Other Do you use a case on your iPhone? [MERGED]

[Andeddu]

My daily driver iPhone 13 is 2 years old today and has been in a case for all of its life. I reckon the case has done a pretty commendable job and the phone still looks fresh albeit the anodised aluminium hasn’t held up as well as my 6S, OGSE and 8 which are all perfect.

 

[eyoungren]

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My daily driver iPhone 13 is 2 years old today and has been in a case for all of its life. I reckon the case has done a pretty commendable job and the phone still looks fresh albeit the anodised aluminium hasn’t held up as well as my 6S, OGSE and 8 which are all perfect.

iPhone 11 Pro Max. My primary phone. Never been in a case.



Photos taken with my iPhone 6 Plus (6s Plus needed to be charged, otherwise I'd have used that phone).

 

[Andeddu]

iPhone 11 Pro Max. My primary phone. Never been in a case.

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Photos taken with my iPhone 6 Plus (6s Plus needed to be charged, otherwise I'd have used that phone).

Looks good! The majority of people who don’t use cases, however, end up with dinged up phones (or worse!) within a couple of years. My 13 has been dropped a number of times on solid concrete (once slipping out of my pocket as I exited my car) so the case has certainly saved me from what would’ve been extensive or catastrophic damage.

 

[eyoungren]

Looks good! The majority of people who don’t use cases, however, end up with dinged up phones (or worse!) within a couple of years. My 13 has been dropped a number of times on solid concrete (once slipping out of my pocket as I exited my car) so the case has certainly saved me from what would’ve been extensive or catastrophic damage.

I've dropped my 11PM once. That required a replacement, so the above phone is my 'second' 11PM (the replacement). I have dropped the replacement once or twice here or there but usually that's been from a minimal height (half inch or less).

Generally, my phones sit here all day so they don't see much danger, except perhaps when transferring.

 

[richard13]

I didn't use a case for the 3G, 4, 5. My attitude was that I'll be replacing this device in 2 years so I should enjoy it. It wasn't until I got the 6+ that I felt a need for a case. So, 6+, X, 13 Pro all had cases. With my 16 Pro, I'm moving away from cases again. I have a case now but will likely only use it when I go out, and even then it won't be always.

I'm also considering the Arc Pulse to try and have the best of both worlds.

 

[Andeddu]

I've dropped my 11PM once. That required a replacement, so the above phone is my 'second' 11PM (the replacement). I have dropped the replacement once or twice here or there but usually that's been from a minimal height (half inch or less).

Generally, my phones sit here all day so they don't see much danger, except perhaps when transferring.

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You are an outlier so your personal experience is within the minority given you’ve said that you work remotely from home. If that weren’t the case you would likely consider using a case as the chance of your phone being involved in an accident would rise significantly. I like my phones to be pristine (or as close to pristine) for as long a possible and I refuse to pay for AC+. I don’t work from home either so cases are pretty much mandatory for me.

 

[eyoungren]

You are an outlier so your personal experience is within the minority given you’ve said that you work remotely from home. If that weren’t the case you would likely consider using a case as the chance of your phone being involved in an accident would rise significantly. I like my phones to be pristine (or as close to pristine) for as long a possible and I refuse to pay for AC+. I don’t work from home either so cases are pretty much mandatory for me.

I am an outlier, that much I agree with. I vary from the norm in many things discussed in these forums.

That said, in 1999 when I chose a career for myself after seven years with United Parcel Service, I specifically chose a career that has me using computers in an office - at a desk. That wasn't because I was thinking of phones at the time, it was because I didn't want to do physical labor anymore. So, I chose to be a graphic designer.

So from 1999-2020, when I first started WFH, the only dangers any phones I've owned have experienced have been during transferring from my hand to another spot or in restaurants, etc. Work or home, my phones sit in specific spots all day. Smartphones came along in 2009 and I've invested in a lot of business card holders that sit on my desk at home, desks at work and the desk next to my bed. And I'm religious about placing my phones in their designated spots.

In my car, my phone goes in a cup holder - or the center console. At restaurants or places where I'd sit down at a table, the phone goes face up. If something is going to scratch, I'd rather it be the back and not the screen. But if I don't trust the surface I am setting my phone down on, I will put something under the phone.

In crowds, my phone stays put away or I cradle it with two hands. There is nothing so important that I need to be using my phone for while in a crowd. And I am rarely in a crowd, so again, outlier.

I also agree with you on AC+. I generally refuse to pay for it. I have certain rules for myself regarding phones that have become natural to me, which again makes me an outlier.

But the time I did break my phone? I did have AC+ then because the sales rep crammed it on me when he sold me the phone. I just hadn't gotten around to removing it. But I did remove it about a week after getting the replacement.

I like my phones to be pristine too, although a few nicks and scratches here and there don't bother me. I'm not selling my phones on or trading them in. Sometimes, others get a pristine phone from me. Most times, I just continue using them as secondary or tertiary devices.

 

[Andeddu]

I am an outlier, that much I agree with. I vary from the norm in many things discussed in these forums.

That said, in 1999 when I chose a career for myself after seven years with United Parcel Service, I specifically chose a career that has me using computers in an office - at a desk. That wasn't because I was thinking of phones at the time, it was because I didn't want to do physical labor anymore. So, I chose to be a graphic designer.

So from 1999-2020, when I first started WFH, the only dangers any phones I've owned have experienced have been during transferring from my hand to another spot or in restaurants, etc. Work or home, my phones sit in specific spots all day. Smartphones came along in 2009 and I've invested in a lot of business card holders that sit on my desk at home, desks at work and the desk next to my bed. And I'm religious about placing my phones in their designated spots.

In my car, my phone goes in a cup holder - or the center console. At restaurants or places where I'd sit down at a table, the phone goes face up. If something is going to scratch, I'd rather it be the back and not the screen. But if I don't trust the surface I am setting my phone down on, I will put something under the phone.

In crowds, my phone stays put away or I cradle it with two hands. There is nothing so important that I need to be using my phone for while in a crowd. And I am rarely in a crowd, so again, outlier.

I also agree with you on AC+. I generally refuse to pay for it. I have certain rules for myself regarding phones that have become natural to me, which again makes me an outlier.

But the time I did break my phone? I did have AC+ then because the sales rep crammed it on me when he sold me the phone. I just hadn't gotten around to removing it. But I did remove it about a week after getting the replacement.

I like my phones to be pristine too, although a few nicks and scratches here and there don't bother me. I'm not selling my phones on or trading them in. Sometimes, others get a pristine phone from me. Most times, I just continue using them as secondary or tertiary devices.

I like to play the odds and I reckon that the vast majority of people who do not use cases end up causing either severe superficial damage or catastrophic damage to their phones. One of my colleagues uses a caseless 15 Pro and has suddenly switched to a superficially damaged XS. I suspect she has dropped her 15 Pro and it’s been sent away for repair.

I am like you with my laptops and handheld consoles, such as my Vita, OG Switch and Switch Lite. All of them are pristine without using any protective shells or screen protectors because I only use these devices in my house or at my partner’s residence. If I were to use them on public transport I would definitely invest in some kind of protection.

As you know, I like to collect my old iPhones and have only ever gave one device, a 12 Mini, to a family member. The reason I did that was because it was only 1.5 years old and far too new to languish boxed up in my cupboard without being used.

 

[John Tarb]

Case and screen protector. I spent a grand on this phone!

 

[DukeSilver79]

I use a case. It feels too slippery in my hands without one.

 

[Carlsberg69]

I use a case. It feels too slippery in my hands without one.

Which phone?

 

[Andeddu]

Picked up a new case for my iPhone 13.

 

[richard13]

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Picked up a new case for my iPhone 13.

Wow... that looks straight out of The Partridge Family.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Wow... that looks straight out of The Partridge Family.

It's "Mondrian"

 

[eyoungren]

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Picked up a new case for my iPhone 13.

'Blanc space'!

Hahahahahahahaha!!!!!!

 

[Yr Blues]

I dislike cases, but dislike spending money getting my phone fixed even more.

 

[Momof2.1107]

Not anymore. I’ve moved on to skins now, and couldn’t be happier. I still use screen protectors, and am 1000% more aware of how and where I sit my phone down now. The skins have grip on them as well.

 

[eyoungren]

I dislike cases, but dislike spending money getting my phone fixed even more.

I get that…I've had to pay out of pocket roughly $200 for two replacements since 2012.

6+, I shattered the screen. Apple charged me $99 (no AC+) for a screen replacement, but gave me a brand new phone.

11 Pro Max. I shattered the front and back glass. Replacement was $99 under AC+.

No cases. I don't use them.

But $200 for two phones in 13 years. Works out to about $15.38 a year.

I'd argue there are case users who've damaged more phones in that amount of time and spent more in replacing them.

 

[Andeddu]

I get that…I've had to pay out of pocket roughly $200 for two replacements since 2012.

6+, I shattered the screen. Apple charged me $99 (no AC+) for a screen replacement, but gave me a brand new phone.

11 Pro Max. I shattered the front and back glass. Replacement was $99 under AC+.

No cases. I don't use them.

But $200 for two phones in 13 years. Works out to about $15.38 a year.

I'd argue there are case users who've damaged more phones in that amount of time and spent more in replacing them.

AC+ can cost up to £189 over 2 years on an iPhone 16. I would prefer to spend £50 for a couple of nice cases and a Spigen screen protector.

 

[eyoungren]

AC+ can cost up to £189 over 2 years on an iPhone 16. I would prefer to spend £50 for a couple of nice cases and a Spigen screen protector.

Yeah, that was one of the rare times I had AC+. We got the 11 Pro Max in February 2021 and the sales rep crammed the protection in (I didn't ask for it). On T-Mobile, part of that is AC+.

Because I was being nice, I didn't remove it right away, the rep didn't get much in commission off us. But right after I broke and replaced the phone I cancelled it.

I've had it long term maybe twice in 13 years, most of that was 2012-2013 with my iPhone 5.

 

[Andeddu]

Yeah, that was one of the rare times I had AC+. We got the 11 Pro Max in February 2021 and the sales rep crammed the protection in (I didn't ask for it). On T-Mobile, part of that is AC+.

Because I was being nice, I didn't remove it right away, the rep didn't get much in commission off us. But right after I broke and replaced the phone I cancelled it.

I've had it long term maybe twice in 13 years, most of that was 2012-2013 with my iPhone 5.

I just think that no one can really make a financial case against using protection because it’s so cheap, especially if you only purchase one mid-ranged or budget case per phone. The realistic expectation for an average phone user is if their phone is naked, they’ll require AC+ for protection as a severe accident is statistically likely over the lifespan of their phone.

There are people who have exceptional circumstances, such as yourself, who are in a situation where they feel confident enough to use a phone naked without AC+ however the majority of people are simply not in the same boat.

I’ve seen 3 work colleges destroy their careless iPhones in the last year or so - a 13 with a cracked screen (upgraded to a 15), a 15 Pro with a cracked back (upgraded to a 16 Pro) and an SE 2020 also with a cracked back (upgraded to an iPhone 13/14). All of those folk did not appear to have AC+ and likely traded in their damaged devices as they have all since upgraded their devices and now use screen protectors and cases. I am happy to see they’ve learned their lessons!

Edit: I forgot to mention the girl with a pink line down her 15 Pro’s screen along with clear impact damage to the top right edge of her phone. Never saw her use a case either, lol.

And here I am with a collection of perfect iPhones dating back to the 6S despite dropping my phones as much as the next person. Why? I use protection.

 

[eyoungren]

I just think that no one can really make a financial case against using protection because it’s so cheap, especially if you only purchase one mid-ranged or budget case per phone. The realistic expectation for an average phone user is if their phone is naked, they’ll require AC+ for protection as a severe accident is statistically likely over the lifespan of their phone.

There are people who have exceptional circumstances, such as yourself, who are in a situation where they feel confident enough to use a phone naked without AC+ however the majority of people are simply not in the same boat.

I’ve seen 3 work colleges destroy their careless iPhones in the last year or so - a 13 with a cracked screen (upgraded to a 15), a 15 Pro with a cracked back (upgraded to a 16 Pro) and an SE 2020 also with a cracked back (upgraded to an iPhone 13/14). All of those folk did not appear to have AC+ and likely traded in their damaged devices as they have all since upgraded their devices and now use screen protectors and cases. I am happy to see they’ve learned their lessons!

Edit: I forgot to mention the girl with a pink line down her 15 Pro’s screen along with clear damage to the drop right edge of her phone. Never saw her use a case either, lol.

I know, that if I were in the situation where I could afford AC+, then I'd have it. But I am not, so I largely rely on my 'rules' for myself and the threat of having to explain to my wife how I (carelessly) broke a phone. Of course, yes, I have the advantage of basically being home all day except for a few hours. My job is not physical.

But, I do think a case could be made, although you'd actually have to be willing to make it. I wasn't necessarily trying to make a case in my posts above, just pointing out the possible. But it requires focus and a lot of people aren't interested. Hence the examples you cite.

For the record, and I've mentioned it in the past, my wife uses a case and I make my daughter use a case. I can't make my daughter be careful, so - case.

My son did use a case at first, but I guess he decided at some point not to. And he's always been careful. I've never had to talk to him about it.

 

[Andeddu]

I know, that if I were in the situation where I could afford AC+, then I'd have it. But I am not, so I largely rely on my 'rules' for myself and the threat of having to explain to my wife how I (carelessly) broke a phone. Of course, yes, I have the advantage of basically being home all day except for a few hours. My job is not physical.

But, I do think a case could be made, although you'd actually have to be willing to make it. I wasn't necessarily trying to make a case in my posts above, just pointing out the possible. But it requires focus and a lot of people aren't interested. Hence the examples you cite.

For the record, and I've mentioned it in the past, my wife uses a case and I make my daughter use a case. I can't make my daughter be careful, so - case.

My son did use a case at first, but I guess he decided at some point not to. And he's always been careful. I've never had to talk to him about it.

Yeah, that’s fine, I’ve always said you are an outlier which means the general rule of thumb where you must either use protection or AC+ doesn’t really apply to you given the reasons you’ve explained. I would say that 99% of folk are like the rest of your family who aren’t particularly careful with their possessions. That’s fine, which is why they have to use cases or pay for AC+.

I personally like the look of cases and think that naked iPhones, although beautiful, can be a little boring. I also get a little sense of anxiety when I see someone casually holding their expensive caseless iPhone in a way that doesn’t look too secure or observing it loosely hanging out of their pockets and ready to fall onto a hard surface. The number of phones cosmetically damaged or extensively damaged each day must be such a high number. Makes me wish that everyone used a screen protector and a case, hahaha.

 

[eyoungren]

I personally like the look of cases and think that naked iPhones, although beautiful, can be a little boring. I also get a little sense of anxiety when I see someone casually holding their expensive caseless iPhone in a way that doesn’t look too secure or observing it loosely hanging out of their pockets and ready to fall onto a hard surface. The number of phones cosmetically damaged or extensively damaged each day must be such a high number. Makes me wish that everyone used a screen protector and a case, hahaha.

I feel sometimes that I have been bookended by generations, LOL. My dad was Silent Generation (born 1935), I'm Gen-X (born 1970) and my son is Gen-Z (born 2003).

But my son's personality, mannerisms and way of doing things is very much like my dad. My dad used to wear pocket protectors, and would put his glasses in a case in his shirt pocket. My son puts his phone in his shirt pocket. Not a back pocket or side pocket - his shirt pocket. And he's very particular about it. He'll tap the pocket after he's placed his phone in there without even knowing he did it.

Me, I lean more towards the examples you cite (but not dangerously). I make sure my phone is secure, but my son, SMH.

My wife and daughter though, yes they fit your descriptions. There's been more than once where my wife has let her phone slide off the bed and it's hit the bed rails on the way down. But…case. She shrugs (if she even notices) and I wince.

 

[Motionblurrr]

There’s just something about interacting with a caseless iPhone every single day that can’t be beat.