Apple transparent case for iPhone
Since the iPhone XR, Apple has released a transparent case, so that you can continue to see the original color. Since then, Apple has released a new transparent case every year, with MagSafe magnets since the iPhone 12. They cost between 45 euros and 59 euros. Do you like this? You can read it in this review!
Text, review and photos: Gonny van der Zwaag (@gonny). This review was updated in October 2022 for the latest models. The Apple clear cases we tested were made available by Apple.
Apple’s clear iPhone case in brief
- Available for iPhone XR to iPhone 14
- Only available in clear transparent
- Suitable for wireless charging via Qi
- From iPhone 12 onwards equipped with MagSafe magnets
- Made from a mix of clear polycarbonate and flexible TPU materials
- Scratch-resistant coating on the inside and outside
- Doesn’t yellow, Apple promises
- Price: 45 euros for the version without MagSafe and 59 euros for the version with MagSafe
This is the clear MagSafe case for iPhone 14 Plus, but the principle is for all iPhone 12 to 14 models.
These clear cases are currently available with MagSafe:
- iPhone 14: 59 euros
- iPhone 14 Plus: 59 euros
- iPhone 14 Pro: 59 euros
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 59 euros
- iPhone 13: 59 euros
- iPhone 13 mini: 59 euros
- iPhone 13 Pro: 59 euros
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: 59 euros
- iPhone 12 (Pro): 59 euros
- iPhone 12 mini: 59 euros
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: 59 euros
The clear iPhone case for iPhone 11 does not have a MagSafe ring, just like those of the other iPhone 11 models and the iPhone XR.
These are currently available without MagSafe:
- iPhone 11: 45 euros
- iPhone 11 Pro: 45 euros
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: 45 euros
- iPhone XR: 45 euros
Apple’s clear case is quite stiff
Apple’s transparent cover looks simple and is indistinguishable at first glance from the cheaper options. Still, Apple asks between 45 and 59 euros for it, so our expectations were high when we unpacked the case. Apple promises that the cover is less likely to yellow and is more robust, making it last longer. We believe the latter. The case is so stiff that you could almost call it a hard case. Apple has opted for a sturdier and thicker material for the back, while the sides are a bit more flexible. You have to use quite a bit of force to remove the case. The material also makes the iPhone a bit smoother and thicker. There are extremely thin transparent covers, but they offer less protection.
Does not yellow
As for yellowing, cheap cases often suffer from this, especially if they are regularly used on a wireless charger. The heat causes discoloration. Apple’s transparent iPhone case is less affected by this, as we noticed after a year of use. Apple claims that it has taken many hours of research and testing to create a case that does not suffer from this. This case remains as clear as crystal.
To take into account
However, we do have some comments about this case. Firstly, the case is quite sensitive to fingerprints. As a result, the cover looks a bit dingy after a day. This also applies to the newer models for the iPhone 14 series.
Another complaint about the appearance is the oil slick effect that can occur when light shines on the cover at a certain angle. This only occurs with the earlier models without MagSafe. This is no longer present in the newer covers. It is not very disturbing, by the way.
It is nice that the cut-out at the bottom is nice and large, so you can easily operate the screen when swiping movements from the bottom of the screen. You also have good access to the Lightning port. Something to take into account is that the buttons are a bit stiffer.
Durability of Apple’s clear case
What is more sustainable: one case costing €45-59, which will last you all year? Or five cases that you bought for a few euros from AliExpress that break over time, so you have to buy a new one? Personally, I would rather opt for a case that I can use for a little longer, but then you have to be able to trust that it really fits properly. That indeed appears to be the case. The case is still in excellent condition even after a year and therefore lasts longer than Apple’s other silicone and leather cases. After a year, they sometimes suffer from crumbling pieces of silicone or wear of the paint along the edges. This makes it look very used, while the clear case still looks great. Previously, these cases appeared to have cracks at the corners (see our review of the transparent case for iPhone XR), but this has since been resolved. It is of course possible that the cover will crack in the event of a very hard fall. But then your case is broken and the iPhone is not.
Clear iPhone case in use
After two weeks of use, the cover still looks the same as it did at the beginning, although there are a few small scratches. They are so minuscule that they do not immediately bother you and they are not very noticeable. The case is therefore not completely scratch-resistant, even though Apple claims it is. The plus point is of course that those scratches do not end up on the device itself and that the device itself still looks like new after a year. With use, the cover becomes less slippery, giving you more grip.
What can also happen is that dirt can get into the cover along the edges. This could cause scratches on the iPhone, but because the cover is transparent you can immediately see this. It is therefore important to pay attention and remove any dirt immediately.
Alternatives to Apple’s transparent iPhone case
If you are looking for a case from Apple itself, you can choose from several options:
- Silicone case for multiple models: approx. 59 euros
- Leather case for multiple models: approx. 69 euros
The silicone cover does suffer from wear after a year, with the coating on the corners becoming unsightly. The leather cases are less affected by this, but can start to look a bit dingy over time, especially in light colors. The leather paint can also wear off over time.
If you don’t necessarily want a case from Apple, you can also look at various other manufacturers. There are plenty of cheaper models, for example from specialist Appelhoes.
Score
8
Apple transparent case for iPhone
€59
Advantages
+
- You will continue to see the color of your device
- iPhone is well protected against bumps and scratches
- Discolours less than cheap covers
- Sturdy design but therefore also a bit stiff
- Large cutout at the bottom, allowing you to swipe easily
Disadvantages
–
- A bit more pricey than other covers
- Sensitive to fingerprints
- Stiff at the buttons
Conclusion transparent (MagSafe) case for iPhone
This is a great case for your iPhone, which ensures that your iPhone remains beautiful for a long time. Moreover, you can continue to see the original color of your iPhone. Apple has continued to improve this clear case over time, solving previous shortcomings such as the ‘oil slick effect’. The cover is a bit slippery at first, but this will become less slippery after two weeks as the cover becomes a bit stiffer through use.
Buy a transparent case
These transparent covers are available for all recent models. Here you see them for the iPhone 14 series, with MagSafe:
- iPhone 14: 59 euros
- iPhone 14 Plus: 59 euros
- iPhone 14 Pro: 59 euros
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 59 euros
Also available at your favorite retail chains:
- View at Amac
- View at Appelhoes
- View at MediaMarkt
