If you have purchased an iPhone 16, you will know that there are hundreds of cases for the iPhone 16 series. Whether it’s the regular iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, or even previous iPhone models, the entire ecosystem is dedicated to building the best accessories for the iPhone 16 device.
Of course, 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 great sustainability features – but none offer the variety of cases that Nomad provides.
The Bare Leather Alternative for your iPhone device
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 your large iPhone truly 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 leather, 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 sides. It’s a thin leather back for your phone, and it may not provide much protection if it falls. However, if you want to beautify your iPhone device 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 suitable instead. This is where the traditional leather Nomad case comes in; it’s the perfect alternative to Apple’s own leather case.
The Nomad range is confusing in some ways, 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 offers drop protection up to eight feet. The traditional leather case takes a full wrap style but lacks a 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, though if you have an iPhone 16 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 offers two distinct leather styles: Horween Leather and “Our New Leather.” They are 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 company from Chicago; Nomad’s leather comes from Dannish Tannery Ecco. The former is handmade, more supple, 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 smell, 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 mark easily.
It’s all about Leather, Leather, Leather
If you want a leather Apple accessory, there’s a good chance you’ll find a Nomad option. I have had a few of these, and they’re all great. The Passport Wallet Pen Edition is a great way to store your passport while traveling. There are also some great options for wallets, card holders, Apple Watch bands, and AirPods cases.
There are also a variety of other leather iPhone cases. I’ve tried the leather wallet case, and the detachable magnetic clip is a new way to design a case for everyone. Likewise, there is a wide range of Apple Watch straps. From the traditional modern leather strap to the slim contemporary strap, there’s plenty to choose from.
While Apple may no longer make leather iPhone cases, when Nomad’s options are this good, that’s okay.
