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Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

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Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#11
post #9

The more pertinent question, if you step back for a moment, is why the hell are we sacrificing everything for thinner phones and edge-to-edge displays only to then ship them with a more or less mandatory case to stick in.

Yeah it always struck me as bizarre - here is a technological marvel, beautifully crafted, polished and shiny, slim and elegant.

But you have to put it in an ugly protective case or it'll be borked inside a year.

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#12
post #6

But they have a clear case with no trace of metal or magnetic material to help it "stick". The theory isn't very sound...

Edit: hum, I think that clear case does have magnets in the circular strip? But the bezels don't look particularly narrow to me... Why would it be harder to make a case for the new iPhones that slightly wraps around the edges, compared to a 2017 Essential phone for instance?

It does. That's what the circular strip is for, like you said.

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#13
post #9

The more pertinent question, if you step back for a moment, is why the hell are we sacrificing everything for thinner phones and edge-to-edge displays only to then ship them with a more or less mandatory case to stick in.

My OnePlus 7 Pro came with a "recommended" "buffer" in the box. It needs it.

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#14
post #11
post #9

The more pertinent question, if you step back for a moment, is why the hell are we sacrificing everything for thinner phones and edge-to-edge displays only to then ship them with a more or less mandatory case to stick in.

Yeah it always struck me as bizarre - here is a technological marvel, beautifully crafted, polished and shiny, slim and elegant. But you have to put it in an ugly protective case or it'll be borked inside a year.

I had an iPhone 6 or 6S Plus for a couple years a while back, and since then I haven’t ever needed to use a case. I just got so used to using my phone with both hands, and two phones later I’ve never needed a repair.

Of course, as soon as I post this, I’m probably going to break it. But the caseless life does exist!

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#16
post #11
post #9

The more pertinent question, if you step back for a moment, is why the hell are we sacrificing everything for thinner phones and edge-to-edge displays only to then ship them with a more or less mandatory case to stick in.

Yeah it always struck me as bizarre - here is a technological marvel, beautifully crafted, polished and shiny, slim and elegant. But you have to put it in an ugly protective case or it'll be borked inside a year.

You really don't. I haven't used a case on for more than a total of a month in the last ten years. Even with dropping my phone fairly frequently, and sometimes onto concrete from head height, I've only had one phone receive more than minor cosmetic scratches.

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#17
post #9

The more pertinent question, if you step back for a moment, is why the hell are we sacrificing everything for thinner phones and edge-to-edge displays only to then ship them with a more or less mandatory case to stick in.

Though it makes sense for phones to have a cheap shell that you can swap instead of the $1000 device itself taking damage. The alternative is to build insulation and bumpers into the case that you can't swap. I don't think that's better.

I tried to go caseless back when I was 22 and thought anyone would care how pretty my phone was, but it was slippery and accumulated damage for no reason. My next phone, I kept a case on it and when I sold it after a few years, it looked good as new.

I suppose something that's going to live in a case has no real need to be so beautiful. But it's also a luxury consumer good, so "we cut some corners, so it's ugly, but it's in a case anyways amiright?" isn't really the best marketing message. Also, clear cases seem quite popular for those who do want to show it off.

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#18
post #9

The more pertinent question, if you step back for a moment, is why the hell are we sacrificing everything for thinner phones and edge-to-edge displays only to then ship them with a more or less mandatory case to stick in.

What are you saying? If they make thicker phone then case is not needed?

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#19
post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yeah it always struck me as bizarre - here is a technological marvel, beautifully crafted, polished and shiny, slim and elegant. But you have to put it in an ugly protective case or it'll be borked inside a year.

You really don't. I haven't used a case on for more than a total of a month in the last ten years. Even with dropping my phone fairly frequently, and sometimes onto concrete from head height, I've only had one phone receive more than minor cosmetic scratches.

Whereas I lose count of the various phones I've cracked. Never had an iphone, but I've destroyed screens on Samsungs, Motorolas, at least one nexus device... Every phone I insisted on using caseless.

Perhaps I'm just clumsy :)

Re: Did Apple build MagSafe so that cases can “stick” to the new iPhones?

#20
post #18
post #9

The more pertinent question, if you step back for a moment, is why the hell are we sacrificing everything for thinner phones and edge-to-edge displays only to then ship them with a more or less mandatory case to stick in.

What are you saying? If they make thicker phone then case is not needed?

Yeah I don't get his logic at all. I would have purchased a case either way. At least with a thinner phone, the case isn't as unwieldy.
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