Should You Buy a Case for Your iPhone 17?

The new iPhone 17 lineup is here and available for pre-order tomorrow. If you’re planning to upgrade, accessories are probably top of mind, too. You may be wondering if any cases designed for previous models will fit the iPhone 17. Let’s also revisit whether or not you need a case at all.

Will Old Cases Fit?

If you plan to protect your investment, it’s wise to purchase a new case designed specifically for the iPhone 17 model you select. For starters, the iPhone 17’s screen size is 6.3 inches, while the iPhone 16 and 15 models share a screen size of 6.1 inches.

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Although the base iPhone 17 and the 17 Pro share the same screen size as the iPhone 16 Pro, the camera modules differ significantly. Side buttons will also vary across models with similar screen sizes.

Despite the similar width and depth between the iPhone 17 and some recent models, the iPhone 17’s chassis and frame curve have been redesigned. Even if you can manage to snugly fit a case from a previous generation, it’s not worth it. The smallest difference in size means you’re not properly protecting the phone and defeats the purpose.

When it comes to the iPhone Air, we’re in uncharted territory. It’s the only model in the new lineup with a titanium frame rather than aluminum.

Titanium is generally stronger and lighter than aluminum. It also features Apple’s new Ceramic Shield 2 glass on the front, promising three times better scratch resistance, and the Ceramic Shield back claims four times more crack resistance.

The iPhone Air was certainly engineered with durability in mind. Without any previous model to compare it to, we’ll have to wait for users to report on its toughness in the real world. Since the iPhone Air is aimed at users who prioritize its slim design, a decision to protect it with a case will likely be given more consideration by buyers.

Do You Need a Case for the iPhone 17?

The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro both have aluminum frames and include the same new Ceramic Shield 2 front as the iPhone Air. The iPhone 17 Pro has a Ceramic Shield back similar to the iPhone Air. However, Apple doesn’t claim the Pro’s rear Ceramic Shield has the same crack resistance as the Air. The back of the base iPhone 17 is still just a color-infused glass, like its predecessor.

All iPhone 17 models, including the Air, share the IP68 splash, water, and dust resistance rating, which in Apple’s case means the phones can withstand being submerged to a maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes. However, don’t let this rating fool you.

The iPhone 17 and other newer models with improved water resistance ratings are designed to protect against normal water exposure that users may encounter, like rain, accidental splashes, or brief and unintentional submersion. Apple recommends against swimming with your iPhone, submerging it, or subjecting it to pressurized or high-velocity water. Water damage is not covered under Apple’s warranty, and AppleCare+ only includes accidental liquid damage coverage.

As usual, whether or not to purchase a case for your iPhone is a matter of personal preference. If you want to appreciate your iPhone’s slick design and are curious to experience how it withstands the rigors of 4-5 hours of daily use, go for it! We recommend AppleCare+ in that instance. Many users purchase a case without second thought. If that’s you, be sure to check out Apple’s new TechWoven cases along with new iPhone 17 case designs from other popular accessory makers. Stay tuned for a roundup on what other companies are offering.