If this was true wouldn't there be a market for a ruggedized version that has the toughness of a case, from the factory as shipped? Its a little silly for Apply to shave every possible half-millimeter from the design and then have 99% of people add back the thickness plus a lot of extra by adding a case. Why not have a factory-ruggedized version which isn't as thick as adding that case but is just as rugged?

Considering the price and re-sale value of iphones I would add a case even if they ruggedized it.

My current (Android) phone is from 2020 and I have bought three cases for it because the previous ones got wear and tear. The phone inside still looks brand new.

But yeah, the trend of ultra-thin phones is silly.

That open a new business for them to sell $60 cases that are worth $2 of materials and have a great panel to match people’s taste which is even more appealing to buy

If you like the color, you can use a transparent case.

Transparent cases are a thing dontchaknow!

Ask workers of cell phone stores and you’ll find that figure is way off. Not everyone wants a case. Having a case significantly changes the feeling of the device in hand.

As someone who does not use a case, I almost never see anyone else without one. To the point that when I do, I usually mistake their phone for mine.

I bought a blue iPhone 16 last year at this time; I've never used a case. More people are going case-less these days.