Each year a whole wealth of new case options arrive alongside each of Apple’s new iPhone lineups, and not only is the iPhone 12 no exception to that rule, but this year Apple has made things even more interesting with the introduction of its new MagSafe technology, which allows case makers to take advantage of a built-in magnetic ring on all of the newest iPhone models for easy attachment of cases and other MagSafe accessories. MagSafe is a nice bonus if you want a case that you can easily pop on and off as needed, but of course there are still a lot of traditional cases available too that work just fine the old fashioned way, and most of them can still handle wireless charging and even other MagSafe accessories like card holders and chargers. For the first time in the history of the iPhone, Apple also has released two different models in identical sizes this year, meaning that cases for both the standard 6.1-inch iPhone 12 and the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro are completely interchangeable, making it much easier to find the best iPhone case regardless of which model you’re carrying. So read on for our collection of the best iPhone 12 cases that will add an extra touch of style to your iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro while also protecting it from the bumps and brushes of everyday life. Fully compatible with Apple’s new MagSafe magnetic attachment system, the slim design of the Symmetry+ belies the fact that it provides drop protection that’s up to three times stronger than the military standard, and yet still pops on and off the iPhone in a flash. Raised edges protect the rear camera and the front screen without hiding the sleek iPhone 12 aesthetic. In addition, Symmetry+ also includes a silver-based antimicrobial additive, integrated into the case, adding an extra layer of protection to help prevent the growth of many common bacteria, and despite the magnets used to support the MagSafe system, you can still leave the case on to charge your iPhone from any Qi-compatible wireless charger, including of course Apple’s own MagSafe charger. Apple’s Silicone Case for the iPhone 12 also naturally includes the iPhone maker’s newest MagSafe technology, meaning it attaches magnetically to your iPhone, making it a cinch to pop off when you don’t want to be encumbered by a case, and then pop back on again when you need it. Despite the magnets, however, you won’t need to remove the case to charge your iPhone, as it’s designed to be fully compatible not only with Apple’s own MagSafe charger, but also any other Qi-certified charging system. There are also eight fun new colors to choose from, designed to complement, rather than match, the various color finishes of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro: basic white, black, and (PRODUCT)RED are joined by plum, deep navy, kumquat, Cyprus green, and pink citrus. With the ability to add your own monogram, initials, or even other short quip in a variety of fonts and colors, plus seven case colors to choose from—four solid and three clear with colorful trim—Casetify really lets you make the Ultra Impact case your very own. Unlike a lot of customizable cases, however, this one doesn’t skimp on protection—it’s drop tested to withstand falls of up to 9.8 feet, thanks to proprietary qìtech shock absorbing material, and it even features an antimicrobial coating that promises to eliminate 99% of everyday bacteria, and while it doesn’t include Apple’s MagSafe attachment technology, it’s fully compatible with other MagSafe accessories, so you won’t need to remove the case to pop on a MagSafe wallet attachment or use it with a wireless charger. Featuring classic and old-style American-made rustic Horween leather, this Nomad case goes on in style when new, but develops a nice rugged patina over time to give it a comfortable well-worn look. Fans of leather products will appreciate how its appearance will uniquely improve with age. Despite the slim design, Nomad Rugged Leather also still offers 10-foot drop protection, thanks to its interior polycarbonate body, internal shock absorption, and raised TPE bumper along the perimeter of the screen. A protective microfiber lining on the inside also ensures that the iPhone doesn’t scratch when putting it into the case. Two attachment points on the bottom also allow you to add a wrist strap or lanyard for easy carrying. It’s also compatible with wireless chargers and Apple’s own MagSafe accessories, although you may want to stay away from the latter to avoid leaving marks on the leather. Available in either darker walnut or lighter cherry wood, the Wooden iPhone 12 case features a hand-polished wooden back surrounded by a polycarbonate base and durable bumper to keep your iPhone protected while looking naturally stylish. While the Oakywood case doesn’t make any specific promises regarding drop protection, since the interior of the case isn’t made of wood it shouldn’t have any problem handling most everyday bumps and fumbles. Since each Wooden iPhone 12 case is made using natural wood, this also means that no two cases will be exactly the same, with each one featuring a unique tint and grain, and in keeping with the spirit of such a rustic design, Oakywood also ensures that it uses an efficient manufacturing process that’s both environmentally friendly and sustainable. In fact, even though this year’s iPhone models feature a new Ceramic Shield glass that promises up to four times the drop protection of previous iPhones, it’s important to keep in mind that this only protects the front of your iPhone, and in fact the glass back is still just as prone to shattering as it’s always been—and potentially more expensive to repair—so it’s no reason to let down your guard when it comes to protecting your iPhone 12. The OtterBox Defender features multiple layers of defense that can withstand four times as many drops as the military standard protection, with raised edges to make sure your rear cameras and front screen stay away from impact points, but it also goes well beyond drop protection, offering coverage for all of your ports and buttons to keep them free or dirt and debris, as well as a belt clip and holster that doubles as a kickstand so you can keep your iPhone readily accessible and also prop it up for watching videos or making FaceTime calls.
What to Look for in an iPhone 12 Case
Protection: Although Apple’s latest iPhones now offer the toughest glass ever, that only covers the screen and not the glass back, so if you’re going to put a case on your iPhone 12, you’ll want to make sure it offers at least some protection. For the best protective cases look for ones that are actually rated for drop protection from a specific height. MagSafe Support: One of the standout features on the iPhone 12 is Apple’s new MagSafe attachment system, so cases that include the necessary magnets can be easily put on and removed, and are also guaranteed to work with other MagSafe accessories, and although that should also be possible with any non-metallic case, you won’t get as strong of a magnetic attachment with thicker cases that aren’t MagSafe compatible. Wireless Charging Compatibility: The last thing you want to be dealing with is having to remove your case just to take advantage of wireless charging, and cases that include metallic components can be particularly troublesome in this regard, so you should make sure that your case of choice won’t get in the way when you’re trying to juice up your iPhone.
