The $49 polycarbonate hardshell cases feature “flexible sidewalls” to absorb some of the impact when dropped, and a microfiber interior lining to protect the iPhone's surface. Beats says the outer surface of each case has been treated with a “glossy, scratch-resistant coating,” a feature that may be a response to Apple's problematic – and now-discontinued – Microtwill FineWoven cases, which were prone to scratches.
Available to order from Apple's website starting today in Midnight Black, Summit Stone, Riptide Blue, and Sunset Purple colorways, the new Beats cases use a “sapphire crystal bonded to a conductive layer” to transmit finger presses and swipes to the iPhone 16's camera control button. They also include an additional magnetic ring for a more secure connection to MagSafe and Qi2 wireless chargers and accessories.