When Apple launches a new product, it takes about five minutes for cases to appear, no matter how absurd. A case for the Apple Pencil? Yes. A case for the Apple Watch, to cover the watch while you’re wearing it? Definitely.

Sometimes Apple's own case design is so bad that someone has to come in and show them how to do it. But no matter how absurd or clever the case, it's a race to get it designed and into stores, because the case makers are usually just as clueless about Apple's plans as we are.

"Yes, we always try to be 'first' with Apple products, just like everyone else," Gary Waterfield, owner of San Francisco-based WaterField Designs, told Lifewire via email. "Especially because we have to make sure our product fits just right. That's always been an important part of our brand."

The market for Apple cases is huge. When a new iPhone comes out, people want a new case, and if a case maker can get a product ready on day one, they can clear out. The problem is that Apple keeps its designs well-secret, so most case makers get their first look at the product at the same time as everyone else.