6 Reasons Why iPhone Users Are Ditching Cases and Screen Protectors

June 05, 2023
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iPhone owners swear by cases and screen protectors. They use these add-ons to preserve their expensive smartphones' sleek, glossy condition. Screen replacements cost hundreds of bucks, after all.

While using screen protectors and cases is the norm, many ditch them nowadays. And they have surprisingly good reasons. See if the following points justify the risk of carrying around a naked iPhone.

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1. Apple Continuously Improves the iPhone's Drop Resistance

Apple used to be notorious for using weak screens. Most smartphones break during drop tests, but iPhones generally sustain long, deep cracks quicker. Hence, the need for screen protectors and cases.

While there's still some truth to this stereotype, Apple has made notable durability improvements over recent years. For instance, it released iPhones with Ceramic Shield front glass in 2020. The technology makes iPhone 12 and newer models more resistant to drops, scratches, and normal wear and tear.

Of course, Ceramic Shield screens will still break. Drop test videos like the one below show modern iPhones breaking after a six-foot drop.

But in fairness, people rarely drop their phones that high. A Business Insider report shows the iPhone 13 Pro Max enduring waist-high drops, which occur more commonly.

2. Cases Cause iPhones to Overheat Even Faster

iPhones tend to heat up quickly. Your device will feel warm after watching 4K videos, playing graphics-heavy games, or running GPS apps. Just let your iPhone rest if it shows signs of overheating.

However, some people use CPU-intensive apps and games on their phones for long periods. Your phone won't get much downtime if you simultaneously use several work tools and messaging platforms.

In these situations, focus on external factors heating your phone—for example, your phone case. Thick phone cases trap heat. Not only will your device get hot faster, but cooling down will also take much longer.

For safety purposes, an overheating iPhone will automatically stop charging and show a Charging on Hold notification. You'll need to wait for your iPhone to cool down before charging it again.

3. Caseless iPhones Are Status Symbols

Many Apple users treat naked iPhones as status symbols. The trend stems from various beliefs. Some think cases look cheap, while others just want to imitate celebrities with naked iPhones.

Either way, the trend's surprisingly popular. Time Magazine even wrote about renowned wealthy personalities like Elon Musk and Jay-Z carrying caseless iPhones. They supposedly exude "stealth wealth" vibes.

4. The Naked iPhone Looks Aesthetic

Bare iPhones have a gorgeous design. Users obsess over their devices' sleek, glossy finish and sharp, defined edges, so much so that they'll ditch cases. For them, aesthetics outweigh preservation.

And it's actually a good idea to showcase the iPhone's design now and then. People rarely take off their cases. Many iPhones spend their lifecycle hidden inside cases and screen protectors—users never even see what they look like.

5. Consumers Upgrade Their iPhones More Frequently

Most consumers these days upgrade their phones frequently. They have little incentive to invest in long-term device protection. A longitudinal study by SlashGear shows that 55.47% of smartphone users buy new devices every two to three years. Heck, some even upgrade annually.

Avoid upgrading for the sole sake of having a new phone. You'll get better value for your money if you wait for the right time to get a new iPhone.

6. Mini Bags and Small Purses Are Very Trendy

Small purses and jeans with fake pockets are impractical. They give you very little room. Unless you have a slim, caseless phone, you'll have trouble stuffing anything else into them.

That said, they're also fashion staples. They've been in style for decades—people won't suddenly stop buying them for thick cases.

Should You Risk Carrying a Naked iPhone?

Only remove your case and screen protector at home. Using a naked iPhone in hectic, crowded public places poses too much risk. So, it's best to get comfortable using it first and weigh the pros and cons before fully committing to a naked iPhone.

Remember that they serve several purposes; besides minimizing drop impacts, cases and screen protectors repel dust, improve grip, and prevent cracks. So, don't just ditch them altogether.

Source: MUO - MakeUseOf