Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
In an unusual move, Apple has decided to offer cases for its new iPhones. For the more premium iPhone 5c, Apple has created a range of fanatically crafted leather cases that fit the gold, silver and space grey iPhone 5s models (and the iPhone 5) perfectly.
Selling for $45.00 in Canada, the Apple 5s Cases are made of supple leather, not unlike what one would find inside premium vehicles. The level of precision and build quality in these cases is spectacular. They have openings, for the camera, headphone jack, speakers, Lightning port and another for the mute button. Every other button is covered and protected. The case adds very little weight and almost no bulk to the iPhone 5s.
The interior of the case is made from a soft microfiber lining designed to pamper the exterior casing of the iPhone 5s. The Apple 5s Case comes in Brown, Beige, Black, Yellow, Blue and Product (RED). These are some of the nicest cases we've seen for the iPhone and they're designed to fit the new phones extremely well. the colours are also unusual variants of popular colours but still quite attractive.
Apple's seen the wisdom of making their own cases (we're not counting the iPhone 4 bumper as a case) and while on the expensive side, the Apple 5s Cases do offer a level of craftsmanship and quality materials that are tough to beat.
There are some caveats with the Apple 5s Case. It is so precisely built that it is easy to install but difficult to remove. During my test of the case, I found it challenging to take it off because there's almost no clearance between the surfaces. As a result it kept pressing on the power button or triggering the mute switch. If you place this case on, it stays on.
Being made of premium leather, it is also prone to water stains if you're not careful with it but aside from that it is designed to wear well through time.
Apple doesn't enter any market that it can't offer a compelling product choice in. While the Apple 5s Case is priced above most run of the mill cases, it is a premium product through and through and a perfect complement to protect the fresh iPhone 5s.
Rating: 4 out of 5