12+ great cases to protect Apple iPhone XS series smartphones

With repair prices higher than the cost of an older iPhone, iPhone XS-series owners really should think about investing in AppleCare and case protection for their insanely powerful (and expensive) new iPhones.

Here are twelve manufacturers offering a range of XS-series cases that you may want to take a look at.

With a good reputation

Manufacturers of some of the world’s most robust iPhone protectors, OtterBox has announced a major collection of cases for the new Apple smartphones, ranging from trendy and slim to rugged and burly – plus everything in between.

Each case design undergoes a minimum of 24 tests across more than 238 hours to ensure lasting protection from drops, bumps, scratches and dings.

The range includes the ultra-slim Symmetry cases, the highly protective Defender, the slim but tough Pursuit series and the luxurious leather Strade Series Folio. Amazon prices start at around $20 for this market-tested range of cases.

Hex your iPhone

These nice-looking iPhones XS and XS Max cases come from award-winning accessories brand, HEX. There are 2 different models:  The Icon Wallet (from $49.95) and the Shield Wallet (from $44.95).  Both are made in genuine leather and come in the following 5 different fabrications: Black, Tan, Camo/Burnt Orange, Stingray, and Wicker.

The Icon Wallet includes 3-5 RFID blocking card slots, a cash pocket and camera cut out. The Shield Wallet case carries just two RFID blocking slots and also has a camera cut out. More information.

Are you a HITCASE?

HIT’s HITCASE ENDURO (dirt, dust and drop resistant) and waterproof HITCASE SPLASH promises excellent protection for your iPhone XS and XS Max, supplementing the popular (and waterproof) Pro series of case.

I must confess that with an eye to the cost of repairs for these phones, the ENDURO’s (from $39.99) light weight, grippable exterior and dirt, dust and drop resistance make it interesting to me. SPLASH ($69.99) takes this even further, and is compatible with a range of waterproof lenses for shooting in tough weather (illustrated), while the ultra-tough Pro model ($99.99) will help your device survive a fall into up to 5 meters of water. Keep an eye on the manufacturer’s website and Amazon shop for availability details.

Must-have Moshi?

Moshi has ten cases for all three of the new iPhone models. These include Altra, a textured case with wrist strap that is military-grade drop test certified and compatible with wireless charging;Capto, a slim hardshell case with a secure grip and kickstand for effortless video viewing that is also military-grade drop tested and wireless charging-friendly and Talos, an extreme drop protection case which shields the iPhone from up to a 3 metre drop on to concrete.The company has also developed its SnapTo magnetic mounting system that allows you to mount your iPhone anywhere. More information.

Ready for action

Vena makes cases for a wide range of devices. Its vCommute, vArmor and vLove products have been made availablefor the latest iPhones. The company says these provide style and rugger protection for Apple’s new smartphones. vCommute ($39.99) combines card slots, wireless charging support, a kickstand and military tested drop robustness; vArmor ($29.99) is also rugged, meets military drop-test standard surviving 26 drops from 4 feet and has cut-outs for controls; and the vArmor Pro delivers a highly rugged, drop-resistant case for $39.99, but only for the Max. Vena also makes a stylish glitter case for $24.99. More information.

A mighty Mous

Mous cases have an excellent reputation for drop resistance, in part because they sue a special AiroShock tech to spread impact across the case – it works a little like a spring mattresss. There’s no wallet or anything like that, but you can buy magnetic backs in different materials, including fibre, walnut, bamboo and seashell. These cost around $50 in the UK, but you’ll spend more in the U.S. More information

Tough and unique cases

Urban Armor makes rugged, lightweight, drop-tested mobile accessories and has introduced its new Artist Series in collaboration with artist Jason Maloney for iPhone devices. The artist’s images (such as Tippsy the Elephant) are well known on the surfint scene, now you can find his work on UAG’sPlyo iPhone cases, which feature the character, ‘Teddy the Bear-Bat’. You don’t just get a cartoon – you also get an armor shell, impact resistant soft inner, and feather-light construction. The case has oversized tactile buttons and easy access to touchscreen and ports and meets US Military drop test standards. More information.

Beautiful hand-crafted wooden cases

I like these lovely handmade leather and wooden iPhone cases from Grovemade and it is cool that they also make a nice wooden wireless charging mat to go with them. They aren’t cheap – from $129, but each one is bespoke and little features like the finger joints at each corner of the case add a touch of unique craftsmanship you just can’t expect off of a production line. Read more about these cases here.

Another world is possible

OWC announced the availability of the NuGuard KX line of phone cases, designed to keep the new iPhone safe and secure. These are built with precision cutouts to allow for complete access to all of the buttons and ports on the phone. Protection is enhanced with use of the company’s X-orbing gel technology , which works to evenly distribute kinetic energy throughout the case if the device takes a fall. Available in black, crimson and midnight at a set price of c.$59.99 but cheaper on the manufacturer’s site.

A huge range of styles and designs

Case-Mate has introduced its own range of protection for your new iPhones. These include the Dropper, Street Smart and the Minimalist. All three styles are available in a series of different configurations, with Street Smart featuring a range of eye-catching designs, including some models that build an effect akin to a snow globe in the skin of the case. You’ll also find ultra-tough carbon fibre cases in the new range. Prices start at around $39.99.

Get a LifeProof

The new LifeProof case range includes NËXT and SLɅM. Available in four colors, the latter ($49.99)  is both stylish and drop proof. The beveled edge keeps the display protected from drops up to 6.6 feet (2 meters). NËXT provides great protection against drops, dirt and snow. An open-screen design allows direct access to the display, while drop protection and port covers keep the device safe. Both cases are in two-parts and clip together around the device. NËXT cases are drop tested to 6.6 feet (2 meters) and carry an IP-5X rating for blocking dirt and dust and cost $79.99. More information.

Military fitness

All the way from California, X-Doria’s new range of iPhone XS-series cases all provide military-grade drop resistance and are available in a wide range of colours. The $29.99 Defense Shield is a one-piece polycarbonate shell reinforced with an aluminium frame; Defense Lux ($34.99) provides this and a rubber bumper and integrts a sound channel to make the device easier to hear while in the highly secure case; Defense Ultra ($39.99) is the toughest and most robust model in the new range. More information.

Have you come across cases for the new iPhones you think people should take a look at? Do you manufacture a case you think we should mention here? Drop us a line in comments below.