If you’ve ever bought an iPhone 16, you know there are hundreds of cases available for the iPhone 16 series. Whether it’s the regular iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, or previous iPhones, we have an entire ecosystem dedicated to building the best accessories for iPhone 16.
Sure, you can buy things from Apple. And the company has offered many cases in its stores over the years. And all but one item is still available in a variety of materials. It’s leather.
Thankfully, there are alternatives. Many companies offer leather cases, including the highly sustainable Mujjo, but no one offers as much variety as Nomad.
Naked Leather Case Alternatives for iPhone
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a big phone, and while I love the more compact iPhone 16 Pro as my everyday iPhone, I sometimes choose the larger iPhone. We’ve already written about the best thin cases for the iPhone 16 Pro, but we wanted something different for the Pro Max.
What makes a big iPhone really stand out from the crowd, especially since it lacks the vibrant pop of a regular iPhone? Enter the Nomad Magnetic Leather Back.
This is the leather equivalent of a Dbrand skin and a way to truly make your phone stand out. The magnetic attachment isn’t perfect, but it’s fun and unique. There’s no case on the sides, so it’s perfect if you want an almost naked experience. The back of the phone is made of thin leather, which probably won’t protect your phone as much if it falls. Still, if you want to spruce up your iPhone with as little bulk as possible, this is a fun and unique solution.
A more traditional leather iPhone case
Magnetic backs aren’t for everyone, so you may want to use a proper leather case instead. This is where Nomad’s traditional leather case comes into play. It’s the leather iPhone case Apple should have made, and it’s the perfect replacement for Apple’s own leather iPhone cases.
Nomad’s lineup is a bit confusing, and the products you receive differ in a few key ways. If you want a modern leather case like the one seen here, you get a leather back reinforced with a plastic frame that provides 8 feet of drop protection. Traditional leather cases adopt full wrap method, but lack protection grade.
Both styles come in several shades, and I love the bright English tan Nomad leather. Not all options are available on each iPhone 16 model, but if you have an iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, you should have the widest selection to choose from.
To go to Horween or not to go to Horween?
Nomad is unique because it features two different leather styles: Horween Leather and “Our New Leather.” These are very different and appeal to two completely different groups of people. Which one you should buy depends on what’s more important to you.
Horween Leather was born out of a partnership with an iconic Chicago company. Nomad leather is made by the Danish tannery Ecco. The former is made by hand and is softer and develops a patina more quickly, while the latter uses computers to ensure a more consistent, uniform design and develops a patina more slowly over time. Masu.
Horween leather has a strong leather smell, while Nomad leather has a weak smell. Having tried both styles, I like the rich texture of Horween leather, but I prefer Nomad leather, which is less prone to scratches and marks.
It’s all about leather, leather, leather
If you want leather Apple accessories, there’s a good chance you’ll find a Nomad option. I have several of these and they are all great. The Passport Wallet Pen Edition is perfect for storing your passport when traveling. There are also some great options, including wallets, card holders, and cases for Apple Watch and AirPods.
We also have many other leather iPhone cases. I tried the leather folio case, and the removable magnetic clasp is a novel approach to designing a folio for everyone. Similarly, there are plenty of Apple Watch bands to choose from. From traditional modern leather bands to modern slim bands, there are plenty of options.
Apple may not make leather iPhone cases anymore, but that’s OK when Nomad’s options are this good.
Purchase at NOMAD Goods
