apple | At Home with Tech

August 24, 2025

Best Case Designs to Protect Your iPhone’s Camera Lenses

Are you frustrated when you search to buy a product, and it doesn’t seem to exist? Welcome to my world.

A couple years back I decided that I wanted to give extra protection to the three camera lenses on the back of my iPhone 15 Pro Max. The obvious solution was a case with a removable cover for the lenses.

Sure, I know the iPhone’s lenses are coated with a layer of synthetic sapphire. Yes, they’re supposed to be totally scratch resistant. Every Apple genius I’ve talked with has confirmed there’s no need to worry about the lenses. (Just don’t point a diamond-tipped drill bit at them.)

iPhone Cases Should Offer More Lens Protection
As a result of this collective consensus, just about every iPhone case leaves this part of the iPhone entirely unprotected (except for a raised rim).

But this doesn’t feel quite right to me. Other camera lenses (for ‘traditional’ cameras) are offered the protection from a lens cap.

I simply want a similar safeguard for my iPhone.

Case Closed?
First off, I shunned the option to buy those clear, pop-on caps for each iPhone lens. Sure, they may protect the lens, but I think these caps must degrade the resulting quality of the iPhone pictures.The good news is I eventually found an iPhone case with a little ‘door’ over the lenses that I could simply flip open.

It’s the UBMag XT case made by SUPCASE, and it was exactly what I needed. That is… until the frame recently started to crack and separate. (To be fair, I got almost two years of protection from my SUPCASE. Maybe that’s all anyone should expect.)

So, I began my search for a replacement. I decided to look for a different brand that might offer a more durable case.

Sliding Towards Disappointment
After extensive Googling, here’s what I came up with:

Were there any more cases with flippy doors out there?
No, none that I could find.
What about cases with little plastic sliding doors to protect the lenses?
Yes, there were a few cases like that on Amazon.

But unfortunately, all those cases with a sliding door received mediocre reviews. It felt like I’d find these cases at the bottom of a Cracker Jacks box.

I was not inspired.

A New iPhone Case Category Emerges
No flippy-door cases. Cheaply made ‘sliding’-door cases. Now what?

My little research project had revealed that today’s iPhone case market has seemly matured into a mind-numbing number of inexpensive options from unknown brands that are impossible to properly assess. And I’m not even talking about my (unreasonable?) need to cover up my iPhone’s camera lenses.

So, with hundreds of iPhone cases to choose from, there wasn’t one for Barrett?

Well, not entirely. Across my journey, I accidentally came upon a solution built for a different requirement.

iPhone Cases Designed to Mount External Lenses
I discovered an iPhone case market for add-on lenses that enhance an iPhone’s photographic chops. (You mount these ‘mini’ premium lenses on top of an iPhone’s native lens using a specialized iPhone case or a clip.)

Now, you may think that’s a freaky concept. Why would anyone want to start bolting a Frankensteinian lens on top of their uber-svelte iPhone?

The answer is the massive 48-megapixel camera sensor that iPhones now use for the main 1X camera. That feature attracts certain photographers and filmmakers. With better glass, an iPhone can be upgraded beyond its original photographic parameters.

You can buy telephoto, anamorphic, fisheye and macro lenses to push your iPhone closer into DSLR/mirrorless camera territory without spending thousands of dollars more.

No, I wasn’t looking to do any of this. (Not exactly.) But when I realized a class of iPhone cases exists designed to house these add-on lenses, I decided to take a closer look.

The structural design of these cases recesses the iPhone’s native lenses, creating the necessary clearance to attach an external lens.

More importantly, this lens-mount design also creates the solve for my lens protection obsession. Even though the iPhone’s lenses are still exposed, they’re perfectly cocooned within their circular openings.

Eureka!

Case Brands to Consider
I discovered these seven companies that manufacture iPhone lenses and their associated lens-mount cases:

Freewell
Moment
Neewer
PolarPro
Reeflex
SANDMARC
ShiftCam

None of the cases from these companies are designed with a flippy or sliding door for the base iPhone lenses. I finally had to let that dream go.

But this case category has its own advantages. Here are some important differentiators:

Lens Cap from Freewell
Freewell is the only brand to offer an actual pop-off lens cap for its iPhone case. (It’s magnetic.)

Lens Plate from PolorPro
The PolarPro LiteChaser case with a defender plate offers a slide in-and-out lens cover. (It does the same job as a lens cap.)

Protection Vs. Speed
These two options would satisfy my need to cover and protect my iPhone’s camera lenses. But even though I found what I was looking for, I still wasn’t satisfied. Why?

I realized that from a usability perspective, every time I wanted to use my iPhone camera, I would have to first remove the lens cap or defender plate and put it in my pocket. Only then could I turn my attention back towards taking the picture or video.

And that extra step takes a few seconds. Is it such a big deal? Yes, in fact, I think it is.

Often, when I take a photo, it’s very much in the moment… meaning the perfect image is right in front of me. A few seconds later is often too late. The moment is gone.

Spending any time fiddling with a removable lens cover would contribute to me missing that moment. (A flippy door or slide-aside solution is so much faster.)

Plus, there’s the added baggage of forever having to keep track of the little black cover and worrying about losing it.

All my enthusiasm drained away again. Even though I found what I was looking for, I realized it still wasn’t right for me.

So, now what?

Hello, SANDMARC
Yes, I had to compromise on my definition of ‘protection.’

Even without a lens cap or removable plate, these ‘pro’ cases still protect the native iPhone lenses with their lens-mount design. And that’s a big step in the right direction for me.

One company’s marketing tuned particularly well into my lens protection concerns.

It’s SANDMARC.

This brand from San Diego makes a variety of travel bags and iPhone gear and specifically promotes its iPhone Pro Case as “a case designed to protect your iPhone camera.”

SANDMARC’s website hooked me with this line: “Whether you’re a photographer or not, this is the case to get for the everyday.”

Huh.

The tank-like 17mm lens mount block is aluminum, and the case is designed for MagSafe wireless charging.
(Note – The leather version of this case is not MagSafe.)

Nice.

SANDMARC’s Pro Case costs $45, which is double the cost of most cases out there. That said, it does have a microfiber inner lining and metal buttons.

Plus, if it does the job, I’m fine with that price point.

And after many hours of research, I decided that I had finally reached my destination. Click.

My SANDMARC iPhone Pro Case was shortly on its way with free shipping.

Runner Ups
A few of the other brands did come close to reaching the finish line but ultimately fell short.

Moment
This brand is perhaps the best known in this market. I just didn’t like the half-twist mount solution for the T-series mobile lenses as much. It didn’t seem quite as secure. (Yes, I can’t hide that I was already wanting a Frankenstein lens.)
Reeflex
I originally decided that this was the case for me. But I had a question about shipping costs from Italy. Reeflex’s website promised amazing customer service (though only through email). I tried twice with my question but never heard anything back. This is certainly not a good way to begin a relationship with a company. So, I bailed.
ShiftCam
I just couldn’t get beyond the fabric finish of their case. Maybe that’s cool, and yes, it’s great that it’s machine washable. But I’m not going to do that.

Lens Protection Achieved!
All that mattered is I finally found the right case for Barrett. I’ve introduced my new SANDMARC iPhone Pro Case to my iPhone, and I’m satisfied with this new union.

My iPhone’s camera lenses are doing just fine sitting recessed in the case. Mission accomplished.

End of story? Well, not quite.

A New Lens Comes Next
This SANDMARC case also offers my iPhone a new superpower if I simply screw in any of those nifty, little add-on lenses. I think you’ve already guessed where this is going.

Next time – Barrett goes microscopic!

My new case is already taking me on a new photographic journey…

June 15, 2025

Here’s Why Attaching a Bumper to Protect your Apple Watch is a Smart Idea

A long, diagonal crack mysteriously appeared on my Apple Watch screen. No, there wasn’t an ‘incident’ or moment of impact that I could recall. Yes, it was shielded by its OtterBox integrated bumper and screen protector.

I could feel that the crack went deep. But I didn’t know how far down it went and whether it reached the surface of my Apple Watch Series 9.

Yes, I was concerned.

Apple Store ER Visit
So, I visited my neighborhood Apple Store and booked an ‘instant’ appointment with an Apple Genius. (Do they call them that anymore?)

My Genius walked over to me like a doctor entering an examination room. He asked me to take off my OtterBox’s bumper. I quickly realized I couldn’t. It was stuck on. Really stuck (like an alien face-hugging Xenomorph). I asked if he could help. He had trouble too.

It took the Apple Genius a couple minutes, and he needed to use a special Genius ‘tool.’ But eventually, he pried the bumper off. The integrated screen cracked further along the way, but it eventually revealed my Apple Watch’s screen… in perfect condition.

Phew!

But a fair amount of ‘particulate matter’ had accumulated in all the nooks and crannies. My Apple Genius happily polished it up for me and then handed over my Apple Watch.

Time for Another Bumper?
My naked Apple Watch rested in my palm, gleaming. So now what?

No, Apple doesn’t sell bumpers or screen protectors for Apple Watch.

However, my Apple Genius mentioned how much he liked the OtterBox brand and that I could probably buy a replacement bumper online.

I strapped on my Apple Watch as it was meant to be worn… without any third-party protection. But I must admit… I do occasionally hit my wrist against doors and walls. So, my experience may fall outside of Apple’s definition of ‘normal.’

I walked out of the Apple Store with my next mission: Buy a replacement bumper.

In Search of a Better Bumper/Screen Protector
I jumped back online and searched OtterBox’s website. I didn’t want to buy the exact same OtterBox ‘Eclipse’ bumper/screen combo. Not because it only lasted for barely more than a year. I didn’t appreciate how difficult it was to remove.

OtterBox didn’t offer another choice. So, I expanded my search.

There aren’t many manufactures in this market, and even fewer from brands I recognized. The options on Amazon mostly fell in the sub $10 price point. Sometimes, you’d get two bumpers for ten bucks… even with the built-in screen protector.

How good could any of these really be?

And I couldn’t find consensus with reviews… the few that I could find. It’s like this was a forgotten/abandoned product category.

Perhaps Apple is right… Apple Watch doesn’t need protection.

Still, I knew that mine did.

OtterBox EXO EDGE
After my exhaustive search through uncertainly, I eventually ended up back where I started with the one brand I knew.

OtterBox also makes the EXO EDGE bumper without a screen protector. I figured the simple bumper by itself would be more structurally flexible without a rigid screen protector on its top.

So, I gave it a shot… Click.

And in fact, the EXO EDGE bumper does have a bit more give and take. It popped easily onto my Apple Watch. More importantly, I expect it will be simpler to remove when the time comes.

And here’s my Apple Watch with its new EXO EDGE bumper
(and Nomad leather band).

No More Screen Protection?
Case closed, right?

Well, what about the screen? It’s now exposed to any number of dangers with no net.

Yes, I’d prefer to also have a screen protector on my Apple Watch, but I don’t want to use an integrated solution that can cause damage when removed.

My EXO EDGE bumper should offer sufficient protection from most scenarios. But no, it won’t protect against a sharp object at 90 degrees moving directly towards the screen.

You Can’t Protect Against Every Situation
I could seal my Apple Watch in bubble wrap and duct tape. Or perhaps I should just keep my Apple Watch in my pocket all the time. But, of course, that’s all absurd.

I’ve taken reasonable precaution to protect my Apple Watch’s body and screen with a simple OtterBox bumper. We’ll see how far this sensible approach takes me this time.

This topic falls under a larger question I sometimes have regarding the practicality of manufacturing expensive, shiny surfaces that require constant protection. (Wouldn’t it be great to drive a car with a tough, rubberized exterior?)

Alas, I know you’ve just got to travel your life’s path without worrying about every possible stumble.

But it’s okay to be smart and apply certain protections.

And just try not to trip.

June 1, 2025

Four Ways to Showcase your Best Family Photos on your Phone

***Are you able to call up any family photo you want on your smartphone? If not, it may be time to update your photo-archiving plan. Here’s what I did.***

Our teenage son asked me a question during dinner last week that I had a difficult time answering. He asked if I could show him some pictures from when he was younger. Pictures of when he was younger?!

I had thousands of photos… tens of thousands from the past fifteen years! But where were they? Could I immediately call up any of these pictures that best represented his earlier years?

Could I Meet the Moment?
Sure, I could flip though endless photos living in my iPhone. But that would take too long. I started sweating.

For years, I’d been dutifully curating my family’s photos on my Mac using Adobe Lightroom Classic, but when I received this simple photo request, I wasn’t ready for it.

I took a breath. He kept eating. The opportunity was about to pass. Then, I pulled out my iPhone, opened Apple’s Photos app and quickly went… to my shared albums.

A Shared Photo Album Saves the Day
And yes, there it was… the photo album I had created years ago and shared with my wife that collected some of our Lester adventures. I opened it up, pulled up my chair next to my son and began displaying a few fun pictures from his elementary school years. He smiled, and after a few minutes, we agreed to look at more another time.

After he left, I exhaled.

Whoa! That was a definite dad moment. And I almost blew it.

Set Up Cloud-Based Photo Albums with Easy Mobile Access
Afterwards, I thought about our exchange and wondered why I had been caught so off guard with this simple request. I’ve spent hundreds of hours working on our family photos over the years. My challenge was more about my phone having easy access to my curated photos from my multiple cameras.

So, I decided it was time for a little review of my existing photo archiving process and how to give myself better mobile access.

The obvious way to handle this need is to create cloud-based photos folders/galleries that you can easily view with phone apps. There are plenty of way to do this. But you’ve just got to maintain your plan and keep your albums up to date.

#1
Apple’s Photos App
For an iPhone user, Apple’s Photos app is the built-in solution. The only limitation to shared albums is the pictures are organized in the order you load them in, not in the chronological order of the photos’ time stamp.

A regular (non-shared) album that you set up just for yourself to sync with your iPhone will order the photos in the correct time sequence.

#2
Amazon Photos
Back in 2019, I started using Amazon Photos for my cloud photo archive. The big draw was it was free with unlimited storage of full-res photos… included in the cost of my Amazon Prime membership.

It has an app for my iPhone, and yes, I use it (though I didn’t have a photo album set up with my son’s pics).

The one problem with Amazon Photos is I do worry that one day, Amazon will abandon its interest in photos. And then… poof?

#3
SmugMug
So, I looked for a company with a more photo-centric raison d’être. And I decided to go with SmugMug. I’ve been curating my best photos with this platform across the past few years.

Also with unlimited, full-res photo uploads, SmugMug has become the platform for my official family archive. But I’m being very ‘precious’ about which photos live there. I think about my SmugMug galleries as an archive that will be handed to the next generation. And I do pay $200+/year to maintain this current strategy.

Yes, of course, I have photos of my son in my SmugMug account, and yes, I have the SmugMug app on my iPhone for immediate access. But I’ve intentionally restricted the photos of my son to ones that more reflect his life’s milestones for future generations to see. (I’m still fine tuning this theoretical goal.)

So, SmugMug is missing a bunch of the fun photos that I’d otherwise want to share with my son today.

#4
Lightroom’s Mobile App
And then it hit me… All the above solutions require me to export selected, edited photos out of Adobe Lightroom Classic’s ecosystem.

What I had missed was never setting up a syncing solution directly to Lightroom’s Mobile app. I suddenly realized that was the obvious hole in my photo-archiving plan.

Oops.

Of course, I already have a great photo collection of our son in Lightroom Classic. So, I loaded the Lightroom app onto my iPhone. Then, with one click, I synced the collection to my iPhone.

Well, that was an easy fix.

I’m now prepared for my next dinner with my son.

Don’t Fall Behind
It’s important to never let up on any photo archiving strategy. You can see I’ve worked with several solutions over the years. (Part of that is intentional to help protect against unexpected digital-file loss.)

Good photo organization takes a life-long commitment.

If you can’t immediately access the photo you want on your phone, it’s a clue there’s more work to do.

Is your phone ready for your next dinner?

Category: apple

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