Answered: Does the iPhone Need a Case?

What to Know

iPhones are more durable than ever before, but springing for a case is still a good idea.
If you're very careful with your phone or have AppleCare+ you might not need one as much.
The iPhone 15 Pro line may actually be more breakable than its predecessors, according to some drop tests.

Does the iPhone need a case? In the past, the iPhone was notorious for its fragility. If yours didn’t have a cracked screen, you always had that one friend whose iPhone was smashed to bits. Having a case was a necessity. Nowadays, all phones are constructed from much more durable materials, so does the iPhone need a case still? In this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of using a case versus not using a case.

Do I Need an iPhone Case? Why You Would Want One

If anyone were to ask, I would say, yes, you should get a case for your iPhone.

Using a case can be good for a variety of reasons, the most obvious one being for extra protection. A case can give you the peace of mind that if you accidentally drop your device, it’ll be safe from any significant damage. On top of that, a case can offer better grip if you’re prone to dropping your phone or if you find the edges to be too slippery. A glass screen protector can also help protect the front of the device. Of course, if you plan on selling your device, you'll also need to know how to take a screen protector off your iPhone.

However, a case doesn’t always have to be about protection. A case can add a touch of personalization to your iPhone. Some people like to match their case to their personal aesthetic, their outfit, or even their mood. If there’s a fandom you’re particularly passionate about, you may want to purchase a case to represent it.

If you plan to resell your iPhone when you are done with it, a case might be a smart idea, even if you’re confident you won’t damage your phone. This is so that you can ensure the device is in pristine physical condition when you are ready to sell it. You also want to make sure it functions well when you sell it, so be sure to sign up for our Tip of the Day newsletter to keep your iPhone in tip-top shape!

Why You Might Prefer Using Your iPhone without a Case

So what about using your iPhone without case? Many people use their iPhones without a case simply because they might not need or want one for a variety of reasons. For example, many iPhone users love the design of the phone and do not want to hide it behind a case. Cases also add some form of bulk to your device, so if you already have a large phone, making it bigger is less than ideal.

If you’re not one to drop your phone frequently, you also might not need that extra layer of protection that a case provides. Additionally, if you purchase AppleCare+ coverage for your iPhone, you don’t have to worry about damaging it, since you can simply have it repaired for a small fee.

Does the iPhone 15 Need a Case?

Does the iPhone 15 break easily? Well, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have titanium casing! No need for a case, right? Wrong. While titanium is a strong material, several drop tests and pressure tests show the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are actually more likely to shatter than the 14 Pro line. So, do you need a case for iPhone 15 Pro? If you're springing for an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, you should definitely invest in a case and ignore Apple's promises of invincible titanium. It remains to be seen how durable the anticipated iPhone 16 series will be.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have aluminum casing. Aluminum is not as durable as steel (seen in the iPhone 14 Pro models), so if you’re using one of the standard models, you may want a case to at least protect the edges of the device.

In the end, getting a case for your iPhone is a personal preference. Do you need a case for your iPhone? It may survive without one; but if you’re worried about cosmetic damage or you just want to personalize your device, a case is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want to show off the design of the iPhone, a slim, clear case could be just what you're looking for. Next, find out if AirTags are waterproof or if they need a case. If you're interested in more iPhone accessories to go with your new case, check out our iPhone Essentials Buyer's Guide or our Kitchen Gear Buyer's Guide.

FAQ

Can a case ruin an iPhone? If an iPhone case is too tight, it could cause some surface damage when you install or remove it. The compression itself shouldn't damage the phone.
Can phone cases affect battery life? While a case doesn't directly affect an iPhone's battery life, it can lead to hotter temperatures, which can drain your iPhone's battery faster.
Does the iPhone have a glass back? Yes, most iPhone models have a glass back so keep that in mind when deciding whether or not you want a case.
Will an iPhone 14 case fit the iPhone 15? While the iPhone 14 and 15 look very similar, there are some very slight design tweaks that make the two devices different sizes. This means that unfortunately, an iPhone 14 case won't fit quite the same way on an iPhone 15. The same goes for the Pro iPhone models.
Do you need a screen protector for the iPhone 15? If you want maximum protection, a screen protector is always recommended. While the iPhone 15 touch screen is scratch resistant, that doesn't mean it won't ever scratch. A glass screen protector will ensure your device is safe from both scratches and shattering.

Top image credit: Hadrian / Shutterstock.com