The best iPhone cases for style and protection: our top picks for the iPhone 17 and Air

Mous cases are tough and don't lack on style either – you get excellent drop protection, a firm MagSafe hold and smart finishes that range from aramid fibre to walnut, plus seasonal shades. If you want real protection that still slides into your pocket, this brand is a safe bet. For its iPhone 17 range, Mous has Limitless, Clarity, and Super Thin options.

The Limitless cases now have a reinforced camera bump, a fully built-in ​​Camera Control button, and a new selection of colours. The clear-backed Clarity options have different shades for the frame (Black, Stone or Iridescent – that last one is just for the Pro) plus the same camera button. Lastly, the brand’s thinnest ever case, Super Thin, is only 0.6mm thick and has precise button cutouts.

If you want personality plus protection, Casetify’s iPhone 17 range has endless options, whether you’re after creative designs, gradients, customisations, or prints. You can find options with serious corner cushioning, and all the MagSafe picks we’ve tried in the past have had dependable magnet alignment.

These do run a little thicker than some more minimalist cases, but the grip and raised bezels offer good protection for daily use. This year, there’s a new Glaze case for a glossier finish, where the designs are printed under a protective inner layer – Casetify says this should prevent fading over time.

Of course, Apple makes its own accessories. For the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, that includes clear cases, silicone cases, and a brand-new material, TechWoven, for the Pro lineup. This material is made from recycled polyester and has a weave finish that's available in blue, purple, Sienna (a rust orange), green and black.

Urban Armor Gear or “UAG” makes some good rugged options with grippy textures, oversized buttons and big, confidence-boosting bumpers. We tried the Metropolis LT linked here for the iPhone 16 Pro last year, and were impressed. It’s built for drops and rough handling, yet stays surprisingly light and MagSafe-friendly.

Nomad is always reliable for premium picks, and we love the brand’s leather cases that develop a rich patina over time. The Modern Leather case is back this year to fit the iPhone 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max, and there’s a new Rugged Leather style, too, which is just like the Rugged case, but prioritises leather to go along with the chunky reinforced corners.

Prefer a more minimal style? Nomad is also offering Modern cases with clean designs, metal buttons and a high-end aesthetic. However, we've noticed that Nomad is only making cases for the Pro models, although it is selling models for the Air phone, too.

We’ve got on well with Bellroy designs in the past, and we like that brand is offering premium leather styles for the latest iPhones.

It’s also making new “INNOVERA” options that are made with plant-based proteins and recycled nylon. These are engineered to look and feel like leather, and the cases now have a tempered glass button for Camera Control access. Bellroy is also making a rugged Venture phone case for the Pro models.

The British brand is also bringing out clear, protective Limitless cases for the ultra-thin iPhone Air. There are also Clarity versions that support MagSafe, as well as the Super Thin clear cases for a “barely-there” feel. The Limitless style is available in the same colours and materials as the rest of the iPhone 17 range.

Casetify has launched its cases for the Air, too – offering designs in the new Glaze case finish that’s meant to prevent fading and wear over time, as well as clear styles, a mirrored option, and a Ring Stand version that will be perfect for propping up your phone while you watch videos.

Those buying the Air are likely to want to keep things lightweight. The official Apple options include a super-slim clear case or a bumper to protect the phone’s edges, while there are cross-body straps that offer you another way to carry the phone.

For a minimal leather case to match the elegant style of the Air, you may want to consider this premium Horween leather option from Nomad.

The Traditional Leather case maintains the phone's slim look, although it isn’t designed to protect every edge, and gives the back of the phone an elegant leather finish. The leather will age and develop a rich patina over time, too.

We’ve used Bellroy leather cases on previous phones, and the brand is now offering its new “INNOVERA” finish for the iPhone Air, too. It's a “high-performance leather alternative” that’s designed to look and feel like the real thing, and the case has MagSafe, raised edges for protection, a proper glass Camera Control button, and a microfibre lining.

If you’re after something exceptionally slim, Pitaka makes lightweight cases that are only 0.99mm thick and weigh just 20g. They’re made from an aerospace-grade aramid fibre, support MagSafe and come in a handful of sleek styles and colours: Black/Grey, Moonrise and Sunset (pictured here).

Why we like it: Mous consistently delivers top-tier drop protection, and the Limitless 6.0 continues that legacy. The case is thinner than its predecessor but still ultra-rugged, thanks to reinforced corners, a shockproof lining, and raised edges around the screen and cameras. Despite its toughness, it doesn’t feel bulky, and it features some of the strongest built-in MagSafe magnets we've tried. We also love the style options (like Carbon Fibre, Black Leather, Walnut, Speckled Fabric and Bamboo) and the satisfyingly clicky buttons.

Take note: The earliest versions of this case had a cutout for the new Camera Control button. But, that was later refreshed to be a separate attachable button for this feature. It may work for some, but we find it an unusual choice to have this as a tiny, replaceable part rather than fully built into the case.

Why we like it: The Impact Case blends style with protection. It’s hard to beat the sheer variety of designs and customisations Casetify offers – from artist collaborations and floral prints to gradient colours, pop-culture themes, or even personalised monograms. Despite the focus on aesthetics, this case is great for protection; it’s slim but durable, with reinforced corners in the upgraded versions, raised edges for the screen and lenses, and a 2.5-metre drop protection rating. You can also choose versions with MagSafe support or even built-in ring stands around the camera, so you’re not sacrificing functionality, too.

Take note: All that customisation and quality means Casetify cases come at a premium price, which is the main drawback here. If you’re willing to pay for it, however, you get a reliable and stylish case that’s unique to you.

Why we like it: This strikes a great balance between protection and style, offering solid durability without the bulk. With reinforced corners, an impact-resistant core, and a 5.4-metre drop rating, it’s built to handle everyday bumps and tumbles – and then some. In fact, UAG advertises this as "MIL-STD 810G 516.6", which means it passed an American military standard where devices are tested with drops 26 times, on all sides. We doubt you'll be dropping it often, though, as the grippy texture makes it super secure. We also appreciate the tactile, easy-to-press buttons and the well-designed cutout that make the Camera Control button easy to access.

Take note: The Metropolis LT is a bit pricier than a standard case, which is understandable given the protection on offer. If you want a tough, premium-feeling case and don’t mind the cost, it’s a top choice for rugged reliability.

Why we like it: Apple’s official clear case is a safe bet that fully supports the Camera Control button that debuted in the iPhone 16. Unlike many third-party clear cases that just leave a cutout, Apple’s design integrates a functional button in the case, allowing you to press and use swipe gestures exactly like on the phone itself. We like the feel and finish of the case: it hugs the phone well and feels premium, with strong built-in MagSafe support.

Take note: The clear plastic is quite smooth and can get slippery, offering no extra grip. Also, while it protects against scratches and minor drops, it’s not as rugged as some third-party options.

Why we like it: Nomad makes lovely cases with soft Horween leather that will age well and gain a distinctive patina over time. This case exudes sophistication and offers a texture that only genuine leather can provide. In our experience, it had the best in-hand feel of all the leather cases we tested. It has a protective bumper frame, including a slight raise around the screen and camera, and satisfyingly clicky metal buttons. It comes in a couple of classic colours (a gorgeous Rustic Brown or a sleek Black), and Nomad often releases limited-edition colours that sell out quickly.

Take note: Real leather will show wear. Expect scuffs and a MagSafe charging ring imprint to form as the case ages, which is all part of its charm if you appreciate the patina! If you need a case that stays pristine, or if you're after ruggedness, leather might not be the best choice.