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.

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.

This is definitely the second best phone case I've bought so far this iPhone season. Not sure I'm gonna be able to give up my Pitaka. But Caudabe did an excellent job with this case, especially the color.

I have some maybe unfounded concerns about the back getting scratched up. It's a slick, fairly shiny surface. The sides have that rough Caudabe Sheath texture with some added grips thrown in. The Pitaka actually feels better in hand, but this thing is quite nice.

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 wish there was better way to summarize my overall dissappoinment and bad impression of this company. I have reviewed extensively about this company's case on YouTube about their case and all the glowing reviews about the quality, only to find out its customer support service being absolutely a turnoff. First, the items arrived late. Much later then they had promised in terms of "quick shipping." Upon receiving the case, I was dissapointed by the texture, how slipper they felt at hand, and poor grip. It was not what I had envisioned. For reference, this was the Synthesis for iPhone 16 Pro. Then, I tried on on their new Paragon for the iPhone 16 Pro. It won't even fit, and I did not dare to shove my phone forcefully and would not even fit. I emailed Caudabe's customer service as soon as possible within the 30 day return period after emailing. Received a response requesting the pictures as they had requested, and that's the last thing I have heard. It's been more than 72 hours after and still ZERO response.

For a small company starting up with so much promises, especially in customer satisfcation, this is definitely the POOREST response. I had to use reddit to raise my concern and voice so that other buyers can look into this and use their judgement call. I hate I even have to waste my time for posting this because knowing what I know, they will try their best to delay the whole process and try their best not to keep their end of the bargain which is free return, hassle free in 30 days.

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

Been rocking the gray Sheath but this green is quite nice. I really like the green metal buttons. Overall I think this green is neither too light nor too dark imo.

The Sheath with the camera control button is out! My iPhone 16 Pro Max finally feels complete.

I am a huge fan of the Sheath case and used it on my 15 PM for almost a year, then I sold it on ebay because it was still in great condition. However, this year's Sheath lacked a camera button, and I wasn't a fan of the camera cutout. So, I purchased the Apple Silicone case, but you can see that the edges are smooth and shiny and it has wear spots from my magsafe ring. The apple silicone case was also starting to come loose in the corners, a problem I never had with prior sheaths.

I took a risk with this green case, red button color scheme, but I absolutely love it. Eucalyptus (green) with custom Scarlet (red) buttons. Taking out the buttons was a bit difficult... I rec getting one side of the button popped out and then pulling it out from the back side. I used my fingernail on the inside of the case to pop out the small action button. The buttons snap in place, so they aren't just floating there.

Camera button functions perfectly--just like on the Apple Silicone case. I tried about five cases before originally going with the apple silicone, and the the Sheath (with camera button) feels like a big step up.

I got the Caudabe Sheath case based on Wired's recommendation. It's nice, but it adds some weight and size. Holding in my hand it's not as nice as holding the phone itself.

Is there some case people recommend that is just a bit slimmer / lighter?

I know Caudabe has the Veil but it doesn't have MagSafe. Is that a big deal? Wired also says the Veil "won't do much for accidental drops" -- is that the case? I do want protection for occasional drops!

Anyone tried both of these 2 cases before and able to advise which is the better case overall? And why is it better?

It doesn’t have to be on the new iPhone 17 or Pro, it can be for previous iPhones or even Android phones.

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.

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

I’m more than likely going to upgrade to a 16 pro max this weekend. Trying to be very selective about what case to purchase. My last two iPhones I’ve owned I’ve bought over 15 cases. I’m really leaning toward getting a caudabe sheath this year. I loved it on my 13 Pro Max, but on my 15 pro the magnet on the MagSafe has almost pulled through the case leaving a clear and exposed ring. Anyone have any experience with the 16 sheath? Any notable issues in general with that case?

By the way, I usually only upgrade every other year. last year I wanted to try a pro and really regret it. I’m away from an outlet most of the day and the battery Life has really tanked.

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.

Went with the 16 pro in black this year, super clean! Also peep the Caudabe Veil case which is my all time favorite minimal case, highly recommend!

Today my Caudabe Sheath arrive for my iPhone 17 Pro. I decided on the black case and silver buttons for my silver IP17P. I've been usig the Sheath since the iPhone 11 Pro. The fit and feel is what I expected for a Sheath. I like the way the silver stands out with the case. I consider myself lucky getting it as fast as I did with all the demand for the case. It was well worth the wait.

We get this question all the time, so we put together some side-by-side photos to make it easier. You can see how each iPhone Pro color pairs with our Sheath, Paragon, Veil, and Synthesis cases.

It’s a great way to get a sense of how the colors, textures, and finishes pair together and how much of your iPhone’s color shows through.