r/iphone18pro • u/gdhhorn iPhone 18 Pro • 1d ago
Discussion Your $1,500 iPhone 18 Pro Max doesn't need a case, honest!
https://www.macworld.com/article/3127386/your-1500-iphone-18-pro-max-doesnt-need-a-case-honest.htmlThis is an interesting take on the durability of the new phone. It’s not enough to make me go without any sort of case, but it is somewhat comforting. I suppose.
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u/Emergency_Eagle1502 1d ago
Then Apple should fucking cover aesthetics under warranty for free. Put your money where your mouth is…
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u/lmDaCaptainNow 1d ago
17pm here, silver… no case.. dents everywhere and the back is cracked .. apple care + user, I sleep at night knowing I can just go in to App Store any day for a swap/fix
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u/gdhhorn iPhone 18 Pro 1d ago
I’d rather a case than a monthly fee (although if my kids both get phones if/when the 18e is released, I may look into AppleCare for the family).
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u/Slythecoop49 1d ago
Tbh a case will protect scratches but it won’t do shit against one bad bounce, or straight up losing the phone. $15 for peace of mind everything
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u/Dheey1997 1d ago
nah, i have mous case, my 17 pro been falling for so many times, it has no dents, scratch and whatsoever, YES TO A CASE.
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u/Kogorashi 1d ago
Yes but mous is a bulky, ugly junk
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u/Dheey1997 1d ago
it's for protection, not looks, you're not gonna look your phone body most of the times so, protection is the key.
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u/MrMints256 1d ago
I disagree specifically with the walnut finished Mous case. I think that looks really classy. Been using a walnut Mous case across three different phones since 2020. I actually did find myself appreciating the patina of the wood by the end of my time with my 15 Pro.
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u/Dheey1997 1d ago
idk, i prefer aramid more, but it looks good on 16 pro
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u/MrMints256 1d ago
Walnut’s the only one I’ve seen in person, but based on photos, aramid looks cool, too! And bamboo looks nice for the wood look in a lighter color.
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u/Dheey1997 1d ago
but then again, i like it because of its protection, looks is a plus for me
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u/ReasonablePal 7h ago
Had been a long time caseology/rhinoshield user, and it was crazy how many phones survived falls because of them.
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u/StrikeTheCue 1d ago
I agree but phones get stolen easily and I would hate not having the insurance to replace my phone
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u/DogSufficient7468 21h ago
Why waste precious resources? You know people die for that lithium in your battery
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u/cms86 1d ago
JerryRigsEverything proves otherwise
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u/bandoulierebaba 1d ago edited 1d ago
Um. My daughter is 10 months old and her profession is to smash my phone on the floor or drop it from the bed or couch. I unfortunately still need a case 😭
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u/TURBOJUGGED 1d ago
I don’t use a case. People act like I’m crazy.
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u/Dheey1997 1d ago
you're not crazy, you just couldn't careless about your phone which i envy.
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u/TURBOJUGGED 1d ago
I have Apple care!
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u/ankushblue 1d ago
Apple sells you a phone. Phone is yours. You don't purchase a case since you don't care but you purchase the protection plan to ensure Apple Care (s)
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u/ComfortableMud 1d ago
I use a case because the phone is slippery. Not for protection. Anyone else in the same boat?
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u/the-gatekeeper 1d ago
That was my primary reason for a long time but last year I switched to a MagSafe grip and I’ve been enjoying using it without a case. I was worried about the magnet strength at first but it takes some intentional pushing to remove it so it feels secure holding it, and makes one handed use easier for me
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u/grandpa2390 18h ago
I bought Aulumu's g09 and the first time I installed it I was concerned I might have damaged the phone. I wouldn't trust it to mount on something that moves like a motorcycle or something that moves like that, but for ordinary use...
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u/bananarabbit 1d ago
I think I agree. I tried for example using the Arc Pulse even, and I just found my hand missing some kind of grippyness that even a smooth clear case can provide the phone itself doesn't. A bare iphone feels great in the hand for a bit, but it's just not as comfy long term for me
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u/nebuladrifting 1d ago
I would use a case even with a self-repairing iPhone. It’s just more comfortable to hold and I have fewer accidental screen touches when I’m just holding my phone normally. Then again, I have huge hands and the Pro Max might be more comfortable for me..
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u/only_fun_topics 20h ago
Cases have other affordances than just protection from drops.
I find them useful as grip points (including lips and edges around the screen and cameras), and rubberized surfaces offer stability against wobbling and slipping.
Plus it lets me add a wrist strap anchor point.
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u/Legitimate-Table-607 1d ago
I think with everything, it's lifestyle related. When I just had a normal job etc I went cashless with my iPhone 13 Pro Max, it was fine.
Then I started renovating a house and it got destroyed. Obviously my fault for not adapting to my change in circumstances, but still.
My point is that a tech bro who sits at a desk all day compared to a tradesman working on a building site is gonna have a difference experience of going caseless.
That and phones are so fucking expensive now, I feel like going caseless is a flex.
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u/re23binsd 1d ago
This article is ridiculous: “I’ve never dropped a smartphone in my life. Ever.”
Yeah if you never drop your phone ofc you don’t need a case! But bro and I are not the same lol
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u/grandpa2390 18h ago
guy spent the entire article talking about how delicate the 17 and 18 are. unless I missed something, the article really should have been titled "You don't need a screen protector"
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u/Ill_Spray7121 1d ago
I’ve been loving back plates lately. Enough to protect the back when I set it down and enhance grip but still get to enjoy the full sides and display.
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u/RT023 1d ago edited 1d ago
What about the regular pro
I use a pitaka edge case. It’s the most bare phone case you can get, it’s perfect to me.
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u/Ph6222 1d ago
Any issues as far as the Pitaka case and the charging port? Mine on the max keeps usbc from making a solid connection. Never had this issue before with Pitaka, just wondering
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u/WxmTommy95 19h ago
Mine came apart. Had a replacement and that fell apart too. I’d avoid them, go with dbrand or peak design.
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u/dplatt45761 16h ago
Sure it does. I’ve seen several chipped and scratch from drops. No iPhone “needs” a case.
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u/fosterdad2017 15h ago
So put it in a case after three years to cover the ratty scratches.
This is like the "Bra" era for '80s cars
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u/South-Knee-9601 1d ago
I’m not willing to spend £1300 on a phone and not have a case for it
My old phone is pristine 4 years later but still won’t be without a case
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u/Sad_Comb_9658 1d ago
I think it’s safe to say that the definition of “not needing to” is very subjective here. The author acknowledges there will be chips and marks but that the display is so rigid strong now. But from what we have read the last month on regards to 18 pro it seems a lot of Reddit people wanted a phone that didn’t chip meaning a case is still needed.
And we have seen several cases where the phone has landed on the side causing the frame to deform.
So no, we’re not there yet
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u/XpressiveThoughts 1d ago
Haven’t regularly used a case since the iPhone 8 Plus. No cracks, no shattered screens. Only exception is when I’m doing something physically intensive outdoors like hiking which I bought a cheap clear case for better grip.
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u/Much_Scholar6695 1d ago
I agree I don't use cases BUT now I had to on the 18 pro softest fucking metal I put a pair of scissors next to my 18 pro and ON GOD, the scissors were put down ever so gently like 1 MPH speed I swear and the tip barely touched the side and left a chip I damn near lost it , I dropped my iPhone Air about 9 times on rocks and cement very minor scuff on one corner no cracks no chips and hunks of metal coming off the frame like aluminum I honestly hate the 18 pro at LEAST I mean the metal they use everything else is great from my air WHICH I loved my favorite iPhone next to the 4S, but battery was trash
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u/MaybeTheDoctor 1d ago
That was my opinion of the 15pro with titanium shell … and oh boy could that take a beating without damage until 6month ago where I dropped 7ft on concrete and the back shattered and cracked the front.
I got a case and screen protector for my 18pro.
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u/AlaskaDude14 1d ago
I started going without a case, but it was too slippery so I put on the silicone one
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u/TheTruth808 iPhone 18 Pro Max 1d ago
I think it really depends on your mindset
For a lot of people, these things are simply things to be used. They’re not highly regarded investments. I understand that so naturally they don’t use a case and don’t mind scratches and imperfections on the body.
Others actually do view them as highly regarded items but have the exact opposite mindset. They don’t want some $20 cases ruining the beauty of the original finish and design so they go caseless.
Others have the mindset of protecting their tool and/or their luxury item with a case. I personally see no wrong answer
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u/samirbinballin iPhone 18 Pro Max - Burgundy 1d ago
This is my first phone going caseless, never bought apple care in my life but decided to buy it for this phone and just let that be my “case”, over 2 weeks in and I can’t see myself putting a case on my phone again, it’s way better like this.
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u/Quiet-Wolverine-4047 1d ago
Protect your investment guys. Honestly, 17 pro/max and 18s are slippery.
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u/SmittieSmitt 1d ago
My Fold 8 doesn't "need" a case, but it's the scuffs man, I know a scuffed phone works perfectly anyway, but I hate scratches and chipped paint on my devices, wack.
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u/Sherifftruman 1d ago
I don’t use a case. The black is already wearing off the edge of the camera plateau. Same as my blue 17PM.
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u/the_plumberlorian iPhone 18 Pro - Wesley Snipes Black 1d ago
I think it’s all about what kind of career and/ or job you have at this point in time. I very much disagree with this statement. If your a tech bro/ girl and sit behind a desk daily, or if you’re a banker, anyone who sits behind a desk needs just a minimalist case.
I myself am a plumber, I need an extremely protective case on my $1,500 phone. I get underneath people’s homes daily to inspect and work on water and sewer lines, water heaters, etc. We even get company issued tablets that have durable cases, that way the screen nor back can crack.
I have an iPhone 18 Pro, so I just reused the Lifeproof FRĒ from my 17 Pro. Even with this, I have to wipe it down once a week because it gets extremely dirty, dusty and gritty. I also carry AppleCare + theft and loss because I break my phone probably at least once a year.
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u/princemousey1 1d ago
Okay, Apple. Still getting a UAG and screen protector ordered before my phone even ships, though.
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u/Altruistic-Novel-339 1d ago
3 points of view.
No Case with Apple Care- i will.use the phone to hold my car
Case w/out apple care - case this bitch before I best the bitch
No case w/out- I'm so shit that my shit is worth millions
Bonus- I'm not going let some Fucker tell what to do with God dam phone
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u/thejetbox1994 1d ago
I cracked the fuck out my camera going caseless on 13promax
Still going strong, but now it makes robotic noises when focusing
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u/_Gandalf_Greybeard_ 1d ago
I don’t like the feel of cold metal, I love a snug silicone case, just for the feel, not for protection
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u/MacinJosh9895 1d ago
You have no idea how many times I drop my phone. If I went caseless, I’d probably have 3 or 4 repairs in a 2 year period. No thanks
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u/Sufficient-Air-6628 1d ago
I upgraded from 13 pro, I am not a fan of covers s I never used it on my 13 pro, I have dropped it multiple times and it only had few scratches on the stainless steel rim and sometimes crack on screen protector.
I thought I could use the iPhone 18 pro max similar way but my god this phone is soo delicate. I just dropped it from just a feet height, and it cracked the glass panel behind the phone.
Been using pitaka case after that
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u/TheMiracleLigament 19h ago
Starting a durability article with “I’ve never dropped a smartphone in my life” is an instant close for me. Waste of time.
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u/ghettoblaster78 18h ago
I hate when people (like the author of the article) say they've never dropped their phone. Like, do they want a medal? Do they think the rest of us are just being careless if we happen to drop ours? Have they never been in close enough proximity to another person that has knocked their phone out of their hands?
The author talks about the durability, but never really puts the phone to the test. Again, it's great, he never dropped it, but if he did, I think he would be disappointed to find a dent, chip, or scratch on it.
If you want to tell me that I don't need a case for a $1500 phone, drop yours on the hard ground and prove it to me.
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u/grandpa2390 18h ago
I don't feel like he made an argument for going case less. seems like the entire article was about not needing a screen protector.
btw, my cameras turned silver on the 14 Pro, so that's not just an aluminum issue.
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u/bharikeemat 18h ago
I’m hearing about the burgundy phone changing colour if not protected from UV. Wonder how true that is.
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u/gdhhorn iPhone 18 Pro 18h ago
Mine is burgundy, and I’ve not notoced anything so far with the exposed sides or camera plateau.
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u/BurninCoco 7h ago edited 6h ago
UV doesn't degrade paint this fast. Have to wait a few months of exposing it to the sun. Nothing will happen if you just use it inside
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u/willymartin99 15h ago
It happened with the Orange 17 pro so it can definitely happen with the burgundy
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u/slickricksghost 15h ago
My thing with just about any phone and cases is grip. They're just slippery. Every time I get a new phone I get Apple Care or Pixel Care, and say I don't need a case Apple Care is my case. But then the devices themselves are just kinda slippery depending on my hands being dry or not, to the point where I'm like whatever I'll get a case.
My ideal "case" is probably just a slim bumper that adds some grip... But I don't know that anyone makes that.
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u/gdhhorn iPhone 18 Pro 15h ago edited 15h ago
I think Rhinoshield does.
EDIT: https://a.co/d/03ef8fPA
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u/WhyINeedAUser 9h ago
I was tempted to upgrade to the 18 from the 17 but I honestly like the deep blue of my 17 too much to switch to the light blue 18. This matches my MacBook Air better and all my outfit choices.
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u/gdhhorn iPhone 18 Pro 9h ago
TBH, I don’t really understand yearly upgrades.
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u/WhyINeedAUser 9h ago
The 18 is really just the 17s, slightly faster processor, slightly longer battery life (although this is debatable with all the posts I see “is this normal for 18xx low battery life” ) and ONE new feature with the aperture. I’m skipping the 18, I’ll probably get the 20 or whatever they release for the 20th anniversary of iPhone. But my 17pm is a champ. I love this phone. Depending on what the 20th anniversary holds I might even keep this for a while. I upgraded to the 17pm from a 16p (switched carriers got the 17pm free) and there’s not tooo much of a difference I notice between the two other than design and better cameras. If I didn’t switch carriers I’d probably still be using the 16p.
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u/Kluian2005 8h ago
You don't unless you on some program that allows it. Even 2 years you'd really only need a battery replacement if you game a ton on your phone or something.
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u/FunnyJerry94 6h ago
Haven’t used a case ever, never broke a phone. Worst damage I’ve had was a very light dent on my Cosmic Orange 17 Pro Max last year after a drop on concrete. Those phones are tougher than they were 10 years ago!
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u/blacksterangel 6h ago
Nope. I don’t care on any durability test review until the entire exterior is made out of indestructible adamantium or vibranium. I can’t stand any scratch on my $200 Kindle let alone a $1500 phone
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u/Sweaty_Tangelo_7716 6h ago
My Air doesn’t have any protection and is still in near-mint condition after a year.
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u/Stefikel6 47m ago
After seeing all the posts of peoples broken 18 pros from dropping them on this very subreddit, no thanks.
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u/Hitching-galaxy 1d ago
After 12 months - 24 months (depends on the new model etc) I will want to sell the phone. Will it look almost new if I used it for that length of time without a case?
I am protecting the future value - which then determines whether I will buy a new phone from Apple or go elsewhere.
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u/karmaforgotme 1d ago
I stopped using a case a few years ago and I even went a full year with a caseless Air (still looked brand new at trade in). Right now no case on my 18 Pro. It is not for everyone and if I am something like hiking I will use a case, but day to day nope.