The Apple Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro Max sells for $49. I didn’t plan to buy it at first — the back doesn’t look truly “clear” like Apple’s older cases — but the more I looked at it, the more it grew on me. Eventually, I decided to give it a try. Here are my thoughts after using it for a few weeks.
The box looks just like every other Apple clear case packaging: a white background with the case printed on top. Because of the white box, though, that large white panel on the case isn’t immedtiately obvious.
I’ve used Apple’s clear cases on the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max before, so I already expected a solid build. These cases always feel sturdy and well-made.
What bothers me a little about the iPhone 17 Pro Max clear case is the big white panel on the back. Apple added it to hide the fact that the MagSafe ring doesn’t sit exactly at the center of the Apple logo. They could have moved the logo up, but that would have thrown off the alignment with the glass panel. Apple clearly chose visual balance over perfect symmetry, even if it makes the design look a bit unusual.
Spigen took a different route with its Ultra Hybrid T MagFit series for the iPhone 17 Pro. The brand used a color-matched panel instead, which blends much better with the phone’s design.
The camera control button sits inside a white plastic surround, and pressing it feels similar to using the real camera control on the iPhone.
Apple left a large cutout at the bottom — something they always do with their clear cases. I actually prefer it that way. It makes swiping up to go Home easier and helps when removing the case, since the bottom flexes more than the top.
The camera cutout is raised higher than the lenses, so you can safely place your iPhone flat on a table without worrying about scratches.
One improvement I appreciate this year is the redesigned buttons. Apple’s older clear cases had stiff, mushy buttons with poor feedback. The new ones on the iPhone 17 Pro Max feel crisp and responsive, even the Action button.
Older button designs also tended to yellow faster. My clear case for the iPhone 15 Pro Max still looks fine after two years, but the button area has started to turn yellow. The new design should resist that problem much better.
The grip feels good overall. Some users say the case feels slippery, but for someone with slightly sweaty hands like me, it’s manageable. The surface does attract fingerprints and smudges, though, so I wipe it down every few days to keep it clean.
Overall, I’ve been happy using this clear case daily with my iPhone 17 Pro Max. It’s tough, scratch-resistant, and fits perfectly. The new buttons are a big upgrade, and the design feels cleaner than before. I think it looks best with the Silver iPhone 17 Pro Max, but even paired with my Cosmic Orange, it still looks great.
