Can a case that barely covers your iPhone really protect it? The eye-catching Arc Pulse makes a strong case (get it?) that it can.
I’ve been testing a silver Arc Pulse case on my lavender iPhone 17 for the past two weeks – here’s how I got on.
Minimal protection, maximum style
Arc Pulse somehow manages to be both a statement piece and a minimalist choice: a conversation starter that gets out of your way when in use.
From the front, it’s barely visible; from behind, it looks like your iPhone’s been dipped in molten metal. Arc calls this approach “essentialist,” and that’s spot-on. The unique-looking case only covers what’s absolutely necessary: the iPhone’s corners and camera bump. The back and sides are left fully exposed, which feels very natural – almost like holding a bare iPhone.
That might sound risky, but unless you’re unlucky enough to drop your iPhone onto a spike, this setup will guard against most impacts. I dropped mine a lot during testing (once as an experiment, then several more times because I’m clumsy) and my iPhone survived the beatings without a scratch. The case itself wasn’t quite so lucky, picking up a small chip in one corner (pictured) during an unscheduled drop test. Still, that’s damage that my iPhone avoided, so I’ll chalk it up as a win.
It’s also a cakewalk to use. Installation was extremely straightforward, despite Arc’s insistence I watched two tutorial videos that ultimately just told me to snap it into place. Thankfully, removing it is just as simple when it picks up some inevitable pocket fluff.
Premium price, premium feel
There’s no denying these cases are expensive. The model I tested already costs a fair chunk ($90), and Arc’s top-tier “Titanium Onyx Black” edition pushes things to an eye-watering $300. At this price, some users might prefer to take their chances with AppleCare instead and not use a case at all.
Still, the Arc Pulse feels like a luxury product in every sense. It uses “aerospace-grade” metals along with a soft internal lining that helps distribute impact forces. The result feels rock-solid and very luxurious compared to the plastic cases I’m used to. The anti-scratch coating seems to be doing its job too – there are a few scuffs if you look close enough, but the high-sheen finish does a good job of looking uniform as the case naturally wears.
The Arc Pulse isn’t for everyone. It’s opinionated and expensive. But if you’re looking for a premium case that protects where it matters while showcasing your iPhone’s design, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better.
Full disclosure: Arc gifted me this case for testing – but the best endorsement I can give is that I haven’t taken it off since.