Premium Aluminum Waterproof Protection for the iPhone XS Max

When only the best will do, the Red Pepper Cases iPhone XS Max Waterproof Aluminum Case delivers a level of protection that plastic cases simply cannot match. A CNC-machined 6061 aluminum outer frame pairs with a polycarbonate back panel and TPU inner shock liner, while silicone-gasketed port covers create a water-resistant seal around every opening. This is the case for professionals, adventurers, and anyone who demands their $1,000+ iPhone to be treated like the investment it is. Browse the full selection in our iPhone XS Max Cases collection.

10 Key Features

• CNC-Machined 6061 Aluminum Frame — Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy outer bumper, machined to within ±0.1 mm of iPhone XS Max tolerances for a perfect, rattle-free fit.
• Triple-Layer Construction — Aluminum outer frame + polycarbonate back panel + TPU inner liner combine for maximum drop, scratch, and impact protection.
• Water-Resistant Silicone Port Seals — Gasketed covers over the Lightning port, headphone jack, and speaker grille resist water splash, rain, and dust ingress.
• Type II Anodized Finish — 5–25 micron oxide layer on the aluminum frame provides scratch resistance superior to standard steel.
• Drop Protection to Approximately 2 m — Three-layer construction absorbs and disperses drop energy from falls on hard flat surfaces up to ~2 m.
• Face ID Compatible — The top frame cutout fully exposes the TrueDepth camera array for uninterrupted Face ID authentication.
• Qi Wireless Charging Support — Open-back polycarbonate panel passes Apple's 7.5W Qi charging without removing the case.
• Full iPhone XS Max Control Access — Individually machined button covers for volume, mute switch, and power buttons maintain tactile click-through feedback.
• Camera Array Protection — Raised aluminum rim around the dual 12 MP camera module prevents lens contact with flat surfaces.
• 60 Variant Combinations — Available in multiple anodized color and frame-style combinations across a broad range of configurations.

Material Specifications

• Outer Frame: 6061 Aluminum Alloy, 1.2 mm wall thickness, Type II Anodize
• Back Panel: Polycarbonate (PC), 1.5 mm, RF-transparent
• Inner Liner: TPU (Shore 80A), 0.8 mm shock absorber
• Port Seals: Silicone gaskets on all covered openings
• Total Weight Added: ~45–50 g
• Temperature Stability: Aluminum: -20°C to 150°C; TPU: -20°C to 65°C

5 Real-World Use Cases

1. Construction and Field Work: Aluminum frame handles job-site drops, concrete surfaces, and tool-belt abuse that destroys plastic cases within weeks. Sealed ports keep concrete dust out of the Lightning connector.
2. Water Sports and Marine Use: Sailing, kayaking, and power boating expose phones to constant spray. Sealed port covers resist water ingress while the aluminum frame handles the knocks of marine hardware.
3. Executive and Professional Use: A premium aluminum case signals the same serious intent as the device inside. The anodized finish holds up in briefcases, leather bags, and boardroom settings.
4. Extreme Outdoor Activity: Rock climbing, mountaineering, and trail running demand protection that matches the activity. Aluminum over triple-layer construction survives the drops that polycarbonate cases cannot.
5. Emergency Services: Paramedics, police, and firefighters need a phone that works every time, regardless of what it's been through. This case is built to those standards.

Feature vs. Benefit

Installation Guide

1. Open the case: Remove the PC back panel by unclipping the perimeter, then separate the aluminum frame from the TPU inner liner if they are separate components.
2. Insert the TPU liner: Place the TPU inner liner into the aluminum frame channel—press evenly around all sides until flush.
3. Seat your iPhone XS Max: Lower the phone face-up into the liner, aligning the Lightning port, mute switch, and TrueDepth camera at the top.
4. Apply the PC back panel: Press the PC back into position, starting from corners and working around the perimeter until all clips engage.
5. Fasten retention hardware: Tighten any included Phillips screws gently with the included precision screwdriver.
6. Close all port covers: Ensure the Lightning port, speaker, and headphone covers are fully latched.
7. Verify: Test Face ID recognition, all button responses, and camera alignment.

Installation time: 60–90 seconds.

Troubleshooting

• Frame rattles on first installation? Re-check that the TPU liner is fully seated and all retention screws are tightened. A partially seated liner causes audible rattle.
• Wireless charging slower than rated? Metal frames can reduce Qi induction slightly if positioned directly over the charging coil edges. Center the phone on the charging pad for best results.
• Face ID inconsistent? Inspect the top TrueDepth camera cutout for any debris. Even a small piece of lint partially blocking the dot projector degrades Face ID accuracy.
• Port cover won't latch? Check for lint or pocket debris in the port cover hinge channel. Clear with compressed air and retry.
• Aluminum surface shows wear marks? Light surface wear on high-contact areas (corners, button covers) is cosmetic. The anodized oxide layer beneath maintains full corrosion protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this case waterproof or water-resistant?
A: Water-resistant—the silicone-sealed port covers protect against rain, splashing, and brief accidental immersion. Not rated IP68 for extended submersion or diving.

Q: Does Face ID work with the aluminum frame?
A: Yes. The top cutout fully exposes the TrueDepth camera system. Face ID functions normally.

Q: Does wireless charging work through the aluminum case?
A: Yes. The polycarbonate back panel passes Qi charging; the aluminum is on the sides, not the back, so induction is not blocked.

Q: How heavy is the case?
A: ~45–50 g added weight. Total phone + case: approximately 224–229 g (iPhone XS Max weighs 208 g stock).

Q: Is this compatible with MagSafe?
A: The iPhone XS Max does not support MagSafe (which was introduced with iPhone 12). This case does not include MagSafe alignment rings.

Q: Will the aluminum frame set off metal detectors?
A: Yes. Remove the case before metal detector screening if required.

Q: Does the case include a screen protector?
A: No. The case ships as a standalone case assembly. A compatible 0.33 mm tempered glass screen protector is recommended for full coverage.

Q: Are retention screws included?
A: Yes—precision screws and a small Phillips screwdriver are included in the package.

Q: Can I use Apple Pay with this case?
A: Yes. The PC back panel is NFC-transparent, and Apple Pay tap payments function normally.

Q: How long does shipping take?
A: Standard US: 5–7 business days. Expedited 2-day options at checkout.

Q: What is your return policy?
A: 30-day returns on unused items in original packaging. See our Refund Policy.

Q: What color options are available?
A: 60 total variant combinations in multiple anodized frame colors and back panel combinations—select from the chooser above.

Q: Is this case compatible with magnetic car mounts?
A: Yes. The aluminum frame provides an excellent ferromagnetic surface for magnetic car mounts—no additional plate needed.

Q: Does the aluminum affect GPS or LTE performance?
A: The aluminum bumper is on the sides; antenna bands on the iPhone XS Max are positioned to avoid interference with side frame materials. LTE, GPS, and Wi-Fi performance is not measurably affected.

Q: How do I get support?
A: Visit our Contact page.

More from Red Pepper Cases

Explore all options in our iPhone XS Max Cases collection—slim TPU, magnetic ring, and waterproof cases.

More on our blog: iPhone Waterproof Case Guide and Best Waterproof Cases 2026.