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The best iPhone 15 cases of 2024 | ZDNET

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The best iPhone 15 cases of 2024 | ZDNET

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The iPhone 15 lineup is finally here, and with the release of the new phone models comes all of the stylish and sturdy cases you can put on your new device. 

Apple introduced the iPhone 15 at its annual event on Sept. 12. This series includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. In all models, Apple is switching from its signature Lightning port to the universal USB-C port and adding its Dynamic Island display. Fun upgrades to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max include a titanium build for a tougher yet lighter feel and an Action button that replaces the mute toggle button on the side of the phone for easier access to apps and shortcuts. 

Also: Everything Apple just announced: iPhone 15, Apple Watch Ultra 2, AirPods

The iPhone 15 models are finally on sale, and you're going to need a case on that new device of yours (unless you're willing to test the laws of gravity and your own inevitable clumsiness). We've rounded up the iPhone 15 cases that we're extra excited about, with our favorite being the Casetify Ultra Bounce case for its 32 feet of drop protection and customizable designs and colors. Read on to find other top iPhone 15 cases.

Casetify Ultra Bounce case features: Available for all iPhone 15 models | Drop protection of up to 32 feet | Comes in one case color but has hundreds of designs to choose from 

Talk about a protective phone case: The Casetify Ultra Bounce case can survive up to 32 feet in a single drop and can withstand 260 drops from every angle. That's a heavy-duty protective phone case, for sure, and, according to Casetify, it's the strongest case the company has ever created. 

The case offers a six-layered rugged protection system with four ultra bounce corners. Each layer absorbs shock upon a drop, and compression ribs are built into the bumper archings for structural support and additional rigidity. There's a raised camera ring and a built-in lens cover, plus three layers of Ecoshock material on the interior case and backplate. It's MagSafe compatible too, so you can hook up your wireless chargers with ease. 

Customize your case with different colors, names, and fonts. 

Speck Presidio2 Pro case features: Available for all iPhone 15 models | 13 feet of drop protection | Comes in eight colors 

Hook up your phone to your MagSafe accessories, like a wireless charger or a phone holder in your car, with this case. Speck's iPhone 15 phone case offers 13 feet of drop protection and a new ClickLock Interlock no-slip technology built specifically for your for MagSafe attachments. With bezels that protect your screen and camera, drop protection sealed with armor cloud technology, and antimicrobial product protection your new phone will be safe and secure with this case that comes in a variety of colors. 

Burga Tough MagSafe case features: Available for all iPhone 15 models | Comes in over 200 designs

For those looking to cover their new iPhone with cases that are stylish and supportive, Burga has a collection of cases that range from lightweight snap-on cases to cloudguard shock absorbing cases. Burga's Tough MagSafe case boasts double-layer protection with a hard shell plastic exterior and a silicone interior to absorb the shock of a drop. Raised bezels provide an additional layer of protection for your screen and camera if you drop your phone, and you can secure your favorite portable chargers or wallets through the MagSafe attachment. 

The Burga cases come in over 200 designs, so they are easily customizable. And for an added layer of insurance, Burga offers a 12-month warranty. 

Dbrand Ghost case features:  Available for iPhone 15 Pro models | Up to 10 feet of drop protection | Comes in one color 

Transparent cases are great for showing off that new color on the iPhone 15 Pro, but there's always one problem with any clear case: it often yellows overtime. Dbrand says it's figured out a way to eliminate yellowing on its transparent Ghost case. In fact, it promises that "you'll die before it yellows." 

"For centuries, case companies have tried to defeat the sun. They failed, leaving millions of yellowed cases in their wake. As it turns out, all they had to do was add a dose of matte black. Checkmate, sun," Dbrand's release reads. 

The case is lightweight, has drop protection of up to 10 feet, and boasts corner bumpers that are designed to absorb the impact of your clumsiest trips and drops. Eighteen magnets are built into this case for easy MagSafe attaching. With this, you're getting a clean and clear iPhone 15 case that can withstand the sun and any normal drops or falls. 

Spigen Tough Armor case features: Available for all iPhone 15 models | Drop protection through Air Cushion technology | Comes in green, black, gunmetal, and metal slate | Cost: $26 

Spigen's Tough Armor case has been a go-to for many over the years of iPhone models. That's because it offers fantastic screen and corner protection while feeling grippy in the hand thanks to the rubber-like material. It also has a sleek kickstand built right in. How many phone cases have that? Prop it up while you're working for easy access to emails and texts or while you're preparing and following a recipe for dinner. 

The Spigen case comes with military-grade drop protection through Air Cushion technology, and there's a bit more cushioning within the case to ease the bumps and drops. Of course, you can pop a wireless charger or other handy MagSafe accessories on this case, too. 

We chose Casetify's Ultra Bounce Case for its unmatched level of drop protection of 32 feet. This is the strongest case the company has made, according to Casetify. While the case itself comes in only black, you can customize the design of the case with hundreds of backgrounds, words, and fonts. 

Depending on how much you're willing to spend, how much protection you'd like your case to have, and how many color and design options you'd prefer, some cases will be more or less attractive to you. 

While choosing our picks, we kept in mind certain aspects of these new iPhone cases that were worthy of best list consideration. 

All the brands on our list are brands you can trust to make great, protective cases for your iPhone. Those include Casetify, Speck, Spigen, and more. 

Since the new lineup of iPhones replaces the Lightning charger with a USB-C port, the hottest accessory for this year's iPhone 15 models is a USB-C charging port. Additionally, any MagSafe accessory, like a portable battery pack or wallet will boost your iPhone's battery on the go and keep all your cash and cards in one place. 

Yes, you need a phone case. Maybe your phone has survived plenty of drops, bumps, and bangs without as much of a scratch. But you don't want to test your luck when it comes to a brand new iPhone that you paid at least $800 for. The laws of gravity apply to everyone. 

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro is 6.1 inches while the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max is 6.7 inches.

The iPhone 15 is the most basic model of the lineup with new features like Apple's Dynamic Island and pastel colors for $799. The iPhone 15 Plus offers a bigger screen than the iPhone 15 with the same colorways and costs $899. The iPhone 15 Pro offers a smaller size than the Pro Max but many of the Pro Max's benefits, like the A17 Pro bionic chip, the Action button that replaces the mute button, and iOS17, all for $999. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers what our reviews editor is calling "the best iPhone camera experience" with its periscope lens that can zoom up to 5x closer, a titanium build, and the best iPhone for multimedia viewing for $1,199.

More: Every iPhone 15 model compared

There are so many cases you can consider when shopping for your new iPhone 15. We think the ones mentioned above are worthy of your consideration, but if you're looking for additional options and features, like MagSafe attachments or cases that double as wallets, we've compiled some alternatives below. 

Apple won't be making leather cases any more, but Nomad surely will. This sleek case fits your cash and cards and also offers 8 feet of drop protection.

This phone case offers a subtler kickstand that is built around the camera bezzle for a more discreet look. Plus, you get added protection from drops and falls with 12 feet of drop protection. Not a bad deal for $36. 

The best iPhone 15 cases of 2024 | ZDNET

Plastic Tool Boxes Maybe you don't want a full case on your phone but would like a MagSafe wallet attachment for all-in-one access to cards, cash, and IDs. This Apple wallet comes in five gorgeous colors to suit the new shades of the iPhone 15 lineup.