If you have an Apple device, then you likely already know that the bevy of accessories available to you can truly enhance the user experience. Whether it’s an iPhone or iPad, choices are abundant, and those with real functional value are probably the ones that will have the most lasting impact. Each product in this list falls well into that category.
With Apple having announced some new, updated products, the benefit in not changing form factors for the new iPhone and iPad is that existing cases and accessories will fit and work without having to adjust anything.
Mophie Juick Pack Helium Battery Case
With a 1700mAh battery onboard this case, the Juice Pack Helium is a perfect remedy for anxiety over daily battery life. You can trigger the case to charge up the phone when you need it. When charging both, the Helium has pass-through so that it charges the phone’s battery first. Lightweight and with a pretty thin profile, your iPhone will still be pocket-friendly.
Insignia Lightning Cables
Not all Lightning cables are created with equal length. The standard issue cable that comes with an iOS device is about 3.5-feet long, but there are both shorter and longer sizes available under the Insignia brand. One is as short as a mere 6-inches, while another is as long as 10-feet. Looking for something in the middle? There’s a 4-ft. one that could fit the bill. All Insignia cables are Apple MFI certified so you know they have passed strict certification guidelines set out by Apple.
Kenu Airframe Vent Mount
The Kenu Airframe is a pretty standard product. Clip it onto a vent in your vehicle’s dashboard, slot in your iPhone and you have a mounted solution. The spring loaded jaw doesn’t open up very wide, so this is only for the iPhone 5s/5c/5/SE or smaller (like the 4S, if you’re still using one). Larger iPhones won’t fit here. The clip, however, does rotate, so it will work with any type of car vent. This also lets you orient the phone in landscape, if you prefer to view it that way.
Otterbox Commuter Case
Protecting an expensive phone should be a top priority, if only to avoid the hassle of repair or replacement. The Commuter case from Otterbox isn’t really flashy, but it has a good combination of being rugged and pocket-friendly.
Zagg InvisibleShield Glass screen protector
Speaking of screen protectors, the InvisibleShield Glass is basically tempered glass that can add a serious layer of protection to your iPhone screen. It may not be fully bulletproof, but it has been designed to be tough, yet transparent enough not to mute the brightness or colours from the phone’s display.
Kate Spade case
For those who want to add a little flair and style to the iPhone, the Kate Spade hardshell case might fit the bill. This is made of a rubberized material that can help protect the phone from scratches, blemishes and dents, but is not what can be considered rugged.
Case-Mate Naked Tough
If Kate Spade isn’t quite your thing, the Naked Tough is a similar type of case, as far as materials go, except it is fully transparent to show the iPhone’s colour. It has an outer shell and a bumper to act as a shock absorber for accidental falls. Not the most rugged case, but lightweight, thin and clear for easy handling and storage.
Speck CandyShell
The CandyShell is arguably Speck’s most popular line of cases, and one of the reasons may be their reliability. Here is a hard shell that is flexible enough to feel like something more malleable. The reinforced corners are a staple of the line, helping protect a phone from the tough impact of a drop to the ground.
ReTrak Pocket Selfie Stick
Stroll through any touristy area anywhere and you’re likely to see a few of these doing their job. The ReTrak is an affordable and dependable selfie stick for your iPhone that extends over 2-ft. to help take in more of a group, or more of the backdrop behind you. Using a cable that plugs into the phone’s headphone jack, it connects to the button on the handle for easy snaps. When you’re done, the ReTrak shortens down to only 5-inches for truly portable storage.
Belkin Sport-Fit
Being an armband, the Sport-Fit has a pretty self-explanatory use case. As a runner, jogger or gym rat, having your iPhone out of the way and out of danger is key. This band offers a secure fit with easy access for a proper balance, and being hand washable, it’s easy enough to clean.
