I like cases that aren't too thick but offer decent drop protection, with a lip over the edge of the screen (sometimes referred to as a "screen bumper") and raised corners that help prevent your screen from cracking if your phone should fall face down. A folio case will more fully protect your screen. The good news is that you don't have to buy a super-protective iPhone 17 case like the OtterBox Defender XT to get good protection. Most cases are reasonably thin and still offer at least 4-foot drop protection and usually more. iPhone Air owners who value the slimness of that device may want to

This is a hot new case feature, and more cases are including a kickstand that allows you to prop your phone up. You can buy a MagSafe kickstand accessory, but it's nice to have a kickstand feature integrated into the case. Sometimes cases have a flip-out kickstand, while others have a retractable ring holder or "grip" that helps you hold your phone in your hand more securely and also converts into a kickstand. Also, some cases have a ring around the camera hole with raised edges (to protect the camera) that flips out and converts into a stand. And finally, some folio cases convert into a stand

iPhone 17 models are water-resistant with an IP68 rating, which means they can be submerged in up to 6 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes. A waterproof case offers increased waterproofing, but they tend to be bulky, and some have a screen that covers the iPhone's screen, reducing touch sensitivity. Therefore, I generally advise people not to bother with a waterproof case unless they're going snorkeling with their phone (just make sure the waterproof case you choose guarantees it's suitable for snorkeling) or really need the added water protection due to the environment they're in.