Like every year, Apple will also release its own leather cover for the iPhone in 2020. Because the iPhone 12 series has a different design than its predecessors, the cover has been adapted accordingly. Also new is support for MagSafe accessories, such as Apple’s MagSafe leather card holder. We have come to expect high quality from Apple’s previous leather cases. Does the cover also live up to its promise this year?
Text, review and photos: Daniel Vischjager (@d_vischjager). We tested the Leather Case for iPhone 12 Pro Max in blue. The cover in the photos was purchased by us.
Leather case with MagSafe from Apple
Ever since Apple released the leather case for the iPhone 5s, I have been wearing it on my iPhone every day. Once again this year I opted for Apple’s leather case for my new iPhone 12 Pro Max. A blue case for a blue iPhone should provide me with protection for at least the next year. Now, I very rarely drop my phone and I’m careful where I put it. For me, Apple’s leather case for the iPhone is more intended to protect against scratches than against falls.
Previous experiences with Apple’s leather cases showed that they develop a dent or scratch in the leather relatively quickly. The leather for this new case feels the same as the old cases and this ‘problem’ will arise again. Whether it’s really a problem depends on your taste. Some people find a used case ugly, but for others it gives an authentic and familiar feeling. Light colors also get dirty more quickly. That’s why I always choose a dark case so that dirt doesn’t stand out.
Design of the Apple Leather Case for iPhone 12
This year we find a few big differences compared to previous versions of Apple’s leather case. Firstly, the new shape of the iPhone has of course been extended to the cover: flat sides and no rounded screen edges. The edge of the case still protrudes slightly above the screen so that you can place your screen flat on the table without damaging it. In that respect, I am positive about the dimensions of the case.
What I’m not so happy with is the large cutout for the camera. In previous models of the case, it was flush with the camera bump on the iPhone. However, with the new model of the Leather Case, a plastic edge protrudes. This ensures that you can wobble the iPhone a little when it is on the table. Depending on the size of your iPhone, this can be more disturbing. The iPhone 12 mini is considerably smaller than the iPhone 12 Pro Max that I use myself. Fortunately, when you hold the case, the edge is not disturbing.
Another big difference from previous Apple leather covers is the bottom. This is no longer open. The upright edge is extended all the way around the entire iPhone. Whether you like that or not is a matter of taste. I dare say with certainty that it is less practical. I soon noticed that not every Lightning cable fits properly. Also, swiping up to go to your home screen is a bit less smooth than without the upright edge. Because you swipe your finger over the edge of the case more often, there is a good chance that it will eventually wear out or discolour more quickly. Only time will tell whether this is indeed the case. Some people find it more comfortable to rest the iPhone on your finger due to the closer bottom than with an open bottom. We don’t really have a preference in that regard.
To end this part on a positive note, I must say that the quality of the leather and buttons is again very good. The leather feels nice in the hand and the metal buttons press well without extra effort. The recess for the switch on the left side is large enough for the few times I use that switch.
Apple Leather Case for iPhone 12 in use
When you put the Leather Case on your iPhone 12, you will see a beautiful animation on your screen. Joost may not know what the point is, but it is a nice detail. Thanks to the built-in NFC chip, the iPhone knows what color the cover is.
A small side note about this NFC chip is that Apple Pay sometimes worked less well in my experience. The payment terminal in the supermarket indicated that I had to present one card – a message you get when you hold two or more cards with NFC against the reader. When I just tapped the top of the iPhone against the machine, Apple Pay worked. If you know this once, it will not bother you in the future. Keep in mind that it may happen faster with the smaller iPhone 12 mini than with the large iPhone 12 Pro Max.
There is always a ring for MagSafe on the inside.
As I said, I have been using the cover for at least a year. I never actually change the case, but I do take it off my iPhone regularly when I take a bath. That was more difficult than with the previous case because of the upright bottom. The edge at the bottom doesn’t really bother you, unless you want to use a third-party Lightning cable. I tried the Lightning cable from IKEA. It did fit, but only by pressing it against the cover. Fortunately, Apple’s own cables work without difficulty.
For the test I also tried wireless chargers. They all work properly. New to the iPhone 12 and this case is MagSafe. This magnetic charging system works with the Leather Case, but eventually you will see a ring appear on the leather case due to the use of MagSafe. Apple warns about this on the website and on the paperwork in the packaging of the case.
At the time of writing, it is too early to notice any traces of such a ring, but if Apple warns about it so emphatically, you can be sure that it will appear. To be clear: the ring only appears if you use MagSafe for a longer period of time. This problem does not occur with regular wireless chargers. It is something to take into account if you plan to use MagSafe for a long time.
Score
8
Leather Case with MagSafe for iPhone 12 series
€65
Advantages
+
- High-quality leather
- Matches the iPhone color well
- Sturdy buttons
- Provides all-round protection
Cons
–
- MagSafe eventually leaves a visible ring
- Edge around the camera is not nice
- Removing the case is more difficult than before
- Not all cables fit through the closed bottom
- Bit pricey
Conclusion review Apple Leather cases with MagSafe for iPhone 12
Overall, I’m quite pleased with Apple’s leather case for my iPhone 12 Pro Max. It may be a bit on the expensive side, but I will enjoy it for a long time. The design with the upright edges is usually not disturbing and I like it myself. What I am dissatisfied with is the protruding edge around the camera cutout. It will undoubtedly have to do with the build quality of the cover, but because I am used to a flat cover, this is a shame. Fortunately, it does not bother you while using the iPhone.
It’s a shame you can’t use any cable, but most people use an official cable or one that looks very similar. The cutout for the charger is not huge, but many cables will fit.
If you want to spend a little less on a leather case, we recommend the Mujjo cases for the iPhone 12 series. This cover feels a little less nice than Apple’s, but you won’t notice that if you don’t keep switching between the two covers.
Buy Leather Case with MagSafe
Apple’s cover is available for all iPhones from the 12 series, from mini to Pro Max. You can order them from Apple:
- iPhone 12 mini: for €65
- iPhone 12 | 12 Pro: for €65
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: for €65
Look further:
- The best cases for iPhone 12 mini
- The best cases for iPhone 12 (Pro)
- The best cases for iPhone 12 Pro Max
