7 great cases for your new iPhone 6S or iPhone 6S Plus
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The latest iPhones are nearly upon us, and per usual, they're great. Also per usual, they're expensive. The entry-level iPhone 6S starts at $650 when all's said and done, while the iPhone 6S Plus goes for $100 more.
And that's before you consider how you'll probably want to pay extra to get more storage.
If you're going to invest that much into one thing, it's probably worth keeping safe from harm. For the iPhone, that means picking up a case. There's a seemingly endless number of options out there, though, so to help you find which one suits your needs the most, we've rounded up a few of our favorites.
Now, cases made specifically for the new iPhones are only just rolling out, so it's too early to tell which of those are worth buying.
But since the 6S and 6S Plus are only marginally bigger than their predecessors, Apple has confirmed that virtually all of the cases that are already available for the latter will work with the former. So if you're an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus owner about to upgrade and you enjoy your case already, there's no need to switch.
If you're coming from an older model, though — or a different phone entirely — these will have you covered:
An all-rounder: Incipio NGP ($7.96) and 6S Plus Version ($10.96)
BiteMyAppleThere's no such thing as a perfect iPhone case, but if you want one that does a little bit of everything, go with the Incipio NGP.
Its flexible TPU frame isn't the best in any area, but it tightly covers all of the phone's back and sides, it feels smooth, and it gives enough protection for everyday bumps and drops.
It's exceptionally thin, too, and it comes in a variety of vibrant colors. Starting for less than $10, it's a hard value to beat.
Incipio NGP iPhone 6 Case (Black), $7.96, available at Amazon.
Incipio NGP iPhone 6 Plus Case (Translucent Blue), $10.96, available at Amazon.
A stylish option: Apple Leather Case ($45) and 6S Plus Version ($49)
BiteMyAppleAlthough it's not the most affordable choice, grabbing one of Apple's own cases is the safest. Nobody knows the iPhone better than the people who make it, after all.
This year, Apple has once again updated its silicone and leather models, but we prefer the latter. It feels wonderful in the hand, it fits snugly, and its subdued, high-end wallet aesthetic just looks good, regardless of which color you choose. (Try the "saddle brown," though.)
It's far from the most protective option — it completely exposes the bottom bumper, for instance — but it's a pleasure for everyday use.
iPhone 6S Leather Case (Black), $45, available at Apple.
iPhone 6S Plus Leather Case (Black), $49, available at Apple.
A rugged option: Urban Armor Gear Case ($28.56) and 6S Plus Version ($26.61)
BiteMyAppleOn the other end of the spectrum is Urban Armor Gear's case. Its hyperactive industrial design isn't pretty, but it meets military drop-test standards, meaning it can take a serious beating.
It puts extra padding over the iPhone's corners and a protective lip over its bezels, but for a case focused on protection, it isn't terribly thick or heavy. It also has convenient cutouts for all of the iPhone's ports.
If its looks are too much for you, though, the Speck CandyShell Grip — 6S Plus model here — offers close-enough levels of durability in a more lighthearted design.
Urban Armor Gear Case for iPhone 6/6S (Black), $28.56, available at Amazon.
Urban Armor Gear Case for iPhone 6/6S Plus (Orange), $26.61, available at Amazon
A card-holding option: Verus Damda Slide ($14.99) and 6S Plus Version ($17.99)
BiteMyAppleWe've covered plenty of great wallet-style cases in the past, and the Verus Damda Slide, too, gives you an extra secure way of holding a few credit cards on the go. It completely covers the back and sides of the iPhone, mixing a rubbery material with a TPU lip to provide solid protection against heavier impacts.
It isn't super thin or light, but that's because its back compartment can slide open and hold two or three cards within the case itself.
You won't have to worry about your ID or debit cards accidentally falling out. It takes a little more effort to open, though, so if you want a more natural-feeling design, try the CM4 Q Card Case (6S Plus version here) or Distil Union Wally Wallet Case (6S Plus version here).
Verus Damda Slide for Apple iPhone 6/6S (Champagne Gold), $14.99, available at Amazon.
Verus Damda Slide for Apple iPhone 6/6S Plus (Dark Silver), $17.99, available at Amazon
A belt clip option: Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro ($10.36) and 6S Plus Version ($15.99)
BiteMyAppleIf you're going full Dad and plan on wearing your iPhone on your person, Supcase's Unicorn Beetle Pro comes with a plastic belt holster that secures safely to your pants.
It isn't the fanciest-looking case around, but its polycarbonate shell feels sturdy and its TPU bumper is drop- and shock-resistant. It has a few flaps for the iPhone's buttons and a tidy cutout for its camera, though it does leave the speaker grille exposed.
Still, it's a reliable, affordable choice for those who always want their device in sight.
Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Apple iPhone 6/6S Case (Black), $10.36, available at Amazon.
Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Apple iPhone 6/6S Plus Case (Black), $15.99, available at Amazon
A clear option: Supcase Hybrid Bumper Cover ($12.99) and 6S Plus Version ($12.99)
BiteMyAppleAll of these cases are useful, but the problem is that they, well, encase the iPhone.
For some, it feels wasteful to drop $650 on a device only to cover up all the work that went into it — especially when that device is as aesthetically pleasing as the iPhone. You can find something of a middle ground, though, by picking up a transparent case like Supcase's clear Hybrid Bumper Cover.
It can't withstand as much as most of the options above, but it snaps on easily and its scratch-resistant back does well to show off the gear you paid for.
Supcase Hybrid Bumper Cover for iPhone 6/6S (Clear/Black), $12.99, available at Amazon.
Supcase Hybrid Bumper Cover for iPhone 6/6S Plus (Clear/Black), $12.99, available at Amazon.
A minimalist option: Radius v3 ($79.99) and 6S Plus Version ($89.99)
BiteMyAppleThe Mod-3 Radius v3 is going to be impractical for most people, but it's probably the most insane — in a good way — iPhone case you're going to find.
In fact, calling it a "case" feels wrong. It's mostly exactly what it looks like: a big, shiny, metal X that fastens over the iPhone's back.
It's thin, light, and raised enough to give some drop protection, but that's not what you're paying for here anyway.
If you want your iPhone to stand out from the rest, the Radius is a striking way to make it happen.
Radius v3, $79.99 (for iPhone 6/6S) and $89.99 (for iPhone 6/6S Plus), available at BiteMyApple.