If this was true wouldn't there be a market for a ruggedized version that has the toughness of a case, from the factory as shipped? Its a little silly for Apply to shave every possible half-millimeter from the design and then have 99% of people add back the thickness plus a lot of extra by adding a case. Why not have a factory-ruggedized version which isn't as thick as adding that case but is just as rugged?

Considering the price and re-sale value of iphones I would add a case even if they ruggedized it.

My current (Android) phone is from 2020 and I have bought three cases for it because the previous ones got wear and tear. The phone inside still looks brand new.

But yeah, the trend of ultra-thin phones is silly.

That open a new business for them to sell $60 cases that are worth $2 of materials and have a great panel to match people’s taste which is even more appealing to buy