All Otterbox Cases
William Dupere
FORT COLLINS, Colo. , Aug. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Building upon a decade of its popular Defender Series cases, OtterBox introduces its first industrial use-focused solution - Defender Series Division 2 cases for iPhone 11, 12, 13 and iPad mini (6th generation). Certified by UL Solutions, Defender Series Division 2 cases offer device protection from heavy use in certain hazardous industrial settings, which can help improve worksite safety by mitigating explosive hazards that may be present in these harsh environments.
"Mobile technology at the worksite keeps workers connected to their colleagues, systems and tasks. If that technology is damaged, safety can be put at risk, processes collapse and productivity stalls," said Brian Jacoby, senior vice president of OtterBox Business Solutions. "Designed for superior protection, seamless connection and maximum efficiency, and certified by UL Solutions, Defender Series Division 2 cases safely help teams stay connected and systems operate smoothly in challenging hazardous environments."
Ideal for use in industries such as oil and gas, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, aviation and designated class facilities where chemicals, dust and heavy machinery are present, Defender Series Division 2 cases are engineered for demanding, industrial-grade use. Features include MIL-STD 810G drop testing, multi-layer protection, port covers, a holster and easily identifiable UL Mark to let workers know the case is ready to perform.
"The Defender Series has protected so many devices across the globe, and now that same proven protection is available for industrial applications," Jacoby said. "With numerous UL certifications focused on alleviating hazards, we've created a case that can not only protect critical devices, but also enhance the safety of the hardworking men and women who use them."
OtterBox innovates bold products that deliver confidence and trust in any pursuit. From its humble beginnings with a drybox in a Fort Collins, Colo., garage, OtterBox has honed and leveraged its expertise in manufacturing and design to become the No. 1-selling smartphone case brand in the U.S. and a leader in rugged outdoor lifestyle products.2
At the center of every OtterBox innovation is a deeper goal to affect positive, lasting change. In partnership with the OtterCares Foundation, OtterBox grows to give back by inspiring kids to change the world through entrepreneurship and philanthropy. To learn more about this mission, visit OtterBox.com/GivingBack.
Otter Products, LLC, or simply OtterBox, is a privately owned consumer electronics accessory company based in Fort Collins, Colorado, that produces cases for mobile devices. The company was founded in 1998 as a manufacturer of water-resistant boxes meant to house electronic devices, mostly catering to outdoor enthusiasts.[2] Since then, OtterBox has produced both water-resistant and non-water-resistant protective phone cases for smartphones.
In 2001, the company began to produce iPod cases,[4] which were introduced in 2004.[5] OtterBox ceased the production of iPod cases in 2010 to focus on mobile devices.[4] As of 2024, the company provides military-grade accessories for protecting battlefield military technology.[6]
In November 2014, the company announced the departure of CEO Brian Thomas. The company appointed the company's president, Peter Lindgren, to the role of CEO to replace Thomas, who served until March 2016.[7] In early 2016, Jim Parke, the CEO of Blue Ocean Enterprises, Inc, was appointed as the CEO of Otter Products, LLC.[8]
By early 2009, OtterBox had approximately 70 employees.[3] In 2010, the company opened an office in Cork, Ireland with ten employees to handle the European, Middle Eastern, and African markets.[3] In 2011, it opened a Hong Kong office,[10] and soon after, a smaller sales office in Dubai was set up.[4] In 2012, OtterBox had 363 employees.[11] In July 2012, Curt Richardson announced he would be stepping down as CEO and taking up the position of chairman.[12] He was replaced by Brian Thomas.[12]
Three start-up businesses grew from OtterBox: Nerdy Minds, Wild Rock, and 1OAK Technologies.[13] All three founders of these businesses worked at OtterBox and are now backed by the company.[13] On May 22, 2013, OtterBox acquired the San Diego-based smartphone and tablet case manufacturer LifeProof.[14]
As of 2024[update], OtterBox provides cases for products by Amazon, Apple, BlackBerry, Google (Nexus), HTC, LG, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, OnePlus, and Samsung.[15] The company has produced eleven different lines of cases while four lines are no longer in production.[15] The company also manufactures screen protectors under its "Clearly Protected" line.[16]
There are no guarantees, but Otterbox cases are some of the best you can get for complete device protection. The cases are repeatedly tested to ensure their drop protection capabilities. Even the cheapest Otterbox case will keep your phone free from damage.
Otterbox cases are designed to fit your phone precisely. The thick raised bumper around the display may not let you use these cases with certain screen protectors. You will have to make sure that both accessories are compatible with each other before making a purchase. Otterbox has its own range of screen protectors as well.
Using special wipes or a microfiber cloth is usually a good way to keep your device and phone case disinfected. Certain Otterbox cases come with an anti-microbial coating as well. For more specifics, check out our guide to properly cleaning your phone.
Otterbox launched way back in 1998. It was an idea in the making for more than ten years. Founder Curtis Richardson wanted to make waterproof cases for his electronic gadgets to keep them safe while outdoors. Richardson and his wife arrived at the unique name simply because they both like otters, which also have waterproof fur.
However, protection continues to be the defining feature of Otterbox products. From cases to wireless chargers, everything is built to take a fall and survive harsh environments. Its accessories are big, bulky, and might not be the best-looking, but if you want to ensure that your phone stays protected, Otterbox cases are the best bet.
The Otterbox Defender is one of the first case types that Otterbox launched, and it remains a fan favorite even today. It uses a synthetic rubber slipcover and a polycarbonate shell to keep the phone safe from accidental bumps and drops. The buttons are covered, and you also get port covers to keep dust, lint, and dirt away. A thick, raised bezel around the front keeps the display safe. Depending on the phone, you might also get a built-in screen protector.
The Otterbox Defender Pro somehow manages to be even more protective than the Defender series. The two are quite similar, but the Pro tacks a little more thickness and bulk to help your phone survive even harsher falls. It also comes with a more textured finish on the back that adds to the grip. The anti-microbial layer and a belt clip holster are also available with the Defender Pro.
The Otterbox Defender and Defender Pro are excellent cases, but they are overkill for many people. If you want the safety features that Otterbox is known for, the Symmetry series is the one to consider.
The Otterbox Commuter offers the perfect middle ground. It borrows the best elements from both the Defender and the Symmetry cases. It has a relatively slim profile, but it sports dual-layer protection with the combination of a synthetic rubber interior and a polycarbonate shell. It also comes with port and button covers and an anti-microbial layer.
As mentioned above, Otterbox has a few specialized cases beyond its rugged offerings. One of our favorites is the Otter + Pop Series, which essentially adds a PopSocket grip to the back of a Defender or Symmetry Series case. They also come in funky colors and designs, although support is limited to flagship phones from Apple or Samsung.
For iPhones, Otterbox also offers MagSafe editions of its Symmetry and Defender Series cases. Some of these are also clear or transparent, although you can obviously see the MagSafe magnets inside the case.
A few other more limited series, like the Figura Series, Aneu Series, and Lumen Series, are also offered for the latest iPhones. They offer unique designs in a fairly standard PU and synthetic rubber casing. Each also comes in two models, with or without MagSafe.
A good smartphone case should be both protective and stylish. Not only does it make your life easier by protecting your phone from damage, but it comes with you everywhere and is likely to always be close at hand.
The Otterbox Defender is their most rugged case, offering the highest level of protection. In contrast, Otterbox Symmetry cases have comparably less protection but have a slimmer and more stylish design.
I have an iPhone 7, so of the design choices available for my smartphone model, I chose a black-and-white marble print. I like this design because it has personality without being too flashy.
I had another negative experience during my first day of using it. A small amount of moisture made its way into the case, which rendered the phone screen unusable. I opened the case and wiped it out, which solved the issue.
c80f0f1006