Apple is not selling its own boxes for the XR iPhone, and that's very strange

For the first time in years, a new iPhone has hit the market. The lack of such an obvious accessory is odd. Apple has made no public how to get it done with its usual silicone and leather box options for the XR's launch. A clear case that was mentioned in the company's press materials in some regions has also been a no-show. If you walk into an Apple Store today, you'll find a few options from other brands, but none from Apple itself. At least not yet.

The iPhone XR's vibrant new colors are hard to show off when the device is covered in a standard-style case. So that could certainly be a factor in why Apple decided against its usual playbook. But the company knows how to design a case with this in mind and has done so before. For the iPhone-5C, Apple Introduces Silicone Cases With Big Circular Holes The clear case seemed like the same effect – minus the polkadot look.

Apple

You'll find a slew of cases available at the Best Buy, Target, and from your carrier, but it's unusual for Apple's essential accessories for this glass-sandwich phones to others. It's an easy $ 40 or $ 50 and as close as you can get a guaranteed add-on for every iPhone that goes out the door. So it surprises me that Tim Cook of all people would be okay with giving that up. Even now.

So what's to blame? Unforeseen manufacturing stumbles? Clear cases are not difficult to make. Speck, Tech21, Otterbox, and even Best Buy Insignia brand have them for sale on day one. And it's not like Apple is inexperienced on the silicone / leather side. Is the company just waiting and gauging interest with third-party boxes? Might we see them getting better-late-than-never over the next couple weeks?

Launch day iPhone XR has many choices, but the thing about Apple's cases is that they're usually quite good. They add minimal bulk, fit to perfection, and you know exactly what you're getting.

Not this time.

The Verge has reached out to Apple again for comment.

For now, if you're looking for a box, Speck's $ 40 Clear Presidio should have a decent option for displaying the XR color you've chosen. Tech21 also has one for the same price, and if you're near a Best Buy, you can get a clear case for as little as 10 bucks. My only hangup with the hard clear boxes is that they can quickly start to work in your hands. Spigen's $ 13 Ultra Hybrid might be the perfect pick up for you.

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