Phone cases – fusing fashion and functionality

by Arvi Marie Dacuba (Content Editor)

Image source: Unsplash

Combining fashion and functionality – that's what today's mobile phone cases do. iPhone cases are now viewed by Millennials and Gen-Zs as additional fashion accessories. Influencers, celebrities, and stylish individuals are elevating their mirror selfies by using cute, attractive phone cases. These are either personalized or feature bold and vibrant prints, colors and patterns. In a Vogue interview, Devon Lee and Sydney Carlson who are founders of the Wildflower Cases company stated that “lighting, props and a cute case” are the three elements vital to achieving a perfect selfie. Simply having one case won’t do. To keep one’s social media feed fresh, a digital native generally purchases several phone cases from time to time. Popular designs include logo cases featuring popular fashion brands, plus glittery, floral, abstract, and cross-body cases.

Image source: Unsplash

Functionality-wise, a protective case is considered a “must-have” accessory for a smartphone, given the hefty price tag of one. In addition, repairing a damaged phone is costly on consumers, which leads users to invest in quality protective cases instead. According to Mordor Intelligence, rugged phone cases are witnessing a significant demand, especially in iPhone users in the United States. Plenty of these cases offer 360-degree protection and may include air-cushioned corners and resilient outer layers of plastic. Spigen offers military-grade rugged iPhone cases for older and recent models alike. Meanwhile, new entrant ArmadilloTek offers rugged cases with three-layer protection.

The phone cases market is projected by Research and Markets to register a CAGR of 6.5 percent from 2020 to 2028. Main key drivers include the increasing global demand of smartphones, growth of 5G, low-selling price of phone cases, plus the plethora of available smartphones being released by manufacturers each year. The Asia-Pacific region is poised to achieve the highest growth. The rate of smartphone adoption is expanding across countries such as China, Indonesia, India and Brazil, thanks to the increase of internet use, popularity of social media, disposable income, and growing population. Silicone cases for iPhone 11 and silicone cases for iPhone Xr are constantly being searched for online.

Image source: Pixabay

However, there is no set benchmark for the quality of phone cases and covers, which can restrain market growth. As sourcing professionals, working with trustworthy suppliers who uphold both quality and quantity is important. Verified suppliers from Global Sources are always on the lookout on what's trending in the market, so they can provide high-quality phone cases to buyers.

The products in the gallery below have been selected by our Market Analyst for representing trends related to cases for iPhone in today’s market.

Rugged armor case for iPhone 12 Pro Max

Company: Shenzhen Grandshine Technology Co. Ltd

Shenzhen Grandshine offers the GSC-228 rugged armor case for the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It has four layers of protection consisting of metal, soft silicone, another metal layer and tempered glass. There are metal bumpers on all four corners. The case is water-, dust, and shock-resistant. It is priced at $8.97 to $9.31 for an MOQ of two pieces. Lead time is 7 to 15 days.

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MagSafe-enabled case for iPhone 13

Company: Shenzhen Innovation Bo Chun Digital Technology Co. Ltd

The MagSafe 13 Flower Case Purple case for iPhone from Shenzhen Innovation Bo Chun Digital is a MagSafe-compatible PC+TPU case for iPhone 13. Its design features a dried follow and glitter. The product is scratch-, fingerprint-, fall- and dust-resistant. Lead time takes 10 to 20 days. For a minimum order of 20 pieces, price is $ 6.20 to $7.

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Fabric case for iPhone 13 series

Company: Case Provider Technology (Shenzhen) Ltd

The CPWF224 case for iPhone from Case Provider is wrapped in premium knitted fabric. Its inner part features soft microfiber lining for scratch protection. This is priced at $3.60 to $3.80 for an MOQ of 300 pieces. Lead time is 10 to 15 days.

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Case for iPhone 11 series, with strap

Company: Dongguan Kingstonee Leather Co. Ltd

Dongguan Kingstonee Leather offers the 086, a case for the iPhone 11 series that integrates a wrist or cross-body strap. It is made of soft, liquid silicone. For a minimum order of 200 pieces, each case costs $5.50. Lead time is 15 to 20 days.

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Colorful gradient design

Company: Quanzhou Maxtop Group Co. Ltd

Quanzhou Maxtop’s PX-PC-929 is a soft TPU mobile case vailable for the iPhone 11, 12 and 13 series. It is shock-, water-, dirt-, scratch- and impact-resistant. Colors can be customized. This is priced at $1.06 to $1.15 for a minimum order of 20 sets. Lead time is 7 to 30 days.

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Case for iPhone 13, with card storage

Company: Shenzhen Rainbow Electronic Co. Ltd

This case for iPhone 13, the IP13 from Shenzhen Rainbow integrates a card storage pocket. The product is made of ABS and silicone. For an MOQ of 200 pieces, each case is priced at $0.90 to $2.95. Free samples are offered by the supplier.

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With kickstand, card holder

Company: Flying Mobile Phone Case Co. Ltd

Made of TPU and PC, the JXEHY-G091 rugged case for iPhone from Flying Mobile features a retractable kickstand and a card holder. Logo, color, packing and mold can be customized. Price is $1.10 to $1.590 for a minimum order of 100 pieces. Average lead time is 7 to 15 days.

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