If you have bought an iPhone 16, you will know that there are hundreds of cases for the iPhone 16 series. Whether it’s the regular iPhone 16, or the iPhone 16 Pro, or even previous iPhone models, the entire ecosystem is dedicated to building the best accessories for the iPhone 16 device.
Certainly, you can buy something from Apple, and for many years, the company has offered many cases in its stores. It still has a range of items in a variety of materials, except for one material: leather.
Fortunately, there is an alternative. Many companies offer leather cases – including Mujjo, which has excellent sustainability properties – but none of them offer the variety of cases that Nomad does.
The Bare Leather Alternative for the iPhone
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a large phone, and while I love the more compact iPhone 16 Pro as my daily iPhone, sometimes I opt for the larger iPhone. I have already written about the best slim case for the iPhone 16 Pro, but for the Pro Max, I wanted something different.
How can you make the large iPhone really stand out from the rest, especially since it lacks the vibrant look that the regular iPhone has? Enter the magnetic leather back from Nomad.
It’s the leather equivalent of Dbrand skin, a way to truly make your phone stand out. The magnetic accessory is not perfect, but it’s fun and unique. It’s perfect if you want a semi-naked experience, where there’s no cover around the edges. It’s a thin leather back for your phone, and it may not provide much protection if dropped. However, if you want to beautify your iPhone with minimal added bulk, this is a fun and unique solution.
The Most Traditional Leather iPhone Case
The magnetic back may not be suitable for everyone, and there are times when a proper leather case is more fitting instead. This is where the traditional leather Nomad case comes in; it’s the perfect alternative to Apple’s case.
The Nomad lineup is a bit confusing, with the product you receive differing in several key aspects. If you’re looking for a modern leather case like the one shown here, you’ll get a leather back reinforced with a plastic frame that provides drop protection of up to eight feet. The traditional leather case takes the full wrap style but lacks the protection rating.
Both models also come in several shades, and I love the light English Tan Nomad Leather color. Not all options are available for every iPhone 16 model, although if you have the Pro or Pro Max, you should be able to choose from the wider range.
To Horween or Not to Horween?
Nomad is unique in that it features two distinct leather styles: Horween Leather and « Our New Leather ». They’re vastly different and appeal to two completely different sets of people, and which one you should buy depends on what’s more important to you.
Horween Leather comes from a partnership with the synonymous Chicago company; Nomad’s leather is from the Danish Tannery Ecco. The former is handcrafted, softer, and develops patina much faster, while the latter uses computers to ensure a more consistent and uniform design that develops patina slowly over time.
Horween Leather has a stronger leather scent, while Nomad Leather is less fragrant. After trying both models, I love the richness of Horween leather, but I prefer Nomad leather because it doesn’t scratch or leave marks easily.
It’s All About Leather and Leather and More Leather
If you want one of Apple’s leather accessories, there’s a good chance you’ll find a Nomad option. I have a few of these, and they’re all great. The Passport Wallet Pen Edition is a great way to store your passport when traveling. There are also some great options for wallets, card holders, Apple Watch bands, and AirPods cases.
There’s also a range of other leather iPhone cases. I’ve tried the leather sleeve, and the detachable magnetic clasp is a new style for designing a case for everyone. Similarly, there’s a wide range of Apple Watch bands. From the traditional modern leather strap to the slim modern strap, there’s plenty to choose from.
Apple may no longer make leather iPhone cases, but when Nomad’s options are this good, that’s okay.
