You know what else comes along whenever Cupertino busts out a new set of handsets like the new iPhone 16 lineup? New iPhone cases and accessories. The company trotted some out at its “It’s Glowtime” event Monday, and in a surprise move, so did its audio subsidiary Beats.
But neither appeared to include a replacement material for the much-maligned FineWoven leather alternative that came out with iPhone 15 cases. Apple’s new cases are clear and silicone models. Beats’ cases feature a hard polycarbonate back and flexible sides.
Read more about Apple and Beats cases below, and don’t miss our roundup of the best third-party iPhone 16 cases available now.
Apple iPhone 16 cases and accessories, plus cases from Beats
A weekend tip ahead of Apple’s event suggested Apple would replace its disastrous FineWoven iPhone cases — an eco-friendly leather alternative — with something new, and in similar colors. Preliminary checks turn up no FineWoven iPhone cases on Apple’s site after the event. And there are, indeed, some new iPhone cases. However, the new cases mentioned so far don’t replace FineWove per se (they’re not vegan leather, faux leather or some other stand-in for premium leather). And Apple mentioned one FineWoven accessory that it will still sell — FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe.
Also note that previous rumors said that Apple and some third-party cases, like those by Spigen, would have a covered capture button. Apple said its new cases will have a sophisticated design that covers the button while allowing its full functionality. And that’s true, per the description below.
New Apple iPhone cases and MagSafe charger
Photo: Apple
Here’s how Apple describes its cases to go with the iPhone 16 lineup, at least so far:
- In addition to an iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max Clear Case, available for $49, a silicone case with MagSafe will be available for $49 in black, denim, fuchsia, lake green, plum, star fruit, stone gray, and ultramarine.
- Apple cases for the iPhone 16 lineup work seamlessly with Camera Control, featuring a sapphire crystal coupled to a conductive layer that communicates finger movements to the Camera Control. FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe will be available for $59 in black, blackberry, dark green, and deep blue. Shop the new iPhone 16 cases from Apple.
In addition to cases, Apple said its new MagSafe Charger puck brings more power and charging versatility for iPhone 16:
- A new MagSafe Charger enables faster wireless charging up to 25W, is Qi2 certified, and is available in a 1-meter length for $39 or a 2-meter length for $49. Shop the chargers at Apple.
Photo: Apple
Beats jumps into the iPhone case game
In a surprise, Beats trotted out a new line of iPhone 16 cases with support for MagSafe and Camera Control on Monday. The new cases, lined with soft microfiber material and bold interior accent colors, come in four colors — midnight black, summit stone, riptide blue and sunset purple — and you can order them now for $49 from apple.com.
“We’re delighted to introduce the first iPhone case designed by Beats,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats. “Beats has always been synonymous with distinctive style and vibrant colors and our new cases are the perfect way to accessorize the new iPhone 16 lineup.”
Here’s more description of the cases from Beats:
The hardshell polycarbonate back is complemented by flexible sidewalls to optimize shock absorption, while making the case thin, light and easy to grip. The smooth outer surface is treated with a glossy scratch-resistant coating for extra protection, and the soft microfiber lining protects the iPhone. Beats cases work seamlessly with the new Camera Control on the iPhone 16 lineup, featuring a sapphire crystal coupled to a conductive layer that communicates finger movements to the Camera Control.
The cases are MagSafe-compatible, with built-in magnets that align with all iPhone 16 models, Beats said.
