I go caseless just because of sheer amount of bulk cases add, even the "thin" ones. It significantly impacts how easy the device is to hold and pocket.

The Air I might consider putting a bumper case on since its thinness offsets the bulk increase, but it's specifically made to be resilient to drops so it's a coin toss even with that.

I barely drop my phone though, it happens maybe twice a year, usually on carpet. In the last decade my phones might've had a run-in with concrete or pavement 2-3 times, tops.

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buu700 2 days ago | parent | next [-]

I go caseless just because of sheer amount of bulk cases add, even the "thin" ones.

That's why I use an aramid fiber case from AliExpress. It's paper-thin, but has saved my phone from more drops than can remember. I used to go caseless, but since trying out aramid I don't see any practical benefit to caselessness.

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al_borland 2 days ago | parent | next [-]

Interesting. I tried an ultra-thin case before (though it was plastic). I dropped my phone one time with it and it shattered. The drop was pretty unforgiving. It was from head-height onto a thick marble floor. In 18 years of owning iPhones, this was my only catastrophic drop.

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a2dam 2 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Which one do you recommend?

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buu700 2 days ago | parent [-]

I think you probably can't go too wrong just searching for 600D aramid + the name of your phone and picking one from a seller with good reviews, but the specific one I have is this: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805920169643.html.

Before that, I was using this one from Thinborne: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHLF8FD7. For all intents and purposes, they're functionally identical. I slightly preferred the style of the AliExpress one (camera glass cover + no logo), but the main reason I went for AliExpress when I needed a replacement was that it was half the price of the Thinborne. (The AliExpress one has since gone up ~$10, but the Thinborne one doesn't appear to be available at all anymore.)

	▲	a2dam 18 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Thanks!

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selectodude 3 days ago | parent | prev [-]

My case is AppleCare+.

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garbagewoman 3 days ago | parent [-]

That seems wasteful

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wlesieutre 3 days ago | parent | next [-]

$120/year on an iPhone 17, or $140/year on Air, Pro, and Pro Max

Even for one year that's more than I'd spend to avoid using a phone case, and if I keep it for five years again that's $700.

There are other benefits to AppleCare (a case doesn't cover theft or loss) but I'm not very worried about any of them.

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sedatk 2 days ago | parent | next [-]

AppleCare One is about $240/year and covers three devices. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/07/apple-introduces-appl...

	▲	wlesieutre 2 days ago \| parent \| next [-]
		Across many Apple devices, the only thing I've had break in the last 5 years is a watch that is 5 years old, and if I were picking which 3 devices to put on an Apple One plan that wouldn't even have been one of them (Mac, iPad, and phone all cost more). I think I'll try my luck without it.
	▲	latexr 2 days ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		AppleCare One has been a string of horror stories. Can’t even properly handle you having one Mac with multiple accounts, and you can’t go back to the plans you previously had if they’re discontinued, leaving you with worse service for more money.

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2 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

[deleted]

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garbagewoman 3 days ago | parent | prev [-]

I mean its wasteful in terms of the energy/co2 required to service your phone replacements. Wasting resources unnecessarily.

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fcarraldo 2 days ago | parent [-]

Given the unlikelihood that you need it serviced, it’s significantly less wasteful than a case made of plastic and shipped globally.

	▲	fragmede 2 days ago \| parent [-]
		It depends on how clumsy you are. Some people just are. Sounds like you're not. Lucky for you.

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dcow 2 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

It pays for itself the minute you have to replace a device. It’s insurance. The entire insurance industry is wasteful, by your argument. And like yeah it is. However most people prefer to amortize financial risk. That peace of mind is valuable.

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selectodude 2 days ago | parent | prev [-]

I don’t disagree. I’m a nihilist I guess