

In just under a week’s time, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 15 Pro Max. A phone that is likely to be not only one of the best phones on the market, but also the most expensive model Apple has sold. When you spend over a grand on a phone, you want to keep it safe, and so most new buyers will fit their new models with a phone case.
Phone cases are as much part of owning a smartphone as earphones and chargers. The question is what case you’ll put on your new phone rather than whether you will use one.
I’ve used a phone case for about as long as I’ve had mobile phones. My first Nokia 3110 was swiftly squeezed into a leather case with a clip large enough to attach to your belt, while my svelte Nokia 8210 had a mirrored back for extra style. I like to keep my technology looking like new – I’ll leave the protective plastic on devices as long as I can – so I’ve never questioned protecting my phone with a case.
That was until this month. After hearing stories of the benefits of carrying your phone sans-case I thought I’d give it a try. The main advantage of a case is the protection it offers from bumps and scratches but even the thinnest of models adds significant girth to the phone and changes how it feels.
Holding tight
Without the case on, you get to experience the cold hard metal of the iPhone. The texture and colour of the glass back panel is wasted hidden under leather or silicon, and the sheer edges of the stainless steel surround feel so much nicer in the hand.
There is a heightened fear that comes with using a phone bareback. Every time I took it out of my pocket I was sure I was going to drop it and watch it smash on the concrete. I’ve seen the result of a phone dropped on a hard surface without a case and it’s not pretty. But I found this fear made me more careful with it.
Rumour has it that the incoming iPhone 15 Pro models will have a titanium body, much like the Apple Watch Ultra. This will make them lighter but more importantly, it will also make them stronger. Combined with the very latest version of the ceramic shield on the front, this phone is likely to be the toughest since the original Nokia 3310.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
So, when I get my new iPhone 15 Pro Max, I’m planning to leave the case off this time, and I suggest you do too – though maybe buy that extra handset insurance, just in case.
As T3's Editor-in-Chief, Mat Gallagher has his finger on the pulse for the latest advances in technology. He has written about technology since 2003 and after stints in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chicago is now based in the UK. He’s a true lover of gadgets, but especially anything that involves cameras, Apple, electric cars, musical instruments or travel.
-
Philips Hue could be launching its first-ever video doorbell – here's what we know so far
It's a logical next step
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
4 arm day mistakes that are killing your muscle gains
Struggling to fill out your t-shirt sleeves? An expert says this could be why…
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Your iPhone tipped to get a seismic upgrade with iOS 19 – the biggest in many years
It's said to be the most significant overhaul in over a decade
By Sam Cross Published
-
Google Maps design update finally comes to iPhone after Android owners have enjoyed it for months
It should make one-handed use much easier
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
I tried Apple’s latest budget iPhone and it’s more than enough phone for most people
Forget the 16, the iPhone 16e is the model that most people will end up buying, and I can see why
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
MacBook Air M4 ups the power, battery life and is surprisingly cheaper
Apple announces a new MacBook Air with a big upgrade to M4 processing
By Rik Henderson Published
-
There's an ingenious and cheap way to make sure you never lose your camera
If you're worried about losing your expensive camera, this little device could help
By Chris Hall Published
-
Photoshop's getting a surprise free upgrade on iPhone – and Android's next
The full experience is coming to mobile
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
5 must-know iPhone 16e facts and how it compares to iPhone 16
Apple's newest iPhone is an interesting addition
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple's "Google Lens" update is confirmed for older iPhones too, but there's a small catch
Visual Intelligence is Apple's answer to Google Lens and it'll soon be available on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
By Rik Henderson Published