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The iPhone Duo starts shipping tomorrow, and if you were able to snag one in the blink-and-you-miss-it pre-orders, getting a case is a no-brainer for a device that starts at $2,000. You might not want to cover up a phone that looks this good, but if you decide to go caseless, be prepared for Apple’s premium repair costs.
Finding the right case for a foldable isn’t quite the same as picking one for a regular iPhone. It needs to cover two halves of the device, account for the hinge, and allow the phone to open and close freely. Some cases also add features such as kickstands, while others keep things simple to avoid extra bulk.
One thing to keep in mind before choosing is that we haven’t tested these cases ourselves. The recommendations below are based on their designs, listed features, and manufacturers’ claims, so consider them a starting point rather than a final verdict.
What to look for in an iPhone Duo case
The hinge is one of the first things to consider. Some cases cover it with a movable section, while others leave it exposed. An early hands-on video showed an unusually soft inner display over the hinge, so hinge protection is worth considering before you settle on a case.
Your daily use matters, too. If you plan to watch videos or make FaceTime calls with the phone propped up on a desk, a built-in kickstand can save you from carrying a separate stand. The Duo can already stand on its own when partly open, but a case with an adjustable stand gives you another way to position it on a desk or kitchen counter.
MagSafe compatibility is another thing to check. The Duo supports MagSafe charging, and most of the cases on this list have built-in magnets for compatible chargers and accessories.
Apple Pencil support is also coming, but there’s a catch. The phone will support the USB-C Apple Pencil, which connects through a cable rather than magnetically. You therefore don’t need a case with a magnetic Pencil attachment.
The best iPhone Duo cases
1. Best official option
Apple’s own iPhone Duo Case costs $79 and uses two separate pieces, one for each half of the phone. It covers the front and back while keeping the overall design thin and light. The case comes in sand and navy blue.
Since it’s made specifically for the Duo, you won’t have to worry about whether the buttons and cutouts line up properly. Apple keeps things simple here, with protection for both halves but no extras such as a kickstand.
2. Best for videos and FaceTime
The Apple iPhone Duo Folio with Kickstand costs $129 and uses Apple’s TechWoven technical fabric. Unlike a full-coverage case, it protects the back without wrapping around the edges.
Its kickstand sits flush against the case when not in use and props the phone up at different angles when you need it. You can also continue using MagSafe charging with the stand open. The folio comes in taupe and navy blue.
This makes it a good option if you regularly use the Duo as a small screen on a table. The open edges do mean less protection against drops than a case that wraps around the phone.
If you prefer leather, Nomad also sells a Traditional Leather Folio for the Duo at the same $129 price.
3. Best for rough use
The OtterBox Defender Series Pro XT is a rugged, two-piece case with a pressure-fitted frame, port covers to keep out dust and dirt, and a raised edge to keep the screen off flat surfaces. It also has built-in magnets for MagSafe chargers and accessories.
The hinge cover moves as you open and close the phone, then lies flat when the Duo is unfolded. That gives you hinge coverage without getting in the way of normal use.
Protection comes at the expense of size, so expect this case to feel bulkier than Apple’s options. It’s worth considering if you frequently drop your phone or use it in rough environments.
OtterBox also offers the Lumen Clear MagSafe Case for the Duo if you’d rather have a transparent design with less of a rugged look.
4. Best clear case with a stand
Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid Pro S from its Mag Fit range combines a clear case with a circular kickstand. The stand supports both portrait and landscape orientations, making it useful for watching videos or keeping the phone upright during calls.
The transparent design also lets you show off the Duo’s Night Sky or Star White finish without switching to a folio-style cover.
Spigen has other options, including the Tough Armor Pro and Slim Armor Pro. If you want both a kickstand and hinge protection, the Slim Armor Pro S is another model to consider.
One drawback with clear cases is that the plastic can turn yellow over time. The case may not look as transparent after a year of use as it does when new.
5. Best clear case with hinge protection
The Tech21 EvoCrystal MagSafe uses a one-piece design with an auto-closing hinge cover. The cover moves with the phone as you fold and unfold it, protecting the hinge without requiring a separate piece for each half.
Tech21 says its FlexShock material absorbs impact energy and helps protect the phone through multiple drops. Built-in magnets also maintain compatibility with MagSafe chargers and battery packs.
The version listed for the Duo comes in Black Tint, which lets some of the phone’s finish show through. If you want a transparent case with hinge coverage but would rather avoid a two-piece design, the EvoCrystal MagSafe is worth a look.
6. Best slim case
Pitaka’s iPhone Duo cases cover both halves of the phone while leaving the hinge exposed. They support MagSafe and come in several finishes, including patterned designs named Moonrise, Sunset, and California Dream.
The Aramid Fiber Case is the option to consider if keeping the phone thin and light matters more to you than covering every part of it. There’s an obvious trade-off, though. With no case protection over the hinge, that area remains exposed to knocks and scratches. This option makes more sense if you’re careful with your phone and comfortable with the added risk.
7. Best leather case
The Burton Goods Heritage Leather Case for the iPhone Duo uses a leather hinge section and rare-earth magnets to help pull the phone shut. If you’d prefer something closer to a wallet cover, Burton Goods also sells a Pocket Book leather case for the Duo.
Sandmarc has a leather case for the phone as well, giving you another option to compare before buying.
Leather develops a different look with regular use, gradually changing color and showing signs of wear. Some people like that character, while others prefer a case that looks the same over time. If you fall into the first group, Burton Goods is worth considering.
8. How to choose the right iPhone Duo case
The Apple iPhone Duo Case is the simplest option if you want an official case without extra features. For watching videos or making calls with the phone propped up, consider Apple’s Folio with Kickstand or Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid Pro S.
The OtterBox Defender Series Pro XT is the better fit if you want a rugged case, while the Tech21 EvoCrystal MagSafe combines a clear design with a covered hinge. Pitaka makes more sense if you prefer a slim profile, Burton Goods is worth considering for leather, and CASETiFY gives you more room to personalize the phone’s appearance.
Availability is still uneven, with some retailer listings showing cases as unavailable. Delivery estimates for the phone itself also reportedly moved into late January after pre-orders opened. If you can’t find your preferred case right away, it may be worth waiting rather than settling for one you don’t really want.
If you’re still weighing up whether Apple’s foldable is worth $1,999, you can also compare it with these five foldable alternatives before making a decision.
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