It’s new iPhone season, and with it comes the hunt for the new perfect case. As usual, there are a plethora to choose from. Unlike most years, however, not all cases let you take full advantage of the newest iPhone 16 (and 16 Pro) hardware.
This is because the number of boxes available at launch that allow you to use all the features of the new camera button without compromise is incredibly small.
About two weeks before the release of each new iPhone, I start receiving emails from case manufacturers, telling me about their next product. According to factory samples or rumors of initial specifications, those instances are very compatible with the new iPhones. . . until this year’s event, where Apple revealed hardware features that no published white 3-D wouldn’t reveal.
Last time this happened with MagSafe. In the first few months, it was evident that only a few brands had gotten data on the popular new charging and accessories, and those early instances were “MagSafe compatible” in the sense that they didn’t. Absolutely locks the iPhone magnet.
Something similar happened with the camera button on the 16. The new button on the right side of the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro allows users to seamlessly access the Camera app, allowing them to turn it on and take photos with a single tap. It is also a capacitive button that allows smart interactions with a simple swipe.
It’s this later bit that’s caught manufacturers on their back foot, There are plenty of cases being sold right now that are “Camera Control compatible” in that they have an awkward cutout over the capture button and technically let you use it. But anyone who’s tried to consistently activate their phone’s hardware buttons through case cutouts understands why this is an imperfect solution.
The approach is the one used by Apple and a trusted manufacturer: a sapphire crystal button that transmits signals from the finger to the camera control. There are only a few third-party instances that were informed well in advance to fully allow for their first wave of instances.
In the coming weeks, we’ll see plenty of second-wave cases employing this or something similar, as case makers get their hands on actual iPhone 16 units. But for now, if you’re looking for 100 percent camera on your iPhone 16 case, these are your options.
A note: Unless otherwise noted, those instances are available for all iPhone 16 and 16 Pro series devices.
Of course Apple is leading the charge with their own case. As usual, it’s more expensive than cases of similar materials, but it has the added benefit of being 100% compatible with the new hardware. There’s no weird gaps or slightly-snug fits, this is one case that will fit exactly every time. Apple’s silicone cases feel great in hand, nice and soft, with a microfiber lining. It also has a raised bumper, so your screen is safe even if you drop your iPhone 16 face-down.
Plus, being that they knew exactly what was coming, the Apple Silicone case is fully compatible with the new Camera Control button. It has a sapphire crystal button that lets you control the smart functions of the button as if you were using the button on the phone itself. Plus there are fun little touches, like a color-matched toast (sorry “magical attach experience”) when you connect the case—no other case manufacturer gets access to that bit of Apple magic. These are also the only cases that are guaranteed to match the new iPhone colorways exactly. For $49, you could certainly make worse choices when it comes to protecting your iPhone. Check them out at the Apple Store.
Of course, for some, the color scheme of their iPhone is secondary to the display of their original phone. For them, Apple has created an absolutely transparent MagSafe case with the same sapphire crystal camera control button as the silicone case. Apple does more than maximum when it comes to yellowing its transparent cases. Actually, only after a year of constant use can you see the accumulation of dirt. . . Something perpetual when it comes to clear cases, no matter how “long life” or “clear glass. “”They say that But I have not yet used a transparent cover whose bumpers turn a sickly yellow after 12 months.
The Clear Case is more rigid in hand and a more pronounced bumper around the edge, which is probably why Apple has a cutout at the bottom so that you can easily swipe from the bottom of your screen without being impeded. It’s also $49 at the Apple Store.
I like Otterbox’s first wave of clear cases for the iPhone 16. They have a hint of complementary color on the sides, the area most prone to yellowing. What’s also wonderful is that they’re Apple partners, so they also have the sapphire crystal camera. Control button. Being an Otterbox product, they offer incredible drop coverage, 3 times the army standard. Apple, in particular, doesn’t play the game of fall coverage and never offers accurate numbers for its fall coverage. Also made with 75% post-consumer content, a figure frankly unknown in recent years. It’s wonderful to see this recycling point being reached, just as a given.
You’ll pay more for the extra protection, $69.95 on the Otterbox site. Those of you hoping for a completely clear case from Otterbox with Camera Control, just hold on because they’re coming soon.
As an Apple component, it’s no surprise that Beats offers a fully compatible Camera Control case with a sapphire crystal button. What is unexpected is that they are defending their case! This is Beats’ first foray through Dre into instances and it’s impressive. Even something as mundane as a black iPhone 16 Pro Max hard case gets a big pop of color with a contrasting microfiber lining. This makes the case stand out. . . but only when your iPhone is rarely inside. I wish Beats would make this flash of color on the buds bigger so you can enjoy it even when the case is in use.
The scratch-resistant hardshell is lovely to look at, but is a bit of a fingerprint magnet. That said, I like the complimentary colorways and think that these are some of the most refined cases in the first wave. They’re matchy without being “matchy.” What’s even nicer? You won’t pay more for the Beats name, they’re $49 on the Beats site.
I give a lot of credit to Supcase. Although they were not on the short list of brands with complex data on the capacitive camera button, they had enough complex data to expand a button that transmits signals through a conductive copper sensor. This also works very well, as well as the button Apple’s sapphire crystal. I might even like the Supcase’s camera button a little better, as it’s slightly raised instead of being flush with the case like previous cases, making it less difficult to use without reaching .
The MAG mount also has some hidden features, and the MagSafe magnet does double duty as a case mount. This is a nifty hidden application that doesn’t add thickness to the case. The enclosure is rated for 15 feet. drops and has pronounced raised front bumpers on its screen. But perhaps the most productive feature is the price: an incredibly low price of $24. 99 on Supcase’s website.
Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid T is a wonderful last-minute entry into the camera control club. Using a mix of fabrics to give you a tactile feel and smart functionality, this is another case where you can easily locate the button. It is made of transparent plastic like almost all the cases on this list, which makes me think about making the capacitive button less difficult with this material. Still, it promises to be durable with military-grade drop coverage and blue resin to combat yellowing. This is reserved for iPhone Pro and Pro Max. You can buy it on Amazon for $28. 99 (less than its MSRP of $54. 99).
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