Bare Naked Case for iPhone 17 (2026 Review): Is It Really the Thinnest?

Looking for an ultra-slim iPhone 17 case that doesn't hide your phone's design? The Bare Naked case promises to be the thinnest option on the market.

With so many cases claiming minimalist perfection, we decided to dig deeper into whether this one actually delivers on its promises or if you're better off looking for another minimalist iPhone 17 case for protection.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Bare Naked is a brand built for people who don’t like cases at all. Their entire philosophy revolves around preserving Apple’s original design while adding the lightest layer of protection possible. 

Instead of shock absorption or rugged builds, Bare Naked focuses on thinness, weight, and simplicity. 

In short, they make cases for users who want their iPhone 17 to still look and feel like an iPhone—just with fewer scratches.

According to CNET, the iPhone 17 offers meaningful upgrades over previous base models, including improvements to the camera, battery life, and display. With a device this refined and design-focused, many users look for a case that protects it without hiding what makes it special.

So what do you actually get when you buy the Bare Naked Case for iPhone 17? Let’s break it down feature by feature.

• Extremely thin at 0.35mm, one of the slimmest cases available

• Ultra-lightweight at 6 grams, barely noticeable in hand

• Clean, branding-free look that shows off your iPhone

• Minimal raised camera cutout for surface protection

• Covered buttons for added scratch protection

• Protects against scratches and light scuffs

• Raised camera lip helps prevent lens scratches on tables

• Not designed for serious drops or impacts

• Material feels rigid rather than flexible

• Feels almost like using your phone without a case

• Slides easily into pockets due to its slim profile

• Works with MagSafe chargers and accessories without added magnets

• Very smooth finish, which some users find slippery

• Little to no drop protection

• Material can warp or lose shape over time

• Grip is minimal, especially for one-handed use

• Customer support complaints are common online

The Bare Naked case for iPhone 17 has sparked a lot of discussion on Trustpilot and Reddit. Most buyers agree on one thing right away: it really is extremely thin. However, once you get past that first impression, opinions start to split—especially when it comes to material quality, long-term durability, and how the brand handles customer support.

Here’s a clear snapshot of what users are actually saying.

Positive feedback:

• “At first, I loved how thin it was. It really keeps the original feel of the iPhone.” – Paul, GB

• “Certainly very thin and helps maximize the feel of the phone.” – Verified buyer

• “If you hate bulky cases, this feels almost like no case at all.” – Forum user summary
  
  

These reviews usually come from users who prioritize the caseless feel above everything else. For careful users who mainly want scratch protection, the Bare Naked case initially delivers on its promise.

Negative feedback:

• “Worst plastic quality I’ve ever seen in a phone case. It bends with temperature and gets worse every day.” – Carlos Dominguez, AT

• “After less than 3 months, the case was misshapen and no longer fit my phone.” – Paul, GB

• “Case arrived cracked. No replacement offered. Terrible customer service.” – James Cleveland, US

• “Refund promised but never received. No replies to emails.” – Miguel Pereira, PT

• “Avoid at all costs. Delivered to the wrong address and refund was delayed.” – Dilantha Perera, GB
  
  

A recurring theme shows up here: material quality issues, warping over time, and very poor customer support. Several users also mention long shipping delays or receiving the wrong item entirely.

Since we're talking about ultra-thin cases, it makes sense to compare the Bare Naked with another popular minimalist option: the ThinBorne case.

Here's how they stack up:

Bare Naked focuses almost entirely on being the thinnest option possible. ThinBorne, on the other hand, uses aerospace-grade aramid fiber to stay slim while adding durability and grip. It’s thicker on paper, but still very light and far more resistant to wear.

If you want something that feels disposable and barely there, Bare Naked wins on thinness alone. However, if you want a slim case that actually lasts and protects your phone day to day, ThinBorne clearly has the edge.

Many users who switch from ultra-thin plastic cases to aramid fiber options mention better grip, improved longevity, and fewer worries about warping or cracking. 

While ThinBorne costs more, reviews often point out that it feels more premium and dependable over time, especially for people who don’t baby their phones.

Here’s what people say about our iPhone 17 series:

Let's be real here. Based on what we've found, this is a tough one to recommend.

Buy it if:

• You absolutely must have the thinnest case available and measurements matter more than anything

• You're extremely careful with your phone and rarely drop it

• You only need scratch protection for a pristine phone

• You understand the risks and are willing to potentially deal with customer service issues

Skip it if:

• You drop your phone occasionally (or even just worry about it)

• You want customer service you can actually reach

• You need a case that lasts longer than a few months

• You value quality materials over extreme thinness

• You're looking for good value for your money

The Bare Naked case for iPhone 17 really is one of the thinnest cases you can buy. It looks clean, feels almost invisible, and keeps scratches away. That said, thinness comes with trade-offs. But if you want a slim case that still feels reliable months down the line, it’s worth looking at stronger minimalist options like ThinBorne thin phone case before checking out.