The most recent Apple event introduced the brand's first major change to its phone portfolio in years: the addition of the iPhone Air. Along with the new iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, there's a lot of new hardware to choose from—and, once you get it in your hands, you need to keep it safe. That's where a high-quality case comes in.
Both Apple and third-party manufacturers have debuted their cases for these new phones in advance of their on-sale date of on September 19. Whether you're a camera freak, a fashion fan, or simply butterfingered, check out my top picks for the most durable and stylish options.
Best iPhone 17 Pro Max Case
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max TechWoven Case with MagSafe
This Apple-made TechWoven case looks to be the choice for people picking up a Pro Max. With a 100%-recycled polyester custom technical fabric woven on a Jacquard loom, it's attractive and sturdy, and the refined anodized aluminum buttons feel great to the touch. The optional crossbody strap gives you another way to carry your phone.
Available for iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max
Best iPhone Air Case
Apple iPhone Air Bumper
Case companies have to really throw out a lot of their preconceptions when designing hardware for the iPhone Air, thanks to its unique slim-line construction. Obviously, Apple's ahead of the curve with its own Air Bumper. This reinforced polycarbonate shell is virtually invisible and features a sapphire crystal Camera Button trigger.
Available for iPhone Air
Best Camera Case
Moment Camera Case for iPhone 17
The cameras on the iPhone 17 are better than ever, and if you're a shutterbug, picking up a case that's designed for photography is a smart move. The Moment Camera Case includes a LensLock mount that allows you to securely attach T-Series lenses to your case for expanded photo possibilities, plus a built-in magnet array for secure charging.
Available for iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, Air
Best Grippy Case
Beats iPhone 17 Rugged Case
If you tend to drop your phone, buying a case with a little extra texture for improved grip is a smart play. We recommend the Beats Rugged case, which has triple-shot construction, reinforced corners, shock-absorbing sidewalls, and an ultra-strong polymer back with a textured matte exterior.
Available for iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, Air
Best Durable Case
Otterbox Defender Series Pro for iPhone 17
Otterbox has been securing phones since day one, and the Defender Pro is the toughest consumer-grade case you can get for your new iPhone 17. It boasts tri-layer defense for bumps and drops, port covers to keep out water and dust, built-in magnets and anchors, and a free holster.
Available for iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, Air
Best Slimline Case
Totallee Scarf for iPhone 17
Billed as the world's thinnest iPhone case, the Totallee Scarf is a miracle of engineering. It weighs just 0.2 ounces and is made from durable but flexible polypropylene. It has precise camera cutouts and a raised lip to surround the screen. There are no visible logos or branding, so it's almost like your phone is wearing nothing at all.
Available for iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, Air
Best Kickstand Case
ZAGG Crystal Palace Snap for iPhone 17
If you need your case to stand on its own, a built-in kickstand is the way to go. The Zagg Crystal Palace features a minimalistic but sturdy flip-out tab that lets your phone stay upright in both portrait and landscape orientation. With 13-foot drop protection and a textured grip, this clear case covers all the bases.
Available for iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, Air
Best Recycled Case
Native Union Active Case for iPhone 17
Green consumers should opt for the Native Union Active case, which is made from 40% recycled materials in the case and 100% recycled in the frame. The faux-leather protector has a premium feel and strong durability; it boasts 10 feet of drop protection and scratch, stain, and discoloration resistance.
Available for iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, Air
Best Transparent Case
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Zero One for iPhone 17
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid Zero One, whose stylish faux-teardown print spotlights some of the phone's internal components, features a DuraClear TPU construction that resists yellowing from sunlight and prevents wear 1.7 times longer than competing materials. Plus it's MagSafe-ready and drop-resistant.
Available for iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, Air
Best Impact-Resistant Case
Mous Limitless Aramid Fibre Case for iPhone 17
You've probably seen the viral video ads from Mous in which the UK company put phones through all kinds of crazy stunts to demonstrate how tough their impact-absorbing AiroShock bumpers are. Their new Limitless cases feature an interlocking polycarbonate shell, ultra-durable polymer back plate, and numerous colors.
Available for iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, Air
The Best Fashion Case
Casetify Glaze Case MagSafe Compatible for iPhone 17
Obviously, if you're picking up the new iPhone, you're into looking sharp, and Casetify's Glaze line is our top pick for expressive cases in a wide range of colors and patterns. It's also highly functional, with 4.9 feet of drop protection, an integrated camera control button, support for wireless and MagSafe charging, and a raised bezel and camera ring.
Available for iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, Air
Best MagSafe Case
MagBak for iPhone 17 Series (Gen 2)
Mounting your iPhone in different locations is extremely useful, and MagBak's versatile new model has you covered. It boasts a physical kickstand, telescoping magnets to attach it to different surfaces, a finger loop, and an ultra-low-profile camera button. All this, and it's still compatible with Apple's MagSafe wireless charging.
Available for iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, Air