If I was going to cover up my phone with a plastic case, I wouldn’t buy a $1,000 device when most of that money is spent on high quality industrial design and appearance.

Having bought from both sides of the aisle, I couldnt give two shits about the industrial design or appearance. As long as the screen works, and all the hardware and software inside does its job, it could be covered in giant dongs for all I care.

iPhones are expensive devices. You don't have a choice if you are in the Apple ecosystem.