Apple has discontinued the SE line of iPhones and introduced the iPhone 16e, the most affordable model in the iPhone 16 family. Priced starting at $599, it features a design reminiscent of the iPhone 12, with a 6.1-inch display and no Dynamic Island. However, it still includes Apple Intelligence and an action button, similar to its more expensive counterparts.
The iPhone 16e is available only in black and white, which limits your choices for the phone's color finish. To add some color and style while protecting your new device, we’ve compiled a list of phone cases to consider.
Apple's official silicone cases have always provided a smooth finish for users who don't want a case that feels too rough on their skin, and the company has delivered the same level of comfort for the iPhone 16e. It comes in Fuchsia, Lake Green, Winter Blue, White and Black, helping to make up for the lack of color choices for the phone itself, which comes in black and white.
The microfiber lining is embedded inside the case to give the phone a little more protection than the outside. Its softness makes it easy to grip and doesn't add any weight to your phone, giving users an easy experience.
Count on this shockproof case Spidercase to protect your iPhone 16e with its thick, rugged design. This case meets military standards for anti-drop damage protection, shielding your phone from drops of up to 12 feet thanks its two layers of full body protection, evenly raised lips over the screen and camera (1.5mm each), and two tempered glass screen protectors accompanying it.
Apart from being a heavyset case in appearance, the frosted material feels soft on your skin without letting the case slip from your hand. It won't get scratched by anything either, which makes this a good first choice for a case for your new affordable investment.
CASEKOO's crystal clear case acts as the naked dress for your iPhone 16e if you don't mind showing off its original color. This case is laced with premium Bayer TPU imported from Germany and CRYS-GEL anti-yellow tech to make it stay clear for as long as you have the iPhone 16e.
It has a triple-layered protective frame and U-SHOCK airpads on all four corners, helping it absorb 90% of the shock impact of falls from up to 12 feet. If you want to get creative and cover your phone up a little, insert some stickers to show off your quirky personality. Just don't remove the peelers.
The iPod Classic is making a comeback... in the form of a new case for the iPhone 16e, courtesy of Spigen. The clickwheel acts as a makeshift MagSafe ring that perfectly aligns with any MagSafe device for wireless charging. Helping maintain the iPod form factor is the track timer at the bottom of the case with the title of the song written above it.
Blue resin has been laced with this case to maintain the beauty of its iPod design, even though the majority of it should've been opaque to match the thickness of the 18-year-old MP3 player. The edges of the case are raised to protect your phone and camera from cracks, scratches, and other forms of damage should it fall to the ground. Talk about a throwback!
The Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 case is an ideal solution for anyone looking to simplify their everyday carry by combining phone protection with wallet functionality. This case features a built-in slot on the back that can securely hold up to three cards and cash, eliminating the need for a separate wallet.
In addition to its storage capabilities, the case prioritizes phone safety with reinforced corners and a durable construction that has undergone rigorous drop testing to protect against impacts. Raised edges around the screen and camera further shield these vulnerable areas from scratches and damage.
The Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 also includes user-friendly design elements, such as textured sides for enhanced grip and ergonomic grooves for comfortable handling. While it boasts a sleek and practical design, it's important to note that this case is not compatible with wireless or MagSafe charging.
Available in a variety of styles and colors, the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 offers a great balance of practicality, protection, and personalized aesthetics at a reasonable price point.
The iPhone 16e support MagSafe charging on its own, which should've been an industry standard for all phones by now. FNTCASE alleviates that problem with a matte case that has a MagSafe ring that is seven times stronger than other MagSafe cases in sticking to magnetic and Qi wireless chargers thanks to 38 built-in super N52 magnets.
The case not only protects your phone from drops of up to 10 feet, but the matte surface keeps your phone free from scratches and stains. Yes, even coffee stains.
Blackbrook iPhone cases are well-regarded for their emphasis on premium materials and minimalist, often leather-based designs. They aim to provide a sophisticated and professional aesthetic while ensuring reliable protection for your device. These cases frequently utilize high-quality leather, which not only adds a touch of luxury but also develops a unique patina over time, giving each case a distinctive appearance.
Typically, Blackbrook cases feature a slim profile, prioritizing a sleek and unobtrusive design that doesn't add unnecessary bulk to the iPhone. While their main focus is on style and premium materials, they also include practical features such as raised edges to protect the screen and camera from scratches and minor impacts.
The brand appeals to individuals who appreciate a refined and understated look, valuing both the tactile feel of genuine leather and the functional protection it offers. Blackbrook cases generally are positioned at a higher price point, reflecting the quality of materials and craftsmanship used in their production.
Another MagSafe case to consider for the iPhone 16e is the ESR hybrid case. Its MagSafe ring holds up to seven times the phone's weight and locks into magnetic chargers for seamless wireless charging.
No matter what color case you get, the acrylic back is translucent enough for you to see your phone's original color while keeping it the color you wish your phone would be instead of black or white. The red case looks enticing, though.
The OtterBox Commuter Series case for iPhone is designed for those who want reliable protection without the bulk of the Defender Series. It offers a balance of slimness and durability, featuring a two-piece construction: a soft inner slipcover that absorbs shocks and a hard outer shell that deflects impacts and resists scratches. This combination provides effective defense against drops, bumps, and everyday wear and tear.
The case includes port covers to keep dust and debris out of your iPhone's charging port and other openings, while still allowing easy access to buttons and features. Its slim profile makes it pocket-friendly, and the textured exterior provides a secure grip. Although it is not as rugged as the Defender Series, the Commuter Series offers a solid level of protection for daily use, making it a popular choice for users who value both protection and a sleek design.
Kate Spade New York iPhone cases are recognized for their stylish designs, often featuring the brand's signature patterns, colors, and embellishments. These cases are crafted to add a touch of elegance and personality to your iPhone, appealing to those who value aesthetics alongside protection.
The level of protection varies by model, but many Kate Spade cases strike a balance between style and durability. They typically incorporate a hard shell construction that protects against scratches and minor impacts. Some models also include additional features, such as raised edges, to safeguard the screen and camera.
In addition to their protective qualities, these cases act as fashion accessories, enabling users to express their style through their phones. The brand frequently introduces new designs that align with seasonal trends and collections, ensuring a fresh and updated look.
While Kate Spade iPhone cases may be more expensive than standard phone cases, they offer a blend of designer appeal and functional protection for those seeking a fashionable phone accessory.
Cristina Alexander is a gaming and mobile writer at Digital Trends. She blends fair coverage of games industry topics that matter the most to her with heart and sharp wit.
Cristina's favorite video game series is Sonic the Hedgehog. She was first introduced to the franchise when she played Sonic Adventure 2: Battle on the Nintendo GameCube as a demo in Circuit City at the age of 8. Her cousin reintroduced her to the game a year later, and she's played almost every Sonic game ever since. Before she fell head over heels for the blue hedgehog over 20 years ago, she loved playing other games on PlayStation and Nintendo, including Yoshi's Island, Mario Kart 64, Super Mario 64, 007 GoldenEye, Spyro the Dragon, Sly Cooper, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.
While attending Florida Atlantic University, Cristina contributed Sonic stories to Mega Visions Magazine, covering everything from gaming news to merchandise related to the. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies in 2018, she used this degree to work as a digital journalist at a local news station in Miami, writing local news stories and cutting videos on behalf of field journalists through the COVID-19 pandemic. From there, she freelanced for various gaming and tech sites, including TheGamer, SlashGear, Gamepur, IGN, and Digital Trends — the last of which she also writes mobile articles.
Cristina lives in South Florida. In her spare time, she loves to shop at Hot Topic, work out at the gym, travel to Disney World and other places with her partner, attend anime conventions in cosplay, play on her PS5, and create videos on TikTok.
Are you tired of paying for streaming services you never watch just to get a phone plan feature you actually want? T-Mobile has good news for you! The carrier is rolling out new plans, called T-Mix, in early November to replace its old Experience lineup with a build-your-own perks system called Picks.
The benefits you choose vary from streaming and gaming to food delivery, AI, satellite service, and phone discounts. But if you are satisfied with your existing plan, you can keep it.
Merely days after the iPhone Duo hit the shelves, images of broken screens on the phone started popping up across social media. Until now, it’s been unclear what’s causing the line of defective pixels that appears vertically along the crease, as well as horizontally, on the phone’s inner display.
Apple has finally acknowledged the issue, which has shown up on iPhone Duo units owned by customers as well as demo units in stores. In a statement shared with Bloomberg, Apple says that not all iPhone Duo units are affected and that those that are tend to show the display fault early on. The company added that users who experience problems with their iPhone Duo display should contact AppleCare for a replacement.
Not long ago, Apple treated independent repair like an act of outright hostility. The Cupertino giant locked down parts with serial-number pairing, while repair tools remained firmly out of reach of anyone outside its authorized repair network. More importantly, the company waged a legal and lobbying battle against right-to-repair legislation.
I've covered enough of these fights over the years to know what a shift looks like. That's why what happened in October 2026 genuinely caught me off guard. The day the iPhone Duo went on sale, what may be the most mechanically complex iPhone to date, Apple pulled off a surprising about-face. It published teardown-style repair manuals for a handful of major components.