iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple Silicon Case or Caudabe Sheath?

I just transitioned from an iPhone 11 to a 16 Pro Max 512GB Natural Titanium and loving it! I am in search of a great case that provides excellent protection, works well with Camera Control, really good grip and feel that won’t look ripped up after dropping on the ground. My iPhone 11 case was a Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear that served me well all these years through countless drops.

Currently I have the Rebel Frosted Flex MagSafe and Apple Clear Case with MagSafe, the Clear Case is much too slippery and I’ve already dropped it on concrete when holding it up with one hand to take a photo. No damage to the phone or case fortunately. I do have Apple Care + T&L as a safeguard.

I’ve done some research on other cases that are not going to cost me $100 each. The top 2 I’ve seen on YouTube seem to be the Apple Silicon case and the Caudabe Sheath. However no research measures up to real feedback from real consumers IMO. I would like to hear feedback about your experience and opinions, If you have recommendations other than those mentioned I’m open to that too. Thanks!

Figured I may as well share my experience here after paying quite a lot for this case. I had a Sheath on my iPhone 13 Pro and really loved it. Funky texture but plenty of grip and felt good to hold.

1. The 16 Pro’s Sheath sucks in comparison. For some reason it is thicker, making the phone feel noticeably chonkier to hold.

2. Then there is an edge on the camera cutout that is just not comfortable. The little lip between the cutout and the front facing edge is too thin. Combined with the rough texture I find it digging into my fingers when holding it, and even more so when trying to use the capture button.

You can see this lip pointed out by TechnicallyTee (https://youtu.be/mvtzISrJgD0) in my borrowed screenshot.

3. The last straw for me is how the texture feels combined with an Apple Magsafe wallet. Taking the finewoven wallet on and off, or even readjusting it, feels surprisingly unpleasant because the textures rub against each other. It’s like I’m sanding my wallet down every time I move it. Thought it was worth sharing for anyone considering this combination of accessories.

Anyways, I’m not happy with the Sheath. Tried it a few times and I keep chucking it back in a drawer regretting the purchase. I have mostly seen overly positive reviews on it thus far, so hopefully my experience can help set some realistic expectations.

Anyone else feel like the sheath (iPhone 16 pro) is the superior case over the paragon? I originally got the paragon but I swapped it back out for the sheath. You can’t beat that texture of the sheath case. Paragon is a nice case but it was too slick for me. Caudabe’s texture is on that case is unmatched. It would be cool if they would make the paragon case but add the texture of sheath.

Had the Caudabe Sheath on my previous 13 Pro Max, when I got my 16 pro max on launch day I had to get the Apple Silicone case because that’s what they sell in the Apple Store.

Apple Silicone was a nice case but it wore out so fast and stuck to my pockets often, so I decided to try the Synthesis instead of the Sheath and this year and I really like it, it feels great on the hand and the metallic buttons are super clicky. I feel confident knowing this case nor my screen protector will show wear when dropping the phone with this case on.

What case are you guys using? I have the Apple Silicone case and it’s actually pretty crappy. I dropped it awhile ago and it cracked the screen protector. I ended up buying another screen protector and noticed it’s scuffed up again. You’d think Apple would make products that protects the side of the screen a bit more. It’s definitely my fault for dropping it but man I’m disappointed in how much protection it doesn’t have.

Edit: forgot to mention I have a privacy screen protector. I got a Flolab, dropped my phone and it cracked. I got the Zagg one on now and same thing happened. So privacy screen protector is the culprit. Appreciate all the comments and recommendations nonetheless. Will have to consider going back to a regular screen protector.

This is just the perfect case. Exactly what I wanted.

I recently purchased the iPhone 16P to replace my 15PM. The Pro Max was just too heavy, especially with a case on. What case are you rocking on your phone? I currently have the Apple Silicone case but in my experience, they don’t really hold up well overtime so I’m looking at other options.

I like how the dessert titanium goes with the grey case; it looks classy. Not everyone likes the Sheath texture, but I find it highly grippy and resistant to wear and tear. The new metal buttons are a nice upgrade from the traditional rubber buttons. The Camera "button" does have a cutout, which I'm not the biggest fan of, but compared to how other case manufacturers have done it, I like how this one looks. Another massive plus for me is that the case fits very snugly, including the little thin plastic part by the camera button. Lastly, MagSafe's strength is pretty good; I would say it is similar to last year's, which I think was great. Overall, I'm happy with this case, and yes, I will go and try other cases, but I usually start with the sheath and make my way back to it or the synthesis in the end.

I’ve been looking all week for a case for my 16 pro in Desert Titanium but I can’t seem to find the right one… looking for a minimalistic case from a good brand.

After enough people on here recommend the Caudabe sheath, I went ahead and ordered it - I’ve always used the Apple leather cases in the past.

However, this case is just not for me. It’s just too thick and heavy.

Has anyone tried the Caudabe and can recommend something that is smaller/lighter that they believe is better than the Sheath?

Will be my first upgrade in a while, wondering what brands everyone recommends/uses for cases and tempered screen protectors. I don’t mind spending a little extra for good quality but I’ve heard to stay away from Apple’s own cases.

Been looking at a couple of cases. The Beats case looks interesting but I wanna see what everyone’s opinion is. So far I’m using the Bellroy leather case and it’s pretty good.

IMO the best case out there. Unmatched quality and attention to detail with the swappable buttons. 🤌

i pre-ordered the new iphone the other day & i’m currently trying to choose a case for it. i’ve religiously used otterbox symmetry cases on my past two iphones & have had no issues & have been really impressed with the level of protection they offer. however, i’m slightly put off by the gap in the side for the camera controls on the iphone 16 model. there’s a casetify one i really like the look of but the price is putting me off. can anyone recommend some other brands to look at or enlighten me if the casetify ones are really worth the money?

Thinking about getting the sheath or synthesis and I can’t make up my mind. Every one raves about them but I can’t decide on which one. If you have negative opinions too please say them!!

I'm sure others can attest. Ordered case on 9/17, and it hasn't even shipped yet. They keep making excuses ("Oh we had incredible demand! Oh there was a typhoon in Asia!), as they repeatedly extend the time frame for these cases (initially it was late September, then early October, now we're approaching late October and nothing). Meanwhile on r/caudabe some people that ordered their cases last week are getting them before others that ordered them over a month ago. For the premium prices we pay for these cases ($57 after tax) it's insane that this garbage company wants to make zero actual amends for paying customers while continuing to make excuses. Several people have tried canceling their order and the customer service team doesn't even have the decency to get back to them in a timely fashion.

Oh and the cases that are shipping apparently have rattling buttons, which will apparently be replaced based on the degree they bother the end user.

Never, ever again.

My iPhone 16 Promax case breakdown:

Top 2 for me

1. Caudabe Paragon w/ camera control button - this is my current #1 case. I got it in midnight black with my black iPhone. It’s like a Batman case. Quality metal buttons. Feels high quality. Good grip and side texture. Smooth back that doesn’t get smudgy. This is an all around fantastic case.

2. Benks Prestige ArmorPro w/ Camera Control - another winner. Premium. A bit slimmer than the Paragon (ever so slightly). Only downside is that it gets a bit fingerprinty (wipes easily but I switch between this and the Paragon) - hard to get me to remove the Paragon for a little while now.

The rest I’ve tried and either still have or returned:

Caudabe Sheath - had this for the 13 Promax. They raised the screen lip a bit too high where it is in my opinion a bit uncomfortable to hold. The 13 Promax version is amazing and still on it for 3 years (gave phone to my daughter)

Rebel Gen 6 - premium feel good grip but the carbon fiber back is a sticker and mine peeled so I returned it. I might have had a dud version. Overall I can see why people like it but I moved on.

dBrand Ghost 2.0 w/ Camera Control - admittedly not a clear case guy due to the smudges but to me this case felt cheap and had barely any screen lip while feeling bulky. Well reviewed but I disagree.

Ryan London open bottom leather in saddle and black. - didn’t get the camera control closed version. Very nice leather case. I use it from time to time. Moved away from leather for some reason. I always want a leather case to work but I like a case that can handle a little water splash etc. (closed bottom before camera control cracked so maybe it’s better now I’m sure)

Tinee Owl w/ Camera Control - to me overhyped. Loose fitting on sides and the camera control button sets off too easily from a slight touch and also not responsive where it needs to be like the Caudabe and Benks. It’s cheap though - but I think you get what you pay for here.

Rinke onyx color - budget case. Too lose fitting. Cheap. Have it still doubt I’ll ever use it.

Nomad Modern Leather Case - nice quality like the mix between leather and TPU sides but extends too long to accommodate a lanyard loop. Phone is already large. Still have it don’t use it.

Nomad sport case - cool case I like this one. Minimal lip. Probably will use again but no camera control cover button (not that I even use the button but like the cleanness of having it given the choice). I do really like this case though and probably my #1 backup.

Apple Silicone - nice case got it immediately with phone so I’d have something / nice case but smudges and collects lint. Nothing most people don’t know already about these.

Benks ArmorAir - love the slimness a lot even though buttons are exposed. Wanted it to work but it’s sharp due to thin aramid fiber. Uncomfortable to use for more than a little bit in my opinion. The ArmorPro isn’t much thicker and as mentioned above a top option in my opinion.

Tac premium clear case - slim I’ll give it that. No screen lip with protector or hard to tell. My fault really but this one is not for me. A bit slippery too. It’s also expensive for something so thin with such little material and no buttons.

Torras 360 degree spin case - one of my first cases. Smooth as a bar of soap. Went flying out of my hand second day of use. Case did its job and phone was undamaged even though it flew on pavement and went sliding, but I can’t have a case that flies out of my hand. They refunded the purchase though no questions. Good customer service and I bet their newer cases are good with the camera control.

Mous Super Slim - I wanted to love this one. Again it was early on. No screen lip (apparently was supposed to have a small one). Texture was great and felt premium. If it had a screen lip at all I bet I would have stuck with this one. They almost nailed an ultra thin case here. Also returned and refunded no questions asked here. Good customer service.

I feel like I’m missing one but there’s my list. Any ideas of others you’ve tried that I should? Anything to rival the Benks and Caudabe Paragon?