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- Monday April 20
- 02:20 pmAstronaut’s astounding iPhone 17 Pro Max video shows ‘Earthset’ from space
NASA’s Reid Wiseman, commander of the recent Artemis II mission around the Moon, has posted a phenomenal video captured on iPhone 17 Pro Max that shows ‘Earthset’—the Earth setting behind the Moon. more…02:19 pmApple Watch sleep score became more useful for me with these settings
Apple Watch includes a built-in sleep tracking feature. Just wear your Apple Watch to bed, and it works automatically. No need to install apps or enter a special mode. watchOS 26 takes sleep tracking further with Apple’s sleep score feature. Sleep score is a great way to visualize the quality of your sleep from night to night. There’s one setting in particular that has made sleep score especially useful for me. more…02:04 pmThe latest Huawei folding phone kind of previews the iPhone Ultra
Coincidence or not, the latest Android folding smartphones mirror the form factor we’re expecting from the iPhone Ultra (now believed to be Apple’s branding for what was previously referred to as the iPhone Fold). The Oppo Find N6 last month gave us a look at something very similar to the creaseless display we’re expecting Apple to offer, and today an extensive unboxing and hands-on of the Huawei Pura X Max 5G provides a video look at a device with much the same format we’re expecting from the iPhone Ultra … more…02:00 pmApple TV to finally release Jessica Chastain’s ‘The Savant’ this July, but its selective framing of ‘hate’ and extremism remains deeply problematic | Mac Daily NewsApple TV to finally release Jessica Chastain’s ‘The Savant’ this July, but its selective framing of ‘hate’ and extremism remains deeply problematic
After nearly a year of delay, "The Savant" is set to premiere on Apple TV this July. Jessica Chastain, who stars as the lead character and… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.01:48 pmiOS 27 will drop support for four iPhone models, says leaker
iOS 27 will be unveiled on June 8 at WWDC, and a new leak indicates the software update could drop support for four iPhone models. Here are the details. more…01:36 pmiOS 27 will finally fix a frustrating iPhone home screen problem
Apple will reportedly add undo and redo button to the iPhone's home screen, making it easier to rearrange apps and widgets without starting over. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:33 pmWe might have to wait a little longer for the first touchscreen MacBook
Macworld Up until now, the industry-wide RAM shortage has left Apple largely unaffected, thanks to its market clout and ironclad contracts with suppliers. But according to a new report, that period of immunity is about to end, with Mac fans facing bad news concerning two upcoming launches. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman predicts that new Mac Studio models and the widely anticipated touchscreen MacBook Pro both face launch delays as a result of “supply chain snags.” He describes these delays as minor (each product “could debut a little later than the company initially planned,” he says), but customers may not see it that way. The M5 Mac Studio, for example, was widely expected by Gurman and others to arrive in the first half of this year, likely at or close to WWDC in June. But that’s now unlikely to happen. A more realistic timeframe, Gurman believes, is October, after the big iPhone launch in September. That’s a delay of four months and a major disruption for Apple’s plans, which include the launch of the flagship M5 Ultra chip. The M5 Mac Studio, and with it the M5 Ultra chip, will likely be delayed until the fall.Thomas Bergbold The touchscreen MacBook Pro, meanwhile, could be pushed back from this year to early 2027. Multiple sources have pointed to a release in late 2026 or early 2027, but thanks to the shortages, Gurman says, we should “be prepared for these to potentially come on the later end of the timeline.” This is despite the products being set for readiness from a software point of view by the fall of 2026. It’s entirely the RAM shortfall that’s to blame. This will be disappointing news for Apple fans eager to spend their cash on premium Mac products, but there are reasons for optimism in the longer term. The RAM shortage has been largely the result of AI, with data centers buying up swathes of the supply, leaving little for consumer use. This has meant tight supplies of products and, in many cases, rising prices. But this won’t last forever. AI is in a bubble phase at the moment, characterised by hype and rapid growth. At some point, either the bubble will burst or the market will mature into something more stable, and in either case, data centers will stop expanding at their current unsustainable rate. Indeed, there have been occasional signs of RAM prices dropping or flattening out, and while it’s unclear whether this signals the end of the madness quite yet, sanity will return eventually. And just as Apple’s power and size meant it survived the longest before being affected at the start of the shortage, it’s likely to be the first to get access to components at a manageable price when things begin to return to normal. This is hardly fair to the other manufacturers, but it’s good news for Apple fans.01:24 pmApple TV reaping the benefits of stale content on bigger streamers
Apple TV is gaining ground in the U.S. streaming market. Here's how much Apple TV viewership has grown over the last few years, and how the gap is narrowing among the top platforms.Apple TV 4KStreaming spent the last decade rewarding scale, with Netflix and Prime Video building libraries so large that finding something to watch became a chore. Scale still defines the top tier, but oversized catalogs now slow people down instead of pulling them in.New Q1 2026 data from JustWatch, based on more than 35 million U.S. streaming interactions between January 1 and March 31, shows the gap beginning to tighten. Netflix leads at 19% and Prime Video follows at 17%, while Disney+ holds 16% and Apple TV has climbed to 12%. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:15 pmTop new Tozo earbuds bring near-AirPods quality for much less [Review] ★★★★☆
Our hands-on Tozo NC20 Pro earbuds review finds AirPods quality on the cheap, plus great sound, a case touchscreen and epic battery life. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:05 pmApple’s WWDC 2026 teaser hints at a major Siri redesign in iOS 27
The official WWDC 2026 teaser artwork quietly reveals key elements of the long-awaited revamped Siri interface coming in iOS 27… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.12:41 pmApple smart glasses: Everything you need to know
Macworld According to reports, Apple is going to expand its presence in the wearable market with a new product: smart glasses. The Apple smart glasses that have been reported are a departure from the spatial computing platform of the Apple Vision Pro. They won’t be a headset and they won’t offer AR or spatial computing. They aren’t going to be a computing device in any way. Instead, they will be glasses like those from Meta AI and other companies. They will be designed like typical eyeglasses, not a headset or goggles. They will have built-in cameras, speakers, and microphones for taking pictures and video, and to interact with the iPhone. These glasses are expected to function as an AI-powered wearable, potentially launching in 2027. This article will track the latest reports on the Apple smart glasses. Check this space often for the latest news before they are released. Apple smart glasses design: What will Apple smart glasses look like? Unlike the bulky Vision Pro, Apple’s smart glasses are expected to resemble a normal pair of eyewear. Apple is said to be prioritizing a lightweight, accessory-like design rather than the heavy, immersive approach of the Vision Pro. To appeal to a mainstream audience, the glasses are rumored to be significantly lighter and more affordable, positioned primarily as an iPhone companion. According to various reports, the glasses will look like traditional frames and will not adopt a headset-style design. To accommodate the necessary hardware, the frames may be slightly bulkier than standard glasses and will likely use plastic or similar lightweight materials. One potential frame style could be inspired by the glasses worn by Apple CEO Tim Cook. One of the frame style coule be modeled after a pair of Tim Cook’s glasses.Apple Frame styles in development In April 2026, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple has four frame styles in testing: A large rectangular frame, reminiscent of Ray-Ban Wayfarers Larger oval or circular frames A slimmer rectangular design, similar to the glasses worn by Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook A smaller, more refined oval or circular option Apple is also experimenting with finishes such as black, light brown, and ocean blue. The frames are reportedly made from acetate, which Gurman describes as “more durable and luxurious than standard plastic.” Apple’s design approach Apple is developing the frames in-house rather than partnering with third-party brands, unlike Meta (Ray-Ban, Oakley) or Google (Warby Parker). The goal is to create a product that is instantly recognizable as an Apple device. Earlier reports suggest Apple is aiming for a higher level of build quality compared to competing smart glasses from Meta and Google.12:39 pmJudge says White House can’t ‘strong-arm’ Apple into blocking ICE trackers
A judge has ruled that the Trump administration should not have coerced Apple and Google into taking down apps which track the activity of ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement). A preliminary injunction has been awarded, with the creators of ICE Sightings and Eyes Up told that they are likely to succeed in their argument that the government suppressed protected speech under the First Amendment … more…12:10 pmThese are rumored to be the four iPhone 18 Pro colors
The rumor mill is still churning on the iPhone 18 Pro colors, with a new leak showing what the colors may be.Four possible colors of iPhone 18 ProThe iPhone rumor mill has been on a bit of a color kick lately, with multiple rumors claiming to know which Apple will use in 2028. For the iPhone 18 Pro, it seems that there could be four colors on the way.The image shared by Weibo leaker Ice Universe shows what appear to be rear camera plateaus for the iPhone 18 Pro. It is unclear where they were sourced from, but they may be shots gathered from an accessory maker, rather than the actual Apple supply chain. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:00 pmWhy Nvidia Might Acquire a PC Giant
Rumors that Nvidia could acquire a major PC maker signal more than a bold expansion — they point to a potential shift toward fully integrated AI systems that challenge the long-standing WinTel model. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.11:58 amIndia says Apple can't delay investigation of a potential $38 billion fine
Regulators in India have set a final hearing date over the country's potential $38 billion antitrust fine against Apple and the App Store. Apple is apparently not cooperating.Tim Cook in a previous visit to India — image credit: AppleThe Competition Commission of India (CCI) determined in July 2024 that Apple has "significant influence" over digital products and services, and that it has abused its market dominance. Consequently, the CCI imposed a fine, but in March of the same year, revised laws came into effect which meant that this fine could be much greater.Apple is challenging the law which lets India set fines based on global turnover instead of local. According to Reuters, has so far not submitted financial details that the CCI says it needs to calculate the fine. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:53 amApp Store ratings ‘broken’ as your 4-star review could hurt a developer
Developers are arguing that Apple’s App Store ratings are fundamentally broken in at least a couple of different ways – including the fact that your 4-star rating could do more harm than good. They also highlight the conflict between users not wanting their app experience to be interrupted, while Apple effectively forces developers to nag you for a rating and review … more…11:15 am10 iPad milestones that changed the tablet computer forever
Macworld On January 27, 2010, Steve Jobs unveiled the very first iPad, boasting a 9.7-inch multitouch display. While it largely functioned like an oversized iPhone, the tablet filled a clear gap for users who wanted to read, browse the web, or play mobile games on a bigger screen. At the time, the iPhone 3GS featured a 3.5-inch display, making it impractical for many of those tasks. Over the past 16 years, Apple has steadily transformed the iPad into a far more capable device, equipping it with hardware and software features unavailable on both the iPhone and the Mac. This evolution unfolded through a series of key milestones that gradually reshaped what the iPad is, and what it can do. Cameras Perhaps the first notable milestone came in 2011, when the iPad 2 launched with very basic front and rear cameras. This change unlocked a couple of handy features, such as support for FaceTime video calls and casual photography. More importantly, it set the stage for future camera technology that would launch in subsequent iPad models. Today’s iPad Pro is equipped with a LiDAR scanner, support for 4K ProRes video recording, an adaptive flash, Center Stage for automatic subject tracking in video calls, portraits, and much more. Together, these tools allow iPad users to attend online meetings, 3D-map physical spaces, produce social media content, and complete professional tasks with greater reliability. And it all started here. 1st-gen iPad mini The iPad mini (2012) marked Apple’s first expansion of its tablet lineup. With this launch, the company acknowledged demand for a compact model that fit between the iPhone and the standard iPad. Following its success, Apple continued to develop the iPad mini, with the next generation widely expected to feature an IP rating for water and dust resistance for the first time, plus an OLED display. The 2024 iPad mini is a far cry from the 2012 original, but the priority remains portability.Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry 1st-gen iPad Air Just a year after the iPad mini’s debut, Apple unveiled another variant. The iPad Air (2013) brought 64-bit computing to the lineup with the A7 chip—extending the architecture first seen in the iPhone 5s. Despite its performance gains, it was thinner and lighter than the regular iPad, making it more portable and aesthetically pleasing. Today’s iPad Air continues this trajectory, pairing desktop-class Apple silicon with a slim form factor that can power advanced workflows. 1st-gen iPad Pro In 2015, Apple introduced the first iPad Pro, a new high-end addition to the lineup aimed at professionals and creatives who required more power and screen real estate. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro was also the first model to support the Apple Pencil, enabling precise illustration and input. These Pro exclusives eventually expanded to other models, with the iPad Air now offering a 13-inch size and all iPads supporting one of the several Apple Pencil variants. 3rd-gen iPad Pro The iPad Pro quickly became Apple’s go-to platform for launching new technologies, with Pro exclusives often taking years to reach the more affordable end of the range. One example was the launch of the 2018 iPad Pro, when Apple retired the physical Home button in favor of an edge-to-edge design, replaced Touch ID with Face ID, and abandoned the Lightning port for USB-C. Today, all iPads share this futuristic design language and port selection, although facial recognition remains exclusive to the Pro edition. Sidecar helps the iPad and MacBook to work together seamlessly.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Sidecar The iPad’s milestones haven’t been limited to hardware upgrades. In 2019, Apple introduced Sidecar alongside iPadOS 13 and macOS 10.15, allowing Mac owners to use a nearby iPad as a wireless, touch-enabled secondary display. The feature requires minimal setup and integrates seamlessly into Apple’s ecosystem. That integration deepened further when Universal Control launched in 2022 as part of iPadOS 15.4 and macOS 12.3. This feature enables users to control their iPads using a Mac’s keyboard and mouse, while also supporting drag-and-drop file transfers between devices. It doesn’t replace Sidecar, which remains available; the two Continuity features serve distinct purposes. 5th-gen iPad Pro In 2021, Apple released an iPad Pro equipped with the Mac’s M1 chip, thereby obliterating its rivals in performance and efficiency tests. While iPadOS at the time did not fully capitalize on the chipset’s capabilities, the hardware upgrade prepared the tablet for more advanced features introduced in later software updates. This was also the first iPad to support 5G connectivity, making it an appealing work machine for digital nomads. Today, the iPad Air has similarly transitioned to the M-series chips, and every iPad model offers a 5G purchase option. Desktop-class apps Apple’s transition to M-series processors enabled the iPad to handle demanding tasks that were previously reserved for the Mac. Then in 2023, the company brought Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro to iPadOS, offering video editors and music producers a viable alternative to their MacBooks for certain workflows. Third-party developers, such as Adobe and Affinity, have similarly taken advantage of the increased performance, delivering desktop-class creative tools on the tablet. Apple’s release of Pixelmator Pro on the iPad as part of its Creator Studio bundle signals a broader commitment to professional apps on the platform. Future updates could plausibly introduce deeper functionality or other Pro apps currently exclusive to macOS. Viewed side on, the M4 iPad Pro is breathtakingly slender.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry 7th-gen iPad Pro Arguably, the iPad’s most recent hardware milestone arrived in 2024 with the launch of the M4 iPad Pro. Beyond the performance boost, this model adopted a tandem OLED display, delivering improved color accuracy and true black levels. It’s also Apple’s thinnest device to date… other than the famous Polishing Cloth. Like previous design overhauls and new features, these changes could eventually trickle down to other iPad models. Windowed apps Lastly, Apple significantly transformed the iPad computing experience with iPadOS 26. Released in late 2025, the software update introduced advanced app windowing similar to macOS, along with a menu bar and a redesigned cursor for keyboard-and-mouse use. These changes position the iPad as a more practical laptop alternative for a wider range of workflows. Multitasking is a breeze on this iPad Pro M4, thanks to the windowing features in iPadOS 26.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry11:06 amApple says it faces world’s largest antitrust fine as India’s regulator hardens stance
Apple has said that it could potentially be fined a massive $38 billion in an antitrust battle taking place in India after it refused to cooperate with the regulator. Yep, that’s billion with a B. The iPhone maker has persistently refused to submit financial data required by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) after being found guilty of abusing its dominant position in the smartphone market … more…10:30 amRIP Cosmic Orange. You were too fun for this world
Macworld Well, that was fun while it lasted. For years, Apple stuck inexplicably to the idea that rich people don’t like bright colors. Any iPhone casing that looked funky and vibrant, you could bet your bottom dollar it would be used on a cheaper and more feature-limited model, while drab and serious colors were reserved for the higher-end Pro models. It was as if Apple heard the phrase “cheap and cheerful” and decided to invent the corollary concept “expensive and miserable.” It’s a similar price-and-vibrancy story with Apple’s other products. The standard iPad models come in pink and yellow, Airs in more muted purple and blue, and the top-end Pros in black and silver only. The MacBook Neo comes in citrus and blush, while the MacBook Pro is stuck in tedious monochrome. Even the HomePod is restricted to black and white, whereas its cheaper mini cousin gets access to glorious orange and yellow. And as for the iPhone range, that particular pattern was set with the launch of the iPhone 5c back in 2013. It was cheap, it was low-specced… and it got access to four bright finishes that simply weren’t available to buyers of the more expensive iPhone 5s. When the first iPhone Pro came out in 2019, it was limited to black, near-black, and a couple of metallics, while the contemporaneous iPhone 11 came in red, yellow, and vivid candy green. It just seemed unfair. At least give pro buyers the option of a fun color, certain pundits implored. Apple, somewhat uncharacteristically, heard us loud and clear and took this feedback on board. When the iPhone 17 Pro came out late last year, we were astounded to see bright orange on the menu, and customers went for this color in droves. It’s widely believed, in fact, that the orange finish was the single biggest factor behind the iPhone 17 Pro’s success in China. I guess rich people like bright colors after all, huh. But what’s this? Goodness me, it’s an exclusive leak of the colors on the next generation of pro iPhones. Macworld’s source tells us that four finishes are in development for the iPhone 18 Pro: silver, dark gray, a relatively muted light blue, and a rich wine color dubbed Dark Cherry as the product’s signature color. Cosmic Orange, it appears, will be retired after a single year in the limelight. Foundry Five months or so remain before launch, and one or more of these colors could yet be dropped or even replaced; but it now looks extremely likely that the age of Cosmic Orange is drawing to a close, and that of Dark Cherry is imminent. And while our mockups of the latter, based on the Pantone numbers provided by our source, look absolutely stunning, I can’t help but wonder if this is the right decision. It just seems like a shame, after so much progress was made in 2025. I appreciate, of course, that Apple can only manufacture its phones in a limited number of finishes before things become cost-inefficient, and that it must prioritise the colors which sell over those which are championed by a few blowhards with weekly columns on beloved technology websites. But let’s be clear: Cosmic Orange was a successful experiment. There were voices raised in dissent, claiming it was garish, and of course, there were some technical issues with handsets degrading from orange to a sort of semi-pink. But it sold well, made a cultural impact, and was overall a fun, interesting, and popular choice. As regards the future, it strikes me that if you’re going to have, say, four colors per phone (that’s roughly the average for the current generation: three for the 17e and Pros, four for the Air, and five for the baseline 17), then you can afford for at least one of them to be fun. You could go for two standard colors that are guaranteed to sell well: black and either silver or white, most likely. Then you could have something that’s classy and elegant: a navy blue, a deep sage, even Dark Cherry. But that still leaves a slot for a hot pink, or a bright sunny yellow, or an eye-catching scarlet. That’s my view of it, anyway. And it seems to be a view that’s shared by more than a few actual iPhone customers, particularly in the all-important Chinese market. The people have spoken, Apple. They want fun. And they’re prepared to pay highly for the privilege. Foundry Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but it’s cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too. Trending: Top stories What’s the point of the App Store, if it can’t even protect users? The MacBook Neo is turning the PC world on its head, notes the Macalope. And everyone is doomed except Apple. Final Cut Pro and Pixelmator reveal the truth: Apple still doesn’t get iPad pros. Apple’s Mac lineup is nearly perfect. It’s just missing some Magic. Jason Snell reminisces about the iPhone 4 and the scandals that rocked Apple. CarPlay ruined every other vehicle for me, says Mahmoud Itani. Podcast of the week The iPhone 17e is now available. Is it a compelling affordable iPhone? We review Apple’s new iPhone on the latest episode of the Macworld Podcast. You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Soundcloud, the Podcasts app, or our own site. Reviews corner Sonos Play: Big, bold sound in a portable speaker at a premium price. Klarity Disk: Affordable Mac disk analyzer held back by permissions bug. Satechi 3-in-1: Foldable wireless charging stand. Audio Pro Drumfire D-2 W: Powerful AirPlay speaker with impressive sound. The rumor mill iPhone 18 Pro colors revealed! We’ve got an exclusive look at Apple’s 2026 models. New Apple Intelligence features for iOS 27 found in hidden code. New report explains how Apple will solve the iPhone Fold’s crease problem. Report: Apple’s upcoming smartglasses to come in up to four different frame styles. Video of the week @macworld.com iPhone Ultra rumors update #apple #iphone ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld Our latest short reveals everything we know about Apple’s first folding phone. Enjoy more Macworld videos on TikTok or Instagram. Software updates, bugs, and problems Apple Watch hit by major bugs after watchOS 8.8.2 update. Apple App Store hosts AI nudify apps despite ban, report finds. And with that, we’re done for this week’s Apple Breakfast. If you’d like to get regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters, including our new email from The Macalope–an irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow us on Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.09:00 amBest iPhone 17 cases for iPhone 17, 17 Pro & 17 Pro Max, 17e and Air
Macworld Before you even start the setup on your new iPhone 17—be it an iPhone 17, 17e or Air, 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max— you should consider what type of case you need to protect it in. However good Apple’s new Ceramic Shield 2 shell is, it won’t be up to protecting your phone if dropped or scraped. A case just makes sense—and can look fantastic, too. Some are even ultra glamorous. Cases come in more shapes and sizes and with more functionality than you’d believe. Hit these links to jump straight to our recommendations, reviews and tests to find the perfect case for your iPhone 17, 17e, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max and Air. Or read on for more case advice before reaching the product charts. Cases for the most recent iPhone 17e have started to appear (keep reading) and we’ll add more here when they arrive. Best clear iPhone 17 cases Best-looking iPhone 17 cases Best protective cases for iPhone 17 Best leather and leather-alternative iPhone 17 cases Best iPhone 17 cases with wallet Best iPhone 17 battery cases Best iPhone bags Best iPhone 17 camera grip cases Do I need an iPhone case for iPhone 17? You may have heard that Apple’s new-generation Ceramic Shield 2 front cover promises 3x better scratch resistance, and for the Pro and Pro Max models Ceramic Shield also protects the back of iPhone, delivering 4x better resistance to cracks than the back glass on previous models. Does that mean that you no longer need a case? A case will keep your iPhone looking at it’s best, which will be a benefit when and if you come to sell it. Also, note that neither the plain iPhone 17 nor Air feature the same level of back protection. Do I need an iPhone case for iPhone Air? The iPhone Air is so thin it seems a shame to bulk it up in a protective case. It’s also tough at resisting bending but it is still just as vulnerable to drops and everyday dings. Most cases reviewed here have a variant for the iPhone Air but there are especially thin cases such as the super-slim Thinborne iPhone 17 Case and Pitaka Ultra-Slim Case, or consider the Nomad Magnetic Leather Back that misses the sides altogether and protects just the back. Why you need an iPhone case The primary function of a phone case is to protect your high-cost but fragile device from physical damage—caused by accidental impacts such as shocks from drops and scrapes that can leave your phone with a cracked screen, scratches, dents, a shattered back or internal harm. In fact, research shows that within 10 weeks of purchase, half of all new phone users will drop their handset. D’oh! Just being pulled from your pocket many times a day causes gradual wear that adds to the unseen damage from UV exposure and other environmental factors. Environmental protection safeguards against water and dust damage that can degrade or destroy your precious phone. Putting your iPhone into a case doesn’t make it indestructible, but it will reduce the risk of everyday or unexpected damage that might otherwise save a costly repair or full replacement. Which type of iPhone case to choose As nice as Apple makes its phones look there are only a handful of colors, so a case also offers aesthetic personalization through design (there are thousands to choose from) and customized style. Love the Cosmic Orange iPhone Pro but want to save money with the basic iPhone 17 model? Why not just buy a bold orange case for the 17, such as the Beats iPhone 17 Rugged Case in Sierra Orange? Choosing the right case material (be that silicone, leather, Graphene or Kevlar) is also key—depending on whether you are after better grip, more robust protection or luxurious leather. Cases can also add functionality, with handy features such as stands for hands-free viewing or wallet holders for carrying cards and cash. If you ever wirelessly charge your phone, make sure the case is MagSafe compatible—most are these days. Best clear iPhone cases for iPhone 17, 17e, Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max If covering up Apple’s iPhone offends your inner Jony Ive, look for a clear, transparent case that keeps the iPhone’s looks as wonderful as they were straight out of the box. Why pick out a Sky Blue iPhone Air or Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, only to cover it up in a black plastic case or something with badly drawn flowers on it? With a Clear case, you get decent protection without ruining the look of the phone—although Apple has rather mucked this up with its own version; see review below. If you want a plain black case or flowery pattern instead of Apple’s small palette of colors, we have plenty for you to choose from further down this feature. Apple iPhone 17 Clear Case with MagSafe – Simple but flawed clear iPhone 17 case Pros Made by Apple Shows off iPhone 17’s color Cons Basic protection Ugly on Pro / Pro Max Open bottom section Expensive Price When Reviewed: $49 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket MagSafe compatible: Yes Weight: 29g Camera edge: 2mm Button covers: Plastic Colors: Clear Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max Amazon: All iPhone 17 models Amazon UK: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max This simple, rigid iPhone 17 protective case from Apple is thin and light. By design, clear cases shouldn’t disguise the color of your iPhone that you chose when you purchased it. The Apple Clear Case is made from a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and other flexible materials, with a scratch-resistant coating on both the inside and outside. While it’s more protective than silicone cases and features a robust-looking 2mm camera lip, you can find tougher cases, which we have reviewed below. While the Clear Case for the basic iPhone 17 is as you’d expect, Apple has somewhat ruined the idea of a “clear” case for its Pro and Pro Mac versions of the iPhone 17, which feature a slab of white plastic at the back under the camera area. It’s white whatever color of iPhone 17 Pro or Max that you own. This is because Apple added its second-generation Ceramic Shield glass as a separate panel on the back of the Pro models—it’s on only the front of all the 17 family. To keep the back design visually balanced, the Apple logo was repositioned slightly lower. The white slab on Apple’s clear case is related to this adjustment and the alignment of the MagSafe magnets. Customers are already complaining that Apple should have created cases with a block in the color of the phone. If your iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max is orange or deep blue that slab of white is, well I’ll say it, ugly. The bottom of the Clear Case is nearly fully open, which reduces the level protection. For the iPhone Air Apple has another not really clear solution: the iPhone Air Bumper. This protects the edges of the phone and matches the Air’s color but leaves the back exposed. With a raised bezel it will also stop the screen touching the surface when laid flat. You can choose the bumper color to match your iPhone Air or select another color if you are feeling adventurous. Apple also sells the iPhone Air Case with MagSafe in Frost or Shadow, with a 0.9mm back panel that’s reinforced with a polycarbonate frame. The inside is lightly frosted, while the exterior is finished to a high gloss. At 29g it’s super light, and while the rigid case adds a little bulk, it’s worth a little compromise for that layer of protection. All materials and coatings are optimized to prevent yellowing over time. There are also cheaper clear cases, which we have also tested for you. But the Apple badge is a sure sign of quality, as you’d expect.