Streamlined Solutions: Essential iPhone Cases for the Modern Minimalist

Digital IDs have taken off in a big way in 2025, but even if you’re fortunate enough to have these available, we’re not quite at the “zero-wallet” finish line yet. Physical driver’s licenses are still a legal requirement for drivers in all 50 states, and even eleven years on, Apple Pay hasn’t completely eliminated the need for that one backup credit or loyalty card.

Still, the right case can get you pretty close to total pocket freedom. For the latest chapter in our last-minute holiday gift guide, I’ll be diving into the world of cases that do more than just protect and dress up your iPhone. These functional cases go beyond the basics by holding your cards, propping up your phone for FaceTime, and using MagSafe in ways Apple never imagined. If you or someone on your holiday list hates pocket clutter, these will help you travel lighter.

The Last-Minute iPhone Gift Series

Part 1: Style & Protection
Part 2: Wallets & Utility Cases (You Are Here)
Part 3: Charging & Power (Coming Monday)
Part 4: Car Mounts & Essentials (Coming Tuesday)

Smartish: When Apple’s Wallet Isn’t Enough

Even if you’re lucky enough to be able to store your digital driver’s license or the new Digital ID on your iPhone, you’ll likely still be carrying physical cards around for a few more years. That’s where Smartish’s Wallet Slayer comes in. While many wallet cases are bulky folio-style arrangements that cover your screen, Wallet Slayer uses a much simpler, side-loading design that won’t get in the way of actually using your iPhone. A spring-loaded slot at the back offers room for up to four cards plus a bit of cash, keeping them snugly inserted yet easily at hand.

Despite the use of the word “spring,” there are no moving parts in Wallet Slayer. Instead, the case material provides the tension to hold your cards in. I was pleased to find that Smartish has used materials that won’t stretch out over time; I can switch from carrying four cards to just one without worrying about anything falling out. Just don’t overstuff it.

Wallet Slayer also provides solid everyday drop protection with a lightweight and slim design that’s “skinny jeans” friendly. The only catch is that the Camera Control is an open cutout rather than a pass-through button, but it at least fully surrounds the button, which is better than the more open-edge designs I’ve seen elsewhere.

I tried the Black Tie Affair and Walnut Woods, both of which paired elegantly with my cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, along with the So Jaded — a fun choice for those who prefer a higher-contrast look.

It’s worth taking a beat here to note how fun and whimsical the company’s colors are. The other options include Blues on the Green, Moving Mountains, and Very Cherry Blossom, the latter of which are patterned styles, and Smartish also offers over a dozen other custom prints on Amazon that can be layered on top of its three base colors, plus a Design Studio website where you can add any print you like.

The Sequel

The original Wallet Slayer has been dubbed the “Vol. 1” as Smartish has also released a sequel, the Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 for those looking for an even slimmer aesthetic. This swaps out the plastic pocket for a fabric backing, although you’ll sacrifice room for an extra card. It officially holds three, and Smartish isn’t kidding here, as it’s a pretty snug fit. I can force a fourth card in if none of them are embossed, but it’s a fight to get them out.

However, the Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 has another trick up its sleeve that could make this compromise worthwhile: a credit card kickstand. At first glance, you might be wondering where this is hiding, but it’s actually a really simple yet clever twist: since you’re stowing plastic cards anyway, why not use one to prop up your iPhone?

A credit-card sized slot on one edge lets you insert any of your plastic cards lengthwise to create an ad-hoc stand. It gives you an 80-degree or 30-degree orientation in landscape. It can also be used in portrait mode, but I found the right-side placement a bit unstable for the bulky iPhone 17 Pro Max. I suspect it might work better for the smaller models.

The Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 comes in four of the same standard colors, patterns, and custom options as the original, although the fabric design gives them a slightly different look. I only tried the Black Tie Affair version, but I’m happy to note that it looks much darker and less tweed-like than it does in the photo on its Amazon listing. I’d recommend visiting Smartish’s website, where the depictions seem much more accurate.

The only real knock against both Wallet Slayers is that they aren’t MagSafe compatible, since the card pocket gets in the way. If there are no cards inside, the Vol. 2 is thin enough that it will charge on some MagSafe chargers, but it won’t attach, so you’d have to lay it flat. You’re much better off just removing the case entirely, and we suspect Smartish considered this, as these are easier to get on and off than most of the cases I’ve tried.

The good news is that Apple Pay still works fine since the NFC chip is up in the camera plateau, but I found I had to be a bit more careful about presenting the top end of my iPhone to the terminal, lest it detect one of the inserted cards instead. Of course, that won’t be an issue if you don’t carry any contactless cards.

The Smartish Wallet Slayer continues to be one of the best ways to ditch your wallet without adding extra bulk to your iPhone.