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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Arc Pulse is a two-piece metal bumper for iPhone 18 Pro that protects selected edges, corners and the camera area while leaving much of the phone exposed. That makes it an appealing option if you already prefer going nearly caseless; it is a poor fit if you want a full-shell case to cover the back and frame.
What the Arc Pulse is—and what it leaves uncovered
Arc Pulse uses separate upper and lower metal sections that slide onto the phone without adhesive. Arc describes a pressure-fitting shell with an elastomer inlay, while the 9to5Toys hands-on review describes protection focused on particular edges, corners and the camera area. The case’s open construction is its central trade-off: large portions of the phone’s back and frame remain exposed, so it should not be mistaken for a conventional full-shell enclosure.
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The 9to5Toys review says the case leaves buttons, ports, microphones and speakers accessible and is designed to maintain wireless charging. Those are product-feature descriptions from the review, not independent test results.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFit, appearance and the reviewer’s main reservations
Justin Kahn of 9to5Toys tested the Matte Dark Red version and described its slide-on fit as precise and adhesive-free. He was broadly enthusiastic, calling it the best skeleton bumper he had personally tested: “In fact, it is still the best one I have ever tested out.” That is his assessment of this style of bumper, not a general protection ranking.
#1 Best Overall
- [Compatibility] Compatible with iPhone 18 Pro, 6.3 inch, This is a metal minimalist bumper frame without back cover
- [Material and Protection] The bumper case is made of high quality aluminum alloy metal and soft TPU material, the raised edge of the frame can well protect the screen and camera from scratches, 4 corners Shockproof protection design, more protects your iPhone
- [Compatible with MagSafe & Wireless Charging Compatible] No back design, compatible with magsafe and magnetic accessories, supports wireless fast charging, no need to take off the phone case when going to wirelessly charging, very convenient
- [Excellent Heat Dissiption] Unobstructed heat dissipation, uncompromised phone performance, don’t worry about the phone’s running speed being affected by the phone’s heat when you continue to play your iPhone or playing games, this is something that other phone cases cannot do
- [Comfortable Gripping] Ultra slim and sharply outlined metal frame bring comfortable gripping, very silky touch feeling, And effectively prevent fingerprint marks, you can enjoy the original skin touch of the iPhone
The shape is not equally convincing from every angle
Kahn’s two concrete complaints are about the design rather than the fit. He found the shoulders of the top section visually bulky and felt they interrupted the phone’s shape. He also thought the raised lip around the display came farther forward than he would prefer. If you want the case to disappear visually, those details may matter more than the exposed areas do.
Matte Dark Red is a complement, not a color match
On the Burgundy iPhone he used, Kahn thought Matte Dark Red complemented the phone, but did not match it exactly in every light. That observation applies to his sample and lighting; color perception can vary across finishes and conditions.
Rank #2
- Exceed Military Drop Standards: The RHINOSHIELD case provides 3.5 m / 11 feet protection against drops, keeping your iPhone 18 Pro / 17 Pro safe from everyday impacts.
- Lightweight: It allows your phone to breathe and prevents overheating with its backplate-free design. Its compact size makes it perfect for those who lead a minimalist lifestyle without sacrificing protection.
- Strong Endrance: Designed with ShockSpread, a unique high-impact material that combines a special structure and production technique to absorb shocks effectively while keeping the case light and comfortable to hold.
- BPA Free: Beyond protection, our cases are BPA, BPS, and BPF-free, safe for you and better for the planet.
- This product page sells the Mod NX bumper without backplate version.
How much protection does it offer?
The 9to5Toys feature list reports a claim of drop protection up to 3 m / 10 ft, and Arc’s product page describes protection for selected areas. These are manufacturer claims, not a guarantee that a particular phone will survive a fall from that height. CASEBX says it did not physically drop-test the case and that the advertised protection claims have not been independently verified in its review.
The practical distinction is where an impact lands. A protected corner meeting the ground is a different scenario from a scrape or impact on an uncovered part of the back or frame. The open design leaves those areas exposed to scratches and impacts; the available evidence does not quantify how often damage occurs in either scenario.
Rank #3
- Exceed Military Drop Standards: The RHINOSHIELD case provides 3.5 m / 11 feet protection against drops, keeping your iPhone 18 Pro / 17 Pro safe from everyday impacts.
- Lightweight: It allows your phone to breathe and prevents overheating with its backplate-free design. Its compact size makes it perfect for those who lead a minimalist lifestyle without sacrificing protection.
- Strong Endrance: Designed with ShockSpread, a unique high-impact material that combines a special structure and production technique to absorb shocks effectively while keeping the case light and comfortable to hold.
- BPA Free: Beyond protection, our cases are BPA, BPS, and BPF-free, safe for you and better for the planet.
- This product page sells the Mod NX bumper without backplate version.
Arc Pulse finishes and reported U.S. prices
The 9to5Toys hands-on review, published September 23, 2026, reported these U.S. prices. They are dated figures, not a guarantee of current price or availability.
| Finish | Reported U.S. price |
|---|---|
| Matte Black | $69.99 |
| Polished Silver | $89.99 |
| Polished Graphite | $99.99 |
| Matte Light Blue | $119.99 |
| Matte Dark Red | $119.99 |
| Polished Gold | $129.99 |
| Titanium Onyx Black | $299.99 |
A September 9, 2026 launch report lists the same finishes and prices, and describes Titanium Onyx Black as a higher-priced special finish. The sources reviewed here do not establish that titanium’s advertised drop protection justifies its substantial premium over the aluminum finishes.
Rank #4
- [Compatibility] Only compatible with iPhone 18 Pro/17 Pro, 6.3 inch. Pls confirm your phone model before placing an order, and this is a clear bumper frame case without back cover
- [Compatible with MagSafe & Wireless Charging Compatible] No back design, compatible with magsafe and magnetic accessories, supports wireless fast charging, no need to take off the phone case when going to wirelessly charging, very convenient
- [Built-in Camera Cover] It is only bumper frame, no back and frameless, at the same time it has a built-in camera cover to protects camera lens area
- [Material and Protection] The iPhone 18 Pro/17 Pro bumper case is made of high quality soft TPU material, the raised edge of the frame can well protect the screen and camera from scratches, corners Shockproof protection design, more protects your iPhone
- [Excellent Heat Dissiption] Unobstructed heat dissipation, Don’t worry about the phone’s running speed being affected by the phone’s heat when you continue to play your iPhone 17 Pro or games. This is something that other phone cases cannot do
Who should buy this iPhone skeleton case?
It may suit you if
- You like the iPhone’s design and want to keep most of its surfaces visible.
- You usually go without a case or use a minimalist bumper, and accept that exposed areas remain vulnerable.
- You value the metal, two-piece look and selective coverage more than an all-around enclosure.
Choose a full-shell case instead if
- You want the back and frame broadly covered against everyday scratches and impacts.
- You would rather trade some of the phone’s original appearance for more complete surface coverage.
- You do not want a prominent upper shoulder or a display lip that projects farther forward than you prefer.
Arc’s official product page presents a compatible screen protector as an optional bundle item for people seeking additional display coverage. A protector can address the screen separately, but it does not change the bumper’s exposed back and frame.
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Best Value
- [Compatibility] Compatible with iPhone 18 Pro/17 Pro, 6.3 inch, This is a metal bumper frame case without back cover
- [Material and Protection] The bumper case is made of high quality aluminum alloy metal and soft TPU material, the raised edge of the frame can well protect the screen and camera from scratches, 4 corners Shockproof protection design, more protects your iPhone
- [Compatible with MagSafe & Wireless Charging Compatible] No back design, compatible with magsafe and magnetic accessories, supports wireless fast charging, no need to take off the phone case when going to wirelessly charging, very convenient
- [Excellent Heat Dissiption] Unobstructed heat dissipation, uncompromised phone performance, don’t worry about the phone’s running speed being affected by the phone’s heat when you continue to play your iPhone or playing games, this is something that other phone cases cannot do
- [Comfortable Gripping] Ultra slim and sharply outlined metal frame bring comfortable gripping, very silky touch feeling, And effectively prevent fingerprint marks, you can enjoy the original skin touch of the iPhone
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
