you don't care for the custom designs, you can get the same Ultra Hybrid case for even less cash, but in clear or other styles. —Julian ChokkattuBest Ultrathin CasePhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistPitakaUltra-Slim Case$60 Amazon (17)$60 Amazon (Pro)$60 Amazon (Max)$50 Amazon (Air)Want the thinnest case possible for some kind of protection? Pitaka makes my favorite aramid fiber cases—it's just 0.99 mm thick for the iPhone Air, and around 1.01 mm for the other models. Unlike other ultra-slim cases, this one actually has a button cover for Camera Control, which I prefer over a cutout (the iPhone Air still has a cutout). The cameras are well protected, but the edges barely extend past the display, so you should absolutely pair it with a screen protector. It might seem impossible given how thin it is, but there are magnets in the case that allow MagSafe to work perfectly.I have also tested Pitaka's Aramid ProGuard Case, which is only available for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. They're not as slim as the Ultra-Slim version, but still very svelte. There's a thicker, flexible thermoplastic urethane bumper that runs around, with extra padding at the corners. I also like the four raised aches on the back corners to keep the cameras off surfaces—a good way to avoid scratches on the aluminum around the cameras. Like the Ultra-Slim, Camera Control is a real button embedded in the case. If you want a very thin case but do want more protection than many other thin cases, this is the way to go. The only thing I'd note is that the colorful back is a little more muted than the pictures show. —Julian ChokkattuBest Screen ProtectorPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistdbrandPrism 2.0 Screen Protector$35 Dbrand (Pro)$35 Dbrand (17)$35 Dbrand (Max)$35 Dbrand (17e)$35 Dbrand (Air)Dbrand includes two tempered glass screen protectors in the box, along with cleaning supplies to wipe down your phone. Its application tool is very easy to use (it's a pull-tab system). This goes further toward the edge than most of the screen protectors I've tested, and doesn't feel sharp at the edges. It looks great, feels great, and you get two in the box, which is a pretty good value. —Julian ChokkattuOur Favorite Protective CasePhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistNomadRugged Case$49 Nomad (Pro)$49 Nomad (Max)Rugged cases are on a spectrum. You can get something that is god-awful ugly but covers your phone so well that it could survive a drop from a balcony. Or you can get something that still looks nice and feels great to use, but offers more protection than your average case. That's what the Rugged Case is from Nomad. Its 15-foot drop protection is more than what most cases offer, but it isn't the absolute highest rating I've seen. (Also, drop ratings are arbitrary.) I usually opt for OtterBox's Defender series cases for the best protection, but I had issues with its iPhone 17 case this year (though OtterBox has now remedied this, see below).Nomad is here to fill the gap. I love the matte PET backplate, which does a remarkable job of hiding fingerprint smudges (unlike Nomad's Modern Case). Around the case is a thick thermoplastic urethane bumper that slopes inward nicely, offering a comfortable grip. There's a glass Camera Control button, too, adding symmetry, and all of the anodized aluminum buttons are very responsive. MagSafe works reliably, and there are raised edges around the cameras and screen. The only downside? It's only available for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. At least the orange color will match! —Julian ChokkattuBest Kickstand CasePhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistZaggSedona Snap Case With Kickstand$55 Amazon$55 ZaggI have tested Zagg's entire lineup of iPhone 17 cases, and the Sedona is my favorite. The kickstand is the highlight, though Zagg has the same kickstand on several of its cases. It can prop your iPhone up in landscape or portrait orientation, and it feels really sturdy. I like that it's at the bottom and flush, so it doesn't interfere with MagSafe or wireless charging.The case is also well-rounded. It's not the most svelte thing, but it's not bulky, with a thick bumper that's decently grippy, and raised edges that keep the cameras and display off the ground. The buttons are responsive, and Camera Control is an actual button on the case instead of a cutout. It makes the case look more symmetrical, and I find it easier to use. There are a few colors on Amazon, but Zagg has even more options if you buy direct. —Julian ChokkattuBest Leather CasePhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistBullstrapThe Minimalist Case$99 Amazon (Minimalist)$99 Bullstrap (Minimalist)$99 Amazon (Contemporary)$99 Bullstrap (Contemporary)This is the first time I've tried a case from Bullstrap, and color me impressed. This is now my favorite full-grain leather case—hides are sourced from Europe and the US. It looks gorgeous, smells lovely, features stainless steel buttons (that are clicky), and the polycarbonate shell underneath feels rigid. The Camera Control button is covered by a glass button, and I didn't have any issues sliding my finger over it to change modes in the camera app. The Minimalist Case is what's pictured here, but if you prefer protection on the bottom edge, you should go for the Contemporary Case, which is otherwise identical.I also tried Bullstrap's matching magnetic wallet—it's nice! You can fit two cards or so, maybe three if one of them is an ID. —Julian ChokkattuBest Leather Case for iPhone AirPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistMujjoLeather Case$49 Amazon (Air)$49 Amazon (17)$59 Amazon (Pro)$59 Amazon (Max)Case makers may offer the same case type for the entire iPhone 17 lineup, but the versions for the iPhone Air have small discrepancies to accommodate the super-thin design. I tried a handful of leather cases for the Air, and this one from Mujjo is my favorite. It offers more protection than most others, with the only exposed parts being the Camera Control button and a little bit of the bottom edge.The Velore leather is made from fine-grain Danish calfskin that isn't as smooth as other leather finishes, but has a nice texture. The camera is well-protected, and there's a solid display guard with raised edges. It's a shame the buttons are a little stiff. It's available for other phones in the iPhone lineup, but I prefer Nomad's leather cases for all the other models (see above). —Julian ChokkattuBest Cheap Screen Protector (With Privacy, Too!)Photograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistSmartishTuff Sheet Screen Protector (Privacy and Standard)$20 Amazon (Standard)$24 Amazon (Privacy)Smartish has a similarly excellent application tool as Dbrand which makes installing its Tuff Sheet (heh) screen protector a breeze. You also get a nice kit to clean your phone before installation, like a microfiber cloth, wet wipe, and dust removal stickers. It took me seconds to apply the tempered glass, and I only had one air bubble that I was able to push out quickly. The edges are curved, so it doesn't feel sharp as your finger glides from the edge of the phone to the screen. Did I mention it's a two-pack? For around $20?I also tried Smartish's Privacy screen protector, which has the same installation process. It's a two-way privacy screen, meaning people to the left and right of you won't be able to see what's on your screen. However, it doesn't block someone in front of you from staring down and reading your display upside down. Still, the quality of the protector is great; the text on my screen looks very sharp. —Julian ChokkattuBest Crossbody CasePhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistBandolierHailey Crossbody Phone Case$118 Amazon$118 BandolierThere are tons of crossbody straps you can buy for your iPhone, but this all-in-one integrated solution keeps things simple and also looks super luxe. I really love that the card holder can stay magnetically attached to the back, but when you don't want it there, you can let it dangle off the case. The crossbody straps also attach to the bottom of the case without disrupting the charging port (like on so many other crossbody solutions), though this does make the overall case quite thick and chunky. It's easy to remove the strap when you don't need it, and you can also change the length via the buckle.Did I mention it's stylish? The top-grain leather is gorgeous, the buttons are responsive, and there's a cutout for the Camera Control button. —Julian ChokkattuA Bumper for the iPhone AirPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistAppleiPhone Air Bumper$39 $18 (54% off) Amazon$39 AppleIt does feel silly to buy the super-thin and lightweight iPhone Air, and then ruin it with a bulky case. Apple thought the same, so it made a bumper instead! This comes with the usual caveat that this isn't going to be the best protection for the iPhone Air. But if you're too scared of going case-less for this $999 phone, it at least offers a little peace of mind.The Air still feels very thin and lightweight, and if anything, the bumper gives you a bit more edge to comfortably grab onto. The buttons are responsive, including Camera Control, and the bottom of the bumper includes connection points for attaching a lanyard or crossbody strap. —Julian ChokkattuSwappable ButtonsPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSave to wishlistCaudabeSheath$52 CaudabeCaudabe's Sheath case is practically perfect. Seriously, I am having a hard time drumming up flaws. I love the pebbled texture on the back, and while it's not the grippiest material, it's far from slippery. The entire camera is covered up for maximum protection from #scratchgate, and all the aluminum buttons are very responsive. Better yet, Caudaube lets you swap out the buttons for different colors. I swapped mine to cobalt for a striking blu

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