Sometimes, you get your hands on a piece of hardware that just feels right. For me, that was the Logitech G502 Lightspeed Wireless – and now that mouse is reaching the end of its life, and while I won’t be hosting an actual Viking funeral for it, I genuinely am a little upset.
A fairly high-end gaming mouse with a comfortable ergonomic design and understated RGB lighting, the G502 Lightspeed Wireless has been my trusty desktop companion for more than five years, and is only just starting to show its age; specifically, the left-click switch is giving out, still registering most clicks but rendering click-and-drag operations almost impossible.
As you can probably tell from this image, my own G502 Lightspeed Wireless has seen better days. (Image credit: Future)
It’s fair to say that I’ve definitely put this mouse through the wringer over the past half-decade. Not only have I used it to put literally thousands of hours into all manner of games, but it’s also been my daily driver for work ever since the pandemic shifted me into working from home. It’s survived countless hours of frantic clicking, scrolling, and at-desk lunches (no, I’m not a ‘tidy desk, tidy mind’ sort of person).
It’s not an exaggeration to say that I love this mouse. It’s incredibly comfy under the hand thanks to the curved shape and thumb rest, and the underside features two magnetic panels that can be removed to add tiny metal weights to the interior – in other words, a little tweaking can create the perfect weight distribution for any user.
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It’s also just a good gaming mouse in general: a 25,600 DPI sensor, long battery life, 1ms latency thanks to the proprietary Lightspeed USB dongle, and 11 remappable buttons all make it a stellar choice for any genre of PC game.
Consistency above all else
As heartbroken as I might be that my reliable gaming companion is beginning to fade from glory, there’s a definite silver lining here.
See, Logitech does something that I wish more PC hardware companies would do: a certain ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach to product design, meaning that I can still buy the exact same G502 Lightspeed Wireless mouse that I originally purchased over five years ago. Plenty of companies would’ve made the original product redundant in that time period, replacing it twice or three times over with new models (looking at you, Razer).
Hell, Logitech has been using the same design for its mainstream 1080p webcam – the Logitech C920 – for more than a decade, with only some minor generational improvements over the years. There’s a reason that cam still sits in the top spot of our best webcams ranking, is what I’m saying.
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Seriously, look at this beautiful little device. Never change, C920. (Image credit: Future)
The G502 Lightspeed has been replaced in our best gaming mouse list by the newer, shinier Logitech G502 X Plus, but it’s still the same excellent mouse at heart – and gamers on a budget can always pick up the G502 Hero, which packs a lot of the great design and features found in my favorite mouse into a more wallet-friendly package.
But you can’t have too much of a good thing, so while I’m currently rocking a temporary replacement from NZXT, I can’t wait to take my paycheck to the Logitech G Store to pick up an identical replacement for my beloved G502 Lightspeed Wireless. There’s only one problem, and that’s the price: $99.99 / £139.99 (around AU$150, but it’s no longer available from Logitech in Australia). Why’s it so expensive in the UK, Logitech?
I guess I’ll be waiting for a Black Friday deal… unless the kind folks at Logitech read this and take pity on a poor tech journalist. Keep your fingers crossed for me, readers!
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RallyHere is a backend services provider that supports the launch of live services games such as Smite 2 and those coming from ProbablyMonsters.
RallyHere is a backend technology company that makes it easier for game companies to launch multiplayer games. It’s a small team based in Atlanta that made it possible to create the multiplayer gaming in the title Smite. Its focus is on live services games, a new category that promises riches but, as recent events have shown, also raises a lot of challenges.
“You have to be steeled for failure and prepared for success in this industry,” said Stewart Chisam, head of RallyHere, in our interview. “It’s a real tough industry. Most games struggle. But if your game does explode (in a good way), the last thing you want to do is burn that lottery ticket. No one knows how their game is going to do before you launch it. We de-risk it.”
It’s a category of gaming that is full of opportunity and peril, as live services games like Smite have lasted for years while Sony’s recently launched Concord — envisioned to last for years as a live services game — flopped in the market and was canceled after just 12 days in the market. One of ProbablyMonsters‘ former divisions (sold to Sony), Firewalk Studios, made the Concord game with the hopes it would last for years. It didn’t. But ProbablyMonsters has more games in the works, and it has raised $250 million.
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Chisam said in an interview at the Devcom game developer event in Germany that RallyHere’s job is to offload game developers by handling backend services tasks so the game makers can focus on the game. Hi-Rez Studios has created the RallyHere division to provide its technology to other game companies. The idea is to offload mundane yet critical tasks that game developers don’t have to do so they can focus on making a great game, said Chisam.
“We’re plumbing and infrastructure for these games. What’s going to set your game apart is your game not necessarily the plumbing. It will only set your game apart of the plumbing is bad. Strengthening that plumbing is an advantage we have,” Chisam said.
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Chisam said that RallyHere has been crucial in helping its parent company bring Smite 2 to its current stage, just ahead of its launch. It’s a setup not unlike Epic Games and how it uses its game Fortnite to learn about development challenges and address them with improvements to its Unreal game engine. It’s like eating your own dogfood.
“Smite 2 will be interesting. Making a sequel to a live service game is an interesting challenge, but we’re very excited. It’s been great for RallyHere, providing the tech side. And of course, RallyHere is associated with Hi-Rez Studios, which is making Smite 2. It’s good synergy for both learning do a lot of interesting things,” Chisam said.
RallyHere is also accelerating the development of new titles from the Battle Barge and Hidden Grove teams.
Origins
Stewart Chisam, CEO of RallyHere, at Devcom 2024.
Atlanta-based Hi-Rez Studios announced RallyHere in February 2023, and the goal in the first year or so was to find early customers to work with. That plan worked out. Now RallyHere has 40 people.
Chisam believes the lessons learned in working on the Smite titles will be useful to other game companies. The backend solutions paired with an expert engineering support team will help shape the success and longevity of live service games.
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“Live service games like Smite 2 are incredibly complex,” Chisam said in a talk at Devcom. “You’re not just managing a game; you’re managing an entire ecosystem of players, sessions, servers, and data. That’s where our platform comes in.”
This kind of talk has been echoed by a number of other game backend solution companies, like Playfab, which was acquired by Microsoft.
Chisam said his company works with live services game makers before they launch so that they can manage their live services. He said a lot of customers seem to need help with the prototyping phase as well. A live service game has to have a lot of operations in place as it proceeds. The RallyHere team has enough veterans on it to help companies set up community management and support and more.
“In our view, a company like RallyHere is only going to be successful if our customers are successful, and it’s really important to get to get those other operational elements set up well. And we think over time, we’ll learn where there are opportunities to further automate some of those things and integrate them into the software tools,” he said.
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Four key platform components
Chisam highlighted the four key components of RallyHere’s platform, connecting directly to the challenges all multiplatform, cross-progression live service game developers face.
He said the first thing to focus on is player management.
“At the heart of any great game is a strong connection with the players,” Chisam said. Whether it’s handling logins, linking accounts, or managing a player’s inventory and progress, the goal is to ensure players feel invested and enjoy the game without hiccups. It’s about giving developers the tools to engage and retain players over the long haul.
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He also said the next component is sessions and server orchestration. Chisam then introduced Gameflow, explaining, “It’s our comprehensive solution that encompasses Session Management, Matchmaking, and Fleet Commander. Together, they form a powerful system that ensures players are grouped effectively and their sessions are hosted on the best possible servers. This combination balances performance and cost, ensuring that, no matter where your players are, they’re getting the best possible experience.”
RallyHere also focuses on publishing and LiveOps.
“It’s not enough just to launch a game,” Chisam continued. “You’ve got to keep it fresh, keep it engaging. That’s where our Publishing & LiveOps tools come in. These tools help developers manage everything from in-game purchases to rolling out new content and events. And with our Developer Portal, game dev teams can quickly adjust and respond to what’s happening in the game, keeping the community vibrant and the experience fresh.”
And finally RallyHere focuses on data and analytics. Chisam discussed the importance of data in making informed decisions about a game’s future.
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“Our data and analytics tools give developers deep insights into what’s happening in their game. It’s not just about tracking KPIs; it’s about understanding player behavior, seeing what’s working and what’s not, and then making the right decisions to improve the game. Whether fine-tuning gameplay mechanics or identifying the best times to launch new content, the data we provide helps developers make smarter decisions that enhance the player experience.”
A shared vision: RallyHere’s collaboration with ProbablyMonsters
RallyHere’s platform isn’t just powering Smite 2; it’s also driving forward the work at ProbablyMonsters, an independent video game company known for its innovative approach to development. ProbablyMonsters has raised more than $250 million to date.
RallHere’s partnership is built on the same technological foundation that supports Smite 2, providing comprehensive live service operations for ProbablyMonsters’ upcoming titles.
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Mark Subotnick, senior vice president of partnerships at ProbablyMonsters, said in a statement that RallyHere’s track record and deep understanding of game development were key factors in the decision to partner.
“RallyHere isn’t just another service provider,” Subotnick said. “They are also game developers who understand at a deep level what we’re trying to achieve and how to get us there.”
Subotnick emphasized the benefits of working with RallyHere, particularly in terms of reducing the operational headaches that often come with game development. “By having a trusted partner like RallyHere, we can focus on the game itself, knowing that our backend needs are expertly managed,” he added. This close collaboration has enabled ProbablyMonsters to accelerate their development process, moving quickly from testing to playtesting environments with RallyHere’s support.
RallyHere’s growing influence in live service gaming
RallyHere handles live operations for Smite 2.
The success of Smite 2’s alpha launch and the ongoing partnership with ProbablyMonsters highlight RallyHere’s growing influence in the live service gaming space. The platform’s ability to support games at scale, combined with its deep integration with developers, positions RallyHere as one of the games backend services leaders.
As Chisam pointed out at Devcom, the real work begins after a game’s launch. The collaboration between RallyHere and ProbablyMonsters exemplifies the mutual benefits of a well-aligned partnership, with both companies gaining increased velocity and success as they work together to bring new games to market. This partnership sets the stage for future collaborations that will continue to shape the landscape of live service games, Chisam said.
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As Activision noted for Call of Duty, skill-based matchmaking is hard because game makers have to balance getting people into a match fast with putting the right combination of skillful players into the match to make the game close.
“I’d rather wait for minutes rather than get into a bad match,” he said. “If you have smaller numbers of players, the problem gets a lot harder.”
Typically, game companies don’t know what load a game can handle until they have lots of players. They can do testing when there are hundreds or small thousands of layers. But when it comes time to launch, there could be a million players or more ready to play the game. And they won’t want to wait.
Looking ahead
Harold Ryan, former head of Bungie, is CEO of ProbablyMonsters.
RallyHere is working with ProbablyMonsters on a couple of games. Going into 2025, Chisam said, “We’re now looking to more ramp up the sales and marketing and start to execute more on signing up a lot more customers.”
The tech and operations are stable, he said. Now customers with multiple games like ProbablyMonsters can ship them with a common platform. The result is common operations for publishing teams, marketing teams, community and support teams, and common data collection for key metrics.
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“That’s really becoming a focus. We’re working with one other kind of multigame publisher we haven’t announced yet as well,” he said.
One of the tasks is to get players in and out of matches in a smooth game flow. Doing that successfully is a complicated thing to orchestrate, he said. There are multiple vendors in this space.
“What we’re able to do is put one API that developers can develop to and then we’re able to go out and work with all of these vendors, plus the major cloud vendors like Azure, and orchestrate this for you, versus you having vendor lock in to any one of those players,” Chisam said. “If one of the vendors has a problem, we can seamlessly reallocate in the backend to another vendor.”
As far as pricing goes, Chisam said his firm is close to the enterprise subscription pricing of other rivals in the market, and RallyHere’s support for Smite 2 is a good proof point. The RallyHere team has grown to about 40 people. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hi-Rez.
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As for big hits this year like Helldivers 2 and Palworld, Chisam said that if a game is extremely successful like those games, RallyHere can help a company pivot much faster and gain more advantages given the server orchestration and cross-platform work.
Disclosure: Devcom paid my way to Germany, where I moderated a couple of panels.
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Kirsten Korosec, Devin Coldewey, and Rebecca Bellan got back on the mic for the latest episode of Equity to discuss several weird things and at least one cool thing. First, the crew talked about the least weird thing of the week: how nice it is that Cohere co-founder Nick Frosst has a band that people really like.
Then we got weirder. First the good weird: a helmet that squeezes your head, but for a really good reason. It prevents hair loss from chemotherapy. Devin covered Luminate’s latest fundraise and news, and everyone was pleased that money was going to a startup that may really be helping people feel better about themselves during a difficult time. The company is hoping to improve at-home care as well.
Next, Kirsten explained the weird phenomenon of Flink, the “quick commerce” startup that just recently was rumored to be on the block for about $106 million, instead raising $115 million. Quite a turnaround! But as the team discusses, it may be that investors see the possibility that the “tumultuous time” for this sector is ending and Flink may have a good grip on the German market. Still…
Then the weirdness begins in earnest. Rebecca is at the “Principled Business Summit,” aimed at “reclaiming capitalism” from, apparently, itself. She is getting mixed messages from the crowd and the content, which seems to combine enthusiasm for doing the right thing with some fringe tendencies to do… other things.
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And weirdest of all, autonomous trucking startup TuSimple’s pivot to… AI-generated animation and video games. What?! Though there is some overlap between simulation and animation/gaming, it’s a wild and unexpected change for the company, and a lot of shareholders are not going for it. Apparently the new division is working on another adaptation of “The Three-Body Problem,” so that’s good… but what about the $450 million they were going to spend on trucks? That conflict is playing out before our eyes.
Equity is TechCrunch’s flagship podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, and posts every Wednesday and Friday.
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod. For the full episode transcript, for those who prefer reading over listening, check out our full archive of episodes over at Simplecast.
There aren’t a lot of details on the project. Ive reportedly met Altman through Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb, and the project is being funded by Ive and the Emerson Collective, Laurene Powell Jobs’ company. The New York Times claims it could raise $1 billion in funding by the end of the year, but makes no mention of Masayoshi Son, the SoftBank CEO rumored last year to have invested $1 billion in the project.
The project only has 10 employees currently, but they include Tang Tan and Evans Hankey, two key people who worked with Ive on the iPhone. As for the device itself? Last year it was rumored to be inspired by touchscreen technology and the original iPhone, which makes sense given Tan’s and Hankey’s involvement.
There’s still no timeline on when we’ll learn more about this project, but the little information dropped in the New York Times should sound very familiar to anyone following the AI hardware scene over the last year:
Mr. Altman and Mr. Ive talked about how generative A.I. made it possible to create a new computing device because the technology could do more for users than traditional software since it could summarize and prioritize messages, identify and name objects like plants and eventually field complex requests like booking travel.
The (digital) ink has barely dried on our iPhone 16 review, and we’re already into iPhone 17 rumor season – with one reliable source suggesting that there are display upgrades in store when Apple‘s 2025 refresh rolls around.
This comes from well-known industry analyst Ross Young (via 9to5Mac), who says that the two cheaper iPhone 17 models are going to get the same always-on display and ProMotion tech that has previously been exclusive to the Pro and Pro Max handsets.
That means an upgrade to the LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) screen technology required to reduce power consumption and support a variable refresh rate, all the way up to 120Hz (or all the way down to 1Hz) when required.
However, while Young initially predicted Face ID would be embedded in the display on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, he later said that was a misunderstanding – so we’ll have to wait a little while longer for developments in that department.
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Pro vs non-Pro
The iPhone 16 Pro, with ProMotion (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
If the less expensive iPhone 17 models do indeed get LTPO display technology next year, there will be less of a distinction between these variants and the Pro and Pro Max – though the latter handsets may well still get better cameras and faster processors.
It also links in with another rumor we’ve heard about next year’s iPhone refresh: that the iPhone 16 Plus will be replaced not by another Plus model, but by an iPhone 17 Air – perhaps with a slimmer, more stylish design at the same price point.
Apple has of course already used the same branding with the iPad Air and the MacBook Air, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if the moniker was added to one of the iPhone 17 models as well. However, we’ll need to wait almost another 12 months to be sure.
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This isn’t the only iPhone 17 rumor that’s emerged already, either: there has also been talk that the 2025 iPhones are going to get improved selfie cameras and a bump in the RAM, alongside the usual boost in performance.
NASA’s Valkyrie robot, ready to be inhabited through virtual reality
James Woodford
I am standing before one of the most advanced robots in the world and am awestruck and disoriented by its humanoid form. Part Transformer, part Star Wars stormtrooper and with hands that look like they can crush beer cans, at 1.8 metres tall and weighing 120 kilograms, NASA’s Valkyrie robot is an intimidating figure.
But it is the face that most transfixes me. Where the eyes, mouth and nose should be is a cavity filled with an array of whirring and flashing sensors, including advanced lidar detectors…
Apple has announced its iPhone 16 lineup. Once again, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the flagship model, offering users everything Apple has to offer on a smartphone in the largest size.
The phone boasts the largest display ever on an iPhone — 6.9 inches — with smaller bezels. It largely retains the familiar design of previous iPhone Pro Max models while introducing some new features.
For example, the iPhone 16 Pro Max now includes a dedicated Camera Capture button and enhanced camera features for both photos and videos. There’s also a new A18 Pro chip inside that’s said to be more efficient than previous versions, providing more battery life and smoother performance. The phone is also available in a new color called Desert Titanium.
However, all these features come with a cost. The least expensive iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced at $1,199, so it makes sense to protect your investment with a case. Check out our favorite options below.
The best iPhone 16 Pro Max case to protect the cameras
Jump to details
The eclectic mix of SUPCASE iPhone 16 Pro Max cases provides you with a variety of options, all fantastic, all with military-grade protection, all with extra features to make your daily experience better. From the Unicorn Beetle Mag stand, which includes a built-in Camera Control button, to the Unicorn Beetle Pro with its built-in kickstand and rotating belt clip holster, you’ve never seen better options. You’ll benefit from full-body drop protection, elevated bezels to protect the display, and MagSafe support. You have everything you need at your fingertips — just like Apple intended. From now until October 9, on Amazon you can enjoy 10% off on iPhone 16 series cases.
Urban Armor
UAG Plasma XTE Case
The best overall iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Pros
Lots of color combinations
Lightweight
Built-in kickstand
Cons
Pricier than many other options
The UAG Plasma XTE case is a protective phone case designed to offer a combination of sleek design and robust protection. It provides impact resistance, an integrated kickstand, and MagSafe compatibility, all within a slim and lightweight profile.
Overall, the UAG Plasma XTE case is an excellent option for users seeking a protective case that doesn’t compromise style or functionality. It will cost you, however, as it’s one of the more expensive iPhone 16 Pro Max cases on the market.
UAG Plasma XTE Case
The best overall iPhone 16 Pro Max case
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TORRAS
Torras Magnetic Shockproof Case
The best cheap iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Pros
Priced right
Three color options
Slim and lightweight
Cons
Other cases will provide better protection
The Torras Magnetic Shockproof Case is designed to provide robust protection and magnetic functionality for iPhones. It offers slim, lightweight, and shockproof protection. The case features built-in magnetics for seamless attachment to MagSafe accessories, allowing for convenient wireless charging and mounting options.
Available in black, blue, and gray, this reasonably priced case is an excellent choice for those looking for a blend of protection, style, and magnetic functionality for their iPhone.
Torras Magnetic Shockproof Case
The best cheap iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Ted Baker
Ted Baker Scattered Flowers Mirror Folio Case
The best fashion-focused iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Pros
Unique book-style case
Wireless charging compatible
Magnetic closure
For a stylish option, take a look at this impressive case from Ted Baker. It has an electroplated polycarbonate shell that provides both protection and a sleek look. The case is also wireless charging compatible, allowing for convenient charging. It features a magnetic closure for added security and ease of use.
The unique book-style flip case also includes a built-in mirror, making it both functional and fashionable. Keep in mind that this kind of style does come with a slightly higher cost.
Ted Baker Scattered Flowers Mirror Folio Case
The best fashion-focused iPhone 16 Pro Max case
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Spigen
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Case
The best clear iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Pros
Super price
Anti-yellowing tech
Offers Air Cushion technology
Cons
More durable options exist
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid Case is a popular phone case known for its blend of protection and minimalist design. It features a clear, rigid polycarbonate back combined with a flexible TPU bumper, offering both impact resistance and grip. The case has a slim profile and a raised bezel to protect your screen and camera.
Spigen’s Air Cushion Technology is integrated into the corners for enhanced shock absorption during drops. To maintain clarity over time, the case’s clear back panel is treated with an anti-yellowing coating. It’s important to note that this version doesn’t support MagSafe, but Spigen offers models that do.
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Case
The best clear iPhone 16 Pro Max case
If you’re tired of massive brick-like phone cases, then it’s time to ditch the bulk and check out Latercase. They’re reinventing the game with their ultra-thin aramid fiber cases. Every Latercase is precision-engineered and laser-cut to perfection. The result? An ultra-thin case with a timeless style. The durable matte finish feels even better than it looks, allowing you to carry it with confidence and pocket it with ease. Latercase also offers bundle deals with their case, so you can pair it with premium tempered glass, strong maglock rings, or soft microfiber cleaning cloths. Either way, your new iPhone will thank you.
i-Blason
i-Blason Armorbox
The best protection
Pros
Rugged, military-grade protection
20-foot drop protection
Built-in screen protector and kickstand
Camera control button compatible
Want a super protective military-grade and drop-tested case for your new iPhone 16 Pro Max? i-Blason’s MagSafe-compatible Armorbox should be your first choice. It comes with a built-in screen protector, so you don’t need anything extra, plus it has a built-in camera cover that doubles as a kickstand.The zinc alloy anodized camera cover protects the high-power lenses on the back of the phone.The most unique feature on the Armorbox is the built-in camera control button which utilizes copper conductors to seamlessly match the operations of the unique button. It’s rugged through and through so it’ll survive a 20 foot drop.
Even with that protection it’s not bulky, it’s not ugly, and it works with so many different MagSafe accessories because of its powerful N52 magnet. For example, you can still mount your phone to a hands-free car adapter, even while it’s still in the case.
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From now until October 9, on Amazon you can enjoy 10% off on iPhone 16 series cases.
i-Blason Armorbox
The best protection
Caseology
Caseology Dual Grip Mag Case
The best grippy iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Pros
Unique look
MagSafe
Excellent price
Cons
Design isn’t for everyone
The Caseology Dual Grip Mag case is a stylish and protective phone case designed for the iPhone 16 Pro series. It combines a sleek design with features that enhance both grip and protection. The case features a dual-layer construction for superior protection against drops and impacts, and it offers MagSafe compatibility, as well as military-grade drop protection.
This case is an excellent option for anyone seeking a stylish and protective case for their phone. It’s available in Cobalt Blue, Jade Green, and Onyx Black.
Caseology Dual Grip Mag Case
The best grippy iPhone 16 Pro Max case
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GVIEWIN
GVIEWIN iPhone 16 Pro Max Case
Best budget iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Pros
Cheap
Various floral styles
Includes screen and lens protectors
Cons
Other cases provide better protection
The GVIEWIN iPhone case is a stylish and protective case known for its floral patterns and shock-resistant features. It is made of flexible TPU material, providing a good balance of protection and slimness. Available in multiple styles, our pick for the best budget case also comes with a tempered glass screen protector, lens protectors, and a magnetic ring.
GVIEWIN iPhone 16 Pro Max Case
Best budget iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Mous
Mous Super Thin Case
The best thin iPhone 16 Pro Max case runnerup
Pros
Five color choices
Incredibly thin
Supports MagSafe
The Mous Super Thin Case is an incredibly slim and lightweight phone case designed to offer a balance between protection and aesthetics. These cases are well-known for their minimalist design and MagSafe compatibility. Sleek and unobtrusive, the case is available in five colors at launch, as well as a clear version. Despite its thin profile, the case is engineered with durable materials and clever construction to provide protection against everyday bumps and scratches.
The Mous Super Thin case is perfect for users who prioritize a minimalist aesthetic and MagSafe compatibility, but don’t require heavy-duty protection for their phones.
Mous Super Thin Case
The best thin iPhone 16 Pro Max case runnerup
Case-Mate
Case-Mate iPhone 16 Pro Case
The best sparkly iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Pros
The beautiful choice
Lots of unique styles
12-foot drop protection
If you’re looking to add some sparkle to your iPhone 16 Pro Max, this Case-Mate case might be the one for you. It comes in various styles, offers 12-foot drop protection, is MagSafe compatible, and is made from recycled materials, making it eco-friendly. The premium materials used provide long-term protection and keep your phone looking new.
At launch, you can choose from seven case options, including Karat Granite, Soap Bubble, and Touch of Pearl. There’s nothing not to love about this case, although the price is a bit high. However, you may be able to find it on sale sometimes.
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Case-Mate iPhone 16 Pro Case
The best sparkly iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Totallee
Totallee Clear Ultra Slim Case
The best thin iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Pros
Thin … Ultra thin
Various color choices
Showcases the phone’s look
Cons
Doesn’t provide protection
Totallee cases are famous for their extreme thinness and minimalistic design, and the one for the all-new iPhone 16 Pro Max is no exception. They prioritize showcasing the original look of your phone while providing basic protection against scratches and minor bumps. The lightweight case is branding-free and comes in a variety of colors and finishes. However, the biggest downside is that the case doesn’t offer much protection.
Totallee Clear Ultra Slim Case
The best thin iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Mujjo
Mujjo Full Leather Phone Case
Best leather iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Pros
Full-grain vegetable tanned-leather
Beautiful crafted
Minimalist design
Cons
Not a lot of drop protection
Mujjo leather cases for iPhones are renowned for their premium full-grain vegetable-tanned leather, minimalist design, and meticulous attention to detail. They provide a blend of style, functionality, and protection for your iPhone. The cases are designed to be slim and lightweight, adding minimal bulk to your iPhone. Mujjo cases are crafted with precision to ensure a snug and secure fit for your specific iPhone model. There’s also a version that includes a wallet.
Mujjo Full Leather Phone Case
Best leather iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Latercase Premium Aramid Case
Best aramid fibers iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Pros
Strong and thin
Great color choices
Made from aramid fibers
Looking for a slim case for your iPhone 16 Pro Max that provides excellent protection? Consider Latercase. This case is made from premium aramid fibers and is available in various colors, including Coffee, Crimson, Midnight, Willy Blue, and classic Black. It’s only 0.6mm thin and weighs just 11 grams. This impressive case is MagSafe compatible, offers enhanced camera protection, and more.
Latercase Premium Aramid Case
Best aramid fibers iPhone 16 Pro Max case
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OtterBox
OtterBox iPhone 16 Pro Max Defender Series
Best alternative rugged iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Pros
Another great rugged choice
Comes in various colors and designs
Includes built-in magnetic snap
The OtterBox Defender Series is well-known for providing excellent protection against drops, bumps, dust, and scratches. It consists of a hard polycarbonate inner shell and a thick silicone outer layer. This series is a popular choice for individuals working in demanding environments or those prone to dropping their phones. It’s certainly on the more expensive side where cases are concerned, but it’s one that’s worth the investment.
OtterBox iPhone 16 Pro Max Defender Series
Best alternative rugged iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Pelican
Pelican Shield iPhone 16 Pro Max Case
The best rugged iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Pros
Four layers of protection
Includes holster and kickstand
Various colors available
The Pelican Shield case offers top-notch protection with its multiple layers of hard polymer and soft rubber coverage. It comes with a belt clip holster and a kickstand for added convenience. The anti-scratch coating ensures that your iPhone 16 Pro Max case stays looking new for longer, and the raised edges protect the camera and screen. It provides 21-foot military-grade drop protection. Again, it’s on the more expensive side.
Pelican Shield iPhone 16 Pro Max Case
The best rugged iPhone 16 Pro Max case
Spigen
Spigen Optik Armor MagFit Case
The best iPhone 16 Pro Max case to protect the cameras
Pros
Protects rear camera system
Good price
Unique look
The Spigen Optik Armor MagFit case is designed to protect your phone and its camera lenses. Its key feature is a sliding camera protector that shields the lenses when not in use, while still allowing easy access for taking photos or videos. The case also provides military-grade protection against drops and bumps, and has raised edges to protect the screen and camera lenses from scratches.
Spigen Optik Armor MagFit Case
The best iPhone 16 Pro Max case to protect the cameras
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