iPhone 17 Pro Max Cases: How to Protect That Ultrawide Camera Bump

The camera bump is wider, and the camera island sits proudly across the entire back, requiring more protection. This means more risk when you place your phone on a table at a cafe, toss it into your backpack, or use a car mount. 

With one bad angle against granite or a zipper pull, those precision-ground lenses will pick up scratches you'll notice in every picture. But the good news is that a good case will protect your camera without making your phone feel like a farm implement. 

In this blog, we outline what to look for, compare four different styles, and show you cases made to protect that ultrawide bump in real-world daily use.

Why the new 17 Pro Camera Bump Needs Special Attention

The iPhone 17 Pro & 17 Pro Max camera lenses protrude above the back, so every time you lay your phone down flat, chances are the lenses require protection.  

The antidote for mitigating lens exposure or lens wobble comes down to three things:

• A continuous raised lip around the entire camera island.

• A rigid frame that won’t flex in use or during drops.

• A lightly textured back that resists sliding toward hazards.

What to Look For in iPhone 17 Pro Max Cases (Checklist)

Use this quick Pro Max checklist to separate marketing from real protection. If a case misses any box, skip it!

• The camera lip or ring should be raised (≥1 mm) around the entire island, not just some of the corners. Ensure the lip is continuous, so the lenses never touch any surface that’s at a perpendicular angle. 

• The frame should be structurally strong enough not to flex when dropped or pressed hard enough to expose the lenses. 

• The inner lining of the case should be made out of a microfiber so that the back glass does not experience micro-abrasion over time. 

• Burkley’s inner case exposes button sides, while Carter’s inner case is a TPU shell that covers all sides.

• MagSafe-compatible magnet array to hold your wallet, stand, or charger safely and easily.

• The fit should be precise for the Pro Max dimensions, ensuring you don't have lens haloing in photos or flash bounce from misaligned cutout features.

Case Styles Compared (Which One Fits Your Life?)

Slim & Minimal (MagSafe)

• Who it’s for: Pocket minimalists who want protection without the bulk.

• Pros: Lightweight, compact, camera lip is protected when facing down, and the attached magnet keeps accessories in place.

• Watchouts: Ensure it has an installed magnet ring and the camera lip height is ≥1 mm.

 Leather (Everyday Premium)

• Who it’s for: Those who value the concept of patina by age and prioritize grip comfort.

• Pros: Premium look and feel, both at work and on the weekends, a grip better than the cheap alternatives, and patinas beautifully over time(except for the Pebble black range, which resists any patina), giving you options for every preference!

• Watchouts: Must have installed the magnet ring for MagSafe compatibility.

Wallet / 2-in-1 Folio

• Who it’s for: Those who want to get rid of separate wallets and want all their cards and their phone in one trustworthy case.

• Pros: Screen cover, RFID card slots, removable inner shell, making days when you don't need the wallet thinner.

• Watchouts: Make sure the camera lip will stay effective with the folio open or closed.

Hybrid Drop-Protection

• Who it’s for: For travellers, parents, or anyone prone to phone drops.

• Pros: Cushioned corners will absorb the drop, reinforced camera bezel, and reasonable thickness

• Watchouts: Avoid being too thick for the back as it will reduce MagSafe hold and charging efficiency.

BlackBrook Cases in the Spotlight

Every BlackBrook case is engineered for a confident snap to wireless chargers and mounts while also protecting your phone from every angle and ensuring it stands out with a sophisticated looks: 

• Mason Leather MagSafe Case (Slim)

Full-grain leather, embedded magnet ring, elevated camera lip. For the minimalist who still wants a premium feel and pocket-friendly carry.

• Arden Leather MagSafe Case (Fully Wrapped)

Elegant wrap design, microfiber lining, secure camera protection. For a daily premium feel with a reliable MagSafe snap.

• Burkley 2-in-1 Wallet (MagSafe-Ready)

Detachable chassis, RFID card slots, and a protective lip surrounding the camera island. For wallet consolidation without a bulk in your pocket. Just detach the wallet and experience top-notch MagSafe charging with the Burkley as well.

• Carter Detachable Wallet Case

Folio cover featuring a removable inner chassis with a reinforced camera ring. For meetings, traveling, and pocket organization, while getting full-screen and lens protection.

Care & Longevity (Leather Cases)

Wipe your leather case weekly with a soft, barely damp cloth to remove oils and dust. Condition the leather no more than two to four times a calendar year. Excess conditioning will darken the finish or lead to a sticky texture. 

Avoid any solvents, harsh cleaners, and leaving your phone in a hot car on the dashboard, as heat will dry the leather and cause cracking over time. Every few weeks, clean the camera ring groove with a dry microfiber cloth or soft brush to keep dust from building up and causing micro-scratches when you slide the phone in and out of pockets.

FAQs (Mark up with FAQ schema)

Do leather MagSafe cases hold wallets securely on Pro Max?

Yes, as long as the embedded MagSafe ring is aligned, these stick. Try tugging it firmly to the side with one hand; it shouldn't move. The magnetic hold depends on the ring strength and alignment, two of the multiple areas where we never compromise.

Does a thicker case reduce MagSafe charging speed?

The most important thing that matters is magnet alignment; a thicker case that has magnets that are weak or misplaced may cause slippage of the phone or may interrupt the charging. Blackbrook keeps all these factors in mind while making the covers to deliver the best possible performance.

How high should the camera lip be to matter?

At least 1 mm, measured from the highest point of the lens array to the edge of the lip. If it is less than that, the lenses would be in a vulnerable position when the phone is lying on an uneven surface.

Can folio flaps cause flash glare?

Very rarely, but possible, if the interior lining of the folio is reflective or the folio flap is not folded back evenly near the flash. Stick with folio cases that have a matte soft lining and a secure magnetic closure so that the flap remains closed after folding it.