Give your best friend a new jacket
There are many options when picking a case for your Apple iPhone, but only some materials are as durable or luxurious as leather. Then again, not all leather cases are made equal, and that’s why we’ve gathered the five best examples you can buy today.
Although we’ve singled out cases for specific iPhone models here, remember that most are available for multiple iPhone model types.
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a Leather Case
Leather is a material that never really goes out of style. Well, unless you’re Apple and decide leather is so yesterday, but for the rest of us, it’s still the last word in luxury.
The demand for leather iPhone cases is not only about fashion but also about functionality. From the iPhone SE to the iPhone 15 Pro, there are plenty of choices when it comes to leather cases. But, before you hit the “checkout” button, you should consider a few key elements to ensure you’re investing in a case that fits your needs.
Type of Leather
You’ll encounter adjectives like “genuine leather” and “full-grain leather.” What’s the difference? Well, genuine leather is the baseline. It’s authentic, but you can get better quality. Aim for full-grain leather accessories if you want something more luxurious and long-lasting. This high-quality material develops a beautiful patina over time, which means it’ll look even better as it ages. Whichever type of genuine leather you go for, it will be an upgrade over synthetic materials.
Compatibility
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is a different beast compared to the iPhone 12 Mini, especially in terms of size and shape. The last thing you want is to purchase a Pro Max case that doesn’t fit your non-Max device. Always double-check compatibility, especially when new products launch.
Features
Features like card slots can turn a simple leather phone case into a functional leather wallet. Some leather cases offer folio-style designs that provide room for cards and act as a stand for your phone.
MagSafe and Wireless Chargers
You love MagSafe; who doesn’t? But not all leather iPhone cases are MagSafe compatible. This is a big deal if you rely on MagSafe wireless charging or accessories. Ensure the case you’re considering has this feature if it’s important to you.
Protection
A screen protector is a good combo for a leather case. Even a high-quality leather case might not offer your iPhone’s screen the best protection. At the very least, look for a leather case with a good raised lip so that no part of the screen touches the ground when the phone is face down.
Aesthetics
Brown, black, embossed, or smooth? The aesthetic choice is personal, but a range of colors can complement the natural look of leather. From professional to casual, there’s something for everyone, and of course, you can buy multiple colors of the same case in leather for different occasions.
Vegan Leather
For those who love the look and feel of leather but prefer a more ethical or environmentally friendly solution, vegan leather is a viable option. Vegan leather can offer a similar aesthetic and feel to genuine leather, but it’s made without using any animal products.
Many cases are designed to be just as functional, with card slots and even MagSafe compatibility. However, it’s worth noting that vegan leather’s durability and aging process can differ from natural leather. So, if you’re considering this route, ensure you’re well-versed in how to care for it to ensure its longevity, and don’t expect it to weather and patina in the same way as genuine leather.
Made in the USA
While not a make-or-break criterion for most, some folks love supporting local craftsmanship. If that’s you, be on the lookout for leather cases handcrafted in the USA or specific territories you may care about.
So, remember these points before you splash the cash, whether it’s a case for your new iPhone 15 Plus or a classic iPhone SE. Now, let’s move on to our best leather case choices.
1. Apple Original Leather Case
We’ve linked an iPhone 11 case as an example here. But you can get an original Apple leather case for modern iPhones, excluding the latest iPhone 15, since Apple has officially ended leather support. That means any Apple leather cases for sale are the last ones, so you better grab them while they’re hot.
The specific Forest Green case we’ve highlighted here is made from specially tanned European leather; the case offers a soft, luxurious feel while developing a unique patina over time. The forest green hue brings a sophisticated touch to your device, but if you’re looking for variety, colors like (PRODUCT)RED and Midnight Blue are also on the menu. Machined aluminum buttons complement the leather finish, adding a bit of flair. Plus, the case has gone through rigorous testing to ensure it protects against scratches and minor drops, making it as practical as it is elegant.
It features a slim-fit design that adds no extra bulk, perfectly housing the iPhone 11 Pro. A microfiber lining provides a soft interior cushion, while the case is compatible with wireless charging. Apple cases for iPhones that have MagSafe are also compatible with that tech. There’s nothing negative to say about these cases; your author uses one for his iPhone 14 Pro case. The price might be a little high, but with their discontinuation, you may see some killer sales.
2. Mous – Case for iPhone 14
The Mous Limitless 5.0 Black Leather Case for the iPhone 14 is what you might call a fortress for your device. Engineered with AiroShock impact-absorbing technology, this case isn’t messing around regarding safeguarding your iPhone. It’s not all about protection, though. The case combines this rugged functionality with a luxurious black leather finish, striking a fine balance between resilience and style. Beyond the leather, Mous offers this case in several other intriguing finishes like Aramid Fibre and Carbon Fiber, which broadens the scope for those who prefer different tactile experiences.
When it comes to functionality, the Limitless 5.0 offers an impressive suite of features. Notably, it’s fully MagSafe compatible, ensuring that you can latch on all your MagSafe accessories without a hitch. This focus on compatibility is especially crucial given how central MagSafe has become in the Apple ecosystem. Furthermore, the case is meticulously designed to be a perfect fit just for the iPhone 14, which means no awkward alignment issues or loose corners. Another big win is the limited lifetime warranty, a testament to Mous’s confidence in the case’s durability and some extra peace of mind.
3. Wilken iPhone Leather Wrapped Case iPhone 13 Case
The Wilken Leather Wrapped Case for the iPhone 13 Pro Max combines aesthetic appeal with functional design. Made of premium top-grain genuine leather, the case exudes a classic charm that can only be timeless. The brown leather finish, handcrafted for that perfect fit and feel, adds a layer of sophistication to your device. If brown doesn’t tickle your fancy, you’ll find other color options like Tan or Blue. Adding to its allure is the attention to detail: custom metal button controls for volume and power make interaction effortless and tactile, a subtle yet significant feature.
When it comes to utility, this case has been designed with modern conveniences in mind. It’s compatible with MagSafe and wireless charging, ensuring you’re not fishing for cables when it’s time to juice up. Furthermore, the case offers raised edge protection for both the camera lens and the iPhone screen. This provides an efficient shield against drops and scratches without making the phone bulky or cumbersome. The open-bottom design is another thoughtful inclusion aimed at providing easy access to ports and ensuring optimal sound clarity from the device’s speakers.
4. TORRO Case Compatible with iPhone 13
The TORRO Leather Wallet Case for iPhone 13 presents itself as the Swiss Army knife of phone cases. Exclusively designed for the iPhone 13, this folio case is made from premium top-grain cowhide leather sourced from some of the finest tanneries in the US.
The dark brown leather exudes a sort of understated luxury, which is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things but don’t feel the need to shout about them. The case doesn’t just stop at good looks; TORRO has made sure to incorporate a unique, durable TPU frame that’s designed to absorb shocks, safeguarding your iPhone from the cruel world of drops and bumps.
When it comes to features, the TORRO case is brimming with them. It not only has an integrated kickstand for horizontal screen viewing but also includes three card slots and a larger compartment for notes. You can leave your wallet at home with this kind of utility. As for protection, the case has you covered—literally. A raised lip protects the screen, and another around the camera safeguards that precious lens. The magnetic clasp on the side ensures that the case stays securely closed, all while maintaining a slim profile.
5. Belemay iPhone 12/12 Pro Wallet Case – Genuine Leather
The Belemay iPhone 12/12 Pro Wallet Case is a masterstroke of craftsmanship designed for the discerning user who values style and substance. Crafted from premium Italian cowhide leather, it offers not just a luxe look but also features like RFID-blocking card slots and a built-in bill compartment. It’s a wallet and protective case all rolled into one, offering 360-degree protection for your device thanks to its shock-absorbing TPU shell and raised edges for the camera and screen.
Functionality isn’t compromised either; the case boasts precise cutouts for all ports and doubles as a kickstand for adjustable viewing angles. Whether you’re concerned about digital security, device protection, or simply making a style statement, the Belemay iPhone 12/12 Pro Wallet Case is a comprehensive solution that elegantly checks all the boxes.
