It’s 2022 — a wonderful time for any Apple user in terms of finding the best iPhone accessories. Long gone are the days when you had to rely solely on your iPhone’s capabilities — now you can put to use a number of external batteries, cases, cables, camera lenses, headphones and so much more.
With so much going on in the market, it can be difficult to single out the really useful smartphone accessories online. Which is why I decided to write this article and provide a friendly shoulder for anyone to lean — or cry! — on, if they feel a bit lost in Apple territory (or just want to discover something new).
Some questions I’m aiming to answer are:
- Which are the best gadgets to use on the go?
- Which are the best gadgets to use for iPhone photography and videography?
- What is the key (pun intended) for never losing your keys again?
- How did this article come to be?
- What are some useful things you need to know before deciding on an iPhone accessory?
- What are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by iPhone enthusiasts?
This being said, there are plenty of iPhone accessories on Amazon to choose from. So let’s dive into the best of the best, shall we?
Contents
Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best iPhone accessories 2022
- Newdery Battery Case for iPhone 11 – best retail battery case for iPhone 11
- Mophie Juice Pack Air for iPhone X/XS – best iPhone charger cases
- Apple Smart Battery Case – best Apple battery case
- Mophie PowerStation XXL – best power bank
- Belkin Wireless Charging Station – best wireless charging station
- Seneo Wireless Charging Mat – best buy iPhone accessories for charging
- DJI Osmo Mobile 3 – best iPhone video rig
- Apexel Phone Camera Lens Kit – best iPhone camera accessory
- Instax Mini Smartphone Printer – best smartphone photo printer
- Powerbeats Pro + Apple Care – most powerful bass earphones
- Airpods Pro – best original Apple earphones
- Apple Watch Series 5 – best Apple smartwatch
- Tile Pro – best to find your wallet/keys easily
13 Best iPhone Accessories to Test in 2022
Here is a rundown of the best of the best — gadgets that are either practical, functional or simply fun to use. I have deliberately stayed away from buying Apple phone adapter attachments (Lightning to 3.5mm, Lightning to HDMI, all that jazz) and the more popular iPhone accessories, and instead decided to explore more outstanding products, some of which are diamonds in the rough.
Top iPhone Charger Accessories
We’ve all been there — at least I know I have. I go out, confident that my full iPhone battery won’t fail and will last a whole day. But halfway through — bummer. I have to put it on low-power mode in order to squeeze those last few precious drops of battery charge before I make it home safe and sound. This is why I finally gave in and converted to carrying portable power banks with me anywhere I go. I was reluctant to do so, as I have had bad experiences when using fast charge power banks on my previous iPhone; they ruined my battery life to the point that I had to replace it with a new one. Keep in mind that as long as the power bank voltage offered is between 5.1V to 5.4V, your phone is safe. However, after picking them up, I realized that they are among the best accessories for iPhone for a reason.
1. Newdery Battery Case for iPhone 11
- Dimensions: 5.84 x 3 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Capacity: 5000 mAh
If you are looking for practical and reliable cell phone accessories, this one is a mighty fine choice.
Along with giving your phone a reliable second battery, the Newdery also has wireless charging built in, so you can easily charge the case on any wireless charging pad. It is also possible to charge the phone and case together with a lightning cable. They do not charge simultaneously though — first the phone is charged and the case follows after. It is possible to send iPhone attachments (think software) to your computer without having to remove the case — which is to be expected from one of the most amazing iPhone accessories.
The Newdery is made of a semi-soft TPU material, with raised bezels for display protection and microfiber flannel interior to keep it scratch-free. This makes me feel secure that my phone is safe with this case, even if I somehow manage to drop it. The case seemed a bit bulky at first, but it still fit nicely in my pocket, so I don’t give any poor marks regarding that. For what it’s worth, the bulkiness doesn’t let me doubt the accuracy of the advertised power (5000 mAh). On the back you will see light indicators, which remind you of how much charge is left in the case.
I tested the charging capabilities of this thing and discovered that it managed to charge 20% of my missing battery (from 50% to 70%) by using around a quarter of the charge (judging by the LED indicators at the back). Overall I think it’s one of the handiest iPhone case accessories to keep at your side, as it gives you that relaxed feeling that your phone won’t give up on you in the middle of the day. It’s very nice for long trips where you don’t have access to electricity. And with it, your phone can go on for about 2-3 days (depending on your phone usage habits).
- Reliable and sturdy design
- Easy to put on phone
- Fast charging
- Light indicators for remaining power
- A bit bulky
2. Seneo Wireless Charging Mat
- Dimensions: 3 x 5.9 x 3.4 inches
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
Ever since wireless charging became mainstream in 2012, I found it incredibly convenient to use. I firmly believe that the future is in wireless charging and people will be using it more and more in the years to come. If you are new to wireless charging and are hesitant to invest a lot in your first setup, the Seneo Wireless Charging Mat can be a good place to start — as one of the more cheap iPhone accessories for charging, it is definitely a catch.
It has a nice design, with a wide charging area for your phone, which makes it easy to put it down correctly without much hassle. The mat also allows for your Apple Watch to stay in Nightstand mode, which is something that can’t happen if you are using a stand. The cable of this gadget can be neatly tucked in the storage box underneath, which is also something I liked, as I very much dislike messy cables. Performance wise I think it didn’t do too bad. This mat charged my drained iPhone XS in a bit over 2 hours but I would imagine people will mainly use this mat to charge their devices overnight, so this shouldn’t be a problem. Seneo themselves promote this product as a Nightstand wireless charger (so there you have it).
For a charging mat that is this cheap, I wasn’t expecting much. However, I am glad that my expectations have been exceeded and that I was even surprised by some of the surprise features this gadget has. I definitely consider it a great value for its price and a product which works exactly as advertised. In case anyone is wondering — you can use the mat with cases up to 5mm thick. Overall, I was impressed and satisfied with this product and the cheap price makes it easy to recommend it as one of the essential iPhone accessories to anyone who is interested in trying out wireless charging mats.
- Great dual charging performance
- Supports nightstand mode for Apple Watch
- Compartment for organized cable storage
- Affordable
- Devices can get hot
- Can’t use 5W Apple adapter
3. Belkin Wireless Charging Station
- Dimensions: 3.75 x 3.26 x 3.69 inches
- Weight: 1.31 pounds
I am a firm believer that wireless charging stations will soon become must have iPhone accessories. A problem that I am often facing with my Apple devices is how it’s impossible to charge them simultaneously, without getting myself into cable hell. This is maybe why I am so appreciative of this Belkin Wireless Charging Station. Designed specifically for Apple products, this charging station can simultaneously charge both your iPhone and Apple Watch. Its small and lightweight design make it a perfect fit for smaller minimalistic spaces, where every inch is important. I appreciate its clean and simple look — no unnecessary buttons and edges to be found anywhere on it. The small dial on the back helps to raise and lower the height of the Lightning connector, which is used to charge your iPhone and makes it suitable for bigger iPhone sizes. Out of all the best iPhone X accessories for charging, I like this one the most.
The Belkin Wireless Charging Station offers a total power output of 3.4A. The current is divided as follows — 1A to the Apple Watch and 2.4A to the iPhone. This makes it fast enough to charge your devices within short time frames — I managed to charge my iPhone from empty to full in 2 hours. The 2.4A output is safe to use even with iPhones with larger battery capacity as the Belkin Charging Station is able to keep up with the demand.
Something I didn’t like was how short the AC adapter was. You need to make sure you have a handy power outlet close to your nightstand, otherwise you’d have to use an extension cord. Other than this minor issue, the charging dock is very handy and I can see it becoming an integral part of my daily life. Thanks to Belkin’s own high safety standards, I don’t have to worry about my iPhone getting fried. They take care of things such as safe zone operating temperatures, voltage control features and other protective functions, which take utmost care of your device. And what is best, you receive a lifetime warranty from Belkin, which can give you a little more comfort in the reliability of this gadget.
- Comfortable to use
- Abides by high safety standards
- Slick design
- Regulatable Lightning connector
- Short AC adapter
4. Apple Smart Battery Case
- Dimensions: 7.4 x 3.9 x 1 inches
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Battery capacity: 1,369 mAh
There is no way we can talk about Apple battery cases and not mention the retail Apple products accessories. One of these is the Apple Smart Battery Case. While it is impressive and very functional, connecting seamlessly with audio and CarPlay, there are several important points to take into consideration before buying this case.
Firstly — it’s bulky. The battery itself is located on the back side of the case, as with the majority of battery cases, but this one forms a small hump on it, which is not very eye pleasing. The gummy matte silicone finish of the case itself further makes it a magnet to collect fingerprints and greasy stains. Grip-wise though it is quite formidable. Secondly, it’s pricey. While it does provide a solid backup battery power, you would have to be a very heavy phone user in order to justify this case. Speaking for myself, it’s easy to find a place to charge my phone throughout the day — at home, at the office, at a cafe, so I would be reluctant to spend so much money for it. If you, however, feel that you need the extra charge punch, go for it!
For me, here’s the best part about this case: The Smart Battery case’s Lightning charging port is fully integrated with earphones and CarPlay. Unlike non-official Apple cases, this one has no trouble playing music while simultaneously charging your phone. If you are an audiophile (like me) this can be particularly appealing. Furthermore, its charging powers work great — and the intelligent charging knows when to turn itself on, no button required. When I used it, it gave me two full days (around 36 hours of phone usage) before I had to plug it to the wall again. The Smart Battery case also supports wireless charging, so if you have a Qi pad, you can charge both the case and the phone in one go. The case intelligently prioritizes the phone, so it will be the one to charge first, and the case second. If you are looking for Apple iPhone accessories that come directly from Apple — this one is worthy to consider.
- Long battery life
- Wireless charging
- Lightning-in port works well with audio
- Intelligent charging — you don’t need to press buttons to turn the case on
- Bulky
- Pricey
5. Mophie Powerstation XXL
- Dimensions: 3.62 x 6.1 x 0.79 inches
- Weight: 7.7 ounces
- Battery capacity: 20,000 mAh
The leader in portable power doesn’t disappoint — and delivers one of the most efficient power bank iPhone accessories on the market for 2022. Roughly the same size as an iPhone, this powerful gadget can juice up your iPhone for up to 100 hours of usage. This makes it perfect to travel; its small size and lightness are perfect for a backpack. The Powerstation comes with 3 USB ports, which combined with its 20,000 mAh of power makes it a reliable option to keep around you at all times, in case of emergency. It is also certified for air travel, so you know it’s safe to charge your devices aboard an aircraft.
If you are looking for powerful, quality and last-but-not-least cool iPhone accessories, this one deserves your attention. The Charge Vault technology allows for the Powerstation XXL to hold its charge for an extended period of time so it is ready right when you need it. The digital power management system uses smart charging to “talk to” each device and deliver optimal charging speed, without risking safety. It also switches the battery off when your device is filled up. The Priority+ Charging makes sure to charge your device first and the power bank after, if the Powerstation XXL is hooked to a power outlet. The battery is rated by the manufacturer for 500 charge cycles. This means that under normal circumstances, the Powerstation will hold 75 percent of its original battery life after 500 charging cycles. What this further means is that this battery is likely to serve you well even after years of daily use. If something goes wrong, that’s also okay. Mophie offers a 2 year warranty on the Powerstation XXL.
Overall this is a very good and reliable power bank, which to me is among the coolest iPhone accessories of 2022, and is not limited to Apple devices. It charges relatively fast (I was able to charge mine for a bit over 5 hours) and the mAh is enough to make your iPhone run for around 3 days. In my opinion, you won’t be making a mistake if you decide to put your trust in the Powerstation XXL — it deserves it.
- High capacity
- Sturdy design
- Very efficient
- Reasonable price
- No quick charge support
- Not waterproof or shockproof
6. Mophie juice pack air for iPhone X/XS
- Dimensions: 6.11 x 0.64 x 2.93 inches
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
- Battery capacity: 1,720 mAh
Mophie have always been a leading brand when it comes to elegant, functional and reliable battery cases. My journey with them began all the way back when I was still using my trusty iPhone 7, and I was pleased to discover that their standard hasn’t changed much throughout the years. No wonder their juice pack is among the top iPhone X accessories when it comes to charging.
The case for iPhones X and XS wraps around the entire phone (excluding the display) and the raised bezels across the edge of the screen give it added protection, should your phone fall face down. The mechanism that holds the case together might appear weird and transformer-like at first, but it’s easy to get used to and is quite sturdy. The two-piece design offers increased breakage protection and I am legit impressed with how solid this thing actually is.
It is possible to charge this line of iPhone X accessories through a Qi wireless pad, as well as by a Lightning cable. You can find the MFi certified port at the bottom of the case, and the Qi coil is at the back. A downside is that if you want to use the wireless charging, you can do so only at 5W, which is likely due to heat restrictions. You should also note that the case doesn’t turn itself on and off when it sees fit (like Apple’s own) but you have to press a button on the back to switch it on. You can see how much battery is left by the 4 LED indicators, each of which represents 25% of the battery. I personally am a fan of Apple’s case, as it removes the hassle of having to press a button, but this one is quite good nonetheless.
A more worthy inconvenience to mention with this product is that the Lightning-in port through which you can charge the case does not support audio. This means that in order to use your earphones or CarPlay, you need to take the phone off the case. Other than that, it is an amazing cell phone case with charger for the iPhone X large.
- Quite slim, fits nicely in tight pockets
- Solid and sturdy design
- Wireless charging
- Just the right amount of mAh to get you through the day
- Needs to be turned on manually
- Doesn’t support audio through the Lightning-in port
Top iPhone Filming Accessories
Smartphones are taking the photography scene by storm, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we leave traditional cameras behind in favor of more compact options. The rapidly evolving smartphone optic technologies make it possible to capture exceptionally crisp and detailed images with little effort.
The cameras of the newest generations of iPhones are especially advanced. Think of riple-camera array, ultra wide 13mm lens, 56mm telephoto lens, portrait effects and consistent image quality. In short, everything about them is crafted to stimulate creativity. The colors, tones and exposures have an even consistency between the 2 or 3 cameras involved (speaking for the newest iPhone models, which have multiple cameras). And the image processing produces natural-looking details — an improvement from the over-sharpened and smoothened look and feel of older smartphone images. With the right gadgets at hand, these powerful features can be used in over-the-top creative ways.
Here are the best mobile accessories you can gear up together with your iPhone:
7. DJI Osmo Mobile 3
- Dimensions: 6.18 x 5.12 x 1.81″ (folded); 11.22 x 4.92 x 4.06″ (unfolded)
- Weight: 14.29 oz
- Counterweight: No
- Motion range: Pan: -162.5 to 170.3°; Tilt: -104.5 to 235.7°; Roll: -85.1 to 252.2°
- Battery: 15 hours
Even if your phone camera is capable of producing good quality content, it still may need a little nudge to make it truly memorable. Shaky footage doesn’t impress anyone in 2022 — and this is where the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 gimbal comes to steal the spotlight. It is able to create impressively smooth shots and even supports a tracking-subjects function. The quick roll feature of this top iPhone gear makes it easy to switch between portrait and landscape shooting mode and the DJI Mimo app offers a lot of other cool functions to explore. It supports several shooting modes like photo, panorama, video, slow motion and hyperlapse. Sport mode increases the responsiveness of the gimbal motors, and Active Track 3.0 is DJI’s latest version of their AI-based subject tracking.
Design-wise it is very portable. The entire gimbal folds, collapsing against the handle, which transforms it to the size of a smartphone. Weight-wise it isn’t very heavy either, which makes it a perfect companion when travelling. A closer inspection reveals a trigger button on the front, which makes it easy to quickly recenter the gimbal, switch between front and rear phone cameras, or activate subject tracking. This makes it one of the more fun iPhone accessories for video. The battery is integrated within the device and charges through a USB-C port. The advertised battery life is 15 hours, which while testing I discovered isn’t far from the truth. A nice addition to the rig is the USB-A port on it, which is useful if you want to charge your phone while attached to the gimbal.
Overall, I would say that this is one of the best iPhone gadgets for anyone who spends a lot of time making videos on their iPhone. The gimbal adds that edge of professionalism, which is hard to replicate with the absence of gadgets. The DJI Osmo Mobile 3’s smart design and plethora of features are suitable for both beginner and casual videographers, and the reasonable price tag ties up the whole package nicely.
- Compact and foldable design
- Active Track 3.0 with gesture control
- Swift switching between portrait and landscape
- Great stabilization
- Can be used as a phone charger
- Needs to be rebalanced every time the phone is removed
- Takes some time getting used to
8. Apexel Phone Camera Lenses
- Dimensions: 8.66 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Warranty: Yes, 1 year
Even though modern smartphones are very advanced, there are still limits to their abilities — especially when it comes to something as artistic as photography. This is where this kit comes in handy — while it’s not part of the exclusive Apple gadgets, it includes 5 different clip-on lenses for your phone camera, which are easy to attach and to use. They eliminate the need to carry on a DSLR at all times and allow for capturing great shots by only using your smartphone. While this gadget isn’t iOS exclusive, the good quality of the iPhone camera works very well with the diverse lenses and can produce impressive results. This makes it perfect as one of the more creative gifts for iPhone users.
Inside the kit you will find:
- 2.0X Telephoto Lens with background and foreground blur
- 195° Round Fisheye Lens
- 170°Super Wide Angle Lens
- 110° Wide Angle Lens, without distortion or dark edge
- 10x Macro Lens
- Zipper bag and clip
Out of these all, the telephoto, wide angle and macro lenses are the most useful and interesting ones. The macro is quite impressive and can capture crisp images if you are 0.39-1.18in away from the object. I was very satisfied with the testing I did – my expectations were met and even exceeded. The telephoto lens did a good job as well, but when you zoom too much some of the sharpness is lost. I expected that to happen, as most telephoto lenses for smartphones tend to do that, but nevertheless it did much better than I initially expected. Most wide angle lenses for smartphones have a lot of distortion, making your photos look weirdly curved, but with this one that was not the case. Sure, it distorts the corners a bit and adds a speck of greenish tint around them, but it still did a pretty good job compared to other lenses on the market. After all, I found it acceptable enough to list the lens as one of the best iPhone video accessories.
Overall I was very satisfied with this kit and will be taking it with me the next time I travel (after we have put COVID behind us!). It is very versatile and you get a lot of value for your money — which is a big fat checkmark in my book. And combined with the iPhone 11 Pro’s outstanding camera, it is one of the best accessories for iPhone 11 Pro.
- A wide range of lenses
- Lightweight
- Clip attaches nice and secure to the camera
- Leaves your phone scratch-free
- A hassle to switch between lenses
- Photos lack sharpness
9. Instax Mini Smartphone Printer
- Dimensions: 3.5 in. × 1.3 in. × 4.9 in.(excluding projecting parts)
- Weight: 7.3 oz (excluding film pack)
- Printing levels: 256 levels per color (RGB)
- Supported image size: 800 × 600 dots
- Charging time: 80 to 120 minutes
Instax cameras have been around for a while now, so it was only natural that they would evolve into a smartphone printer at some point. This small, wallet-sized gadget is perfect if you want to quickly print out physical photos from your phone. The prints are about 3.4 by 2.1 inches, with a 2.4-by-1.8-inch image area. While this isn’t an accessory that is exclusive to iPhone users, the printer integrates with iOS perfectly and, combined with the iPhone’s impressive camera quality, can produce very nice results. That makes it part of the cool Apple gadgets in my book.
You get hooked to the app via Bluetooth, and there you have several interesting features to explore. There are two modes you can go into: Fun Mode and Print Mode. In Fun Mode, you can sketch and edit the photo, add funky frames or even let the app do the edits on its own and surprise you with the final result. Print Mode is more straightforward — it simply prints out the photo you want to be printed, without any hassle. Within each mode, you get to adjust some settings, such as brightness, contrast and saturation. You can also apply filters, crop photos, zoom in and out and adjust the photo however you see fit — if there is a category called cool iPhone accessories on Amazon, it should be on there. I love the versatility of the app, it makes it very fun to play around with.
The printer comes with a range of motion controls, which make the whole experience even more fun. Tilting the printer zooms in and out and flipping the printer changes the mode it’s in. The printing process is smooth and fast, which is to be expected from Fujifilm, and takes a couple of seconds for the print to come out. Overall I am very satisfied with this product, it makes for a fun activity to do at parties, or to use it to make more personalized gifts. If I have to classify it, I would say it’s one of the more unique iPhone accessories.
- App is convenient and easy to use
- Minimalist design, no unnecessary buttons
- Motion controls
- Affordable
- Battery life could be improved
Top iPhone accessories for music
iPhones have always been a good choice for any audiophile — compared to Androids, they have better sound and higher volume. This is because of their DAC — Digital to Analog Converter. To make it simple, this little converter decides how loud and good your music sounds. Next to this technology, the iPhone 11 supports the new ‘spatial audio’ playback, which claims to deliver an ‘immersive surround sound experience,’ as well as Dolby Atmos. It’s built-in speakers (similarly to the iPhone XR) sound outstanding, considering smartphone standards.
It would be a shame if all this power goes to waste, if paired with low-quality earphones. Here are two very worthy Apple accessories that deserve to be matched with your Apple device, and sound good together.
10. AirPods Pro
- Acoustic Design: Closed
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20 kHz
- Case Battery Life: 24 hours
- OS Support: iOS
Apple’s own earphones are perfectly integrated with other Apple devices, which allows for lightning fast connectivity. This isn’t only limited to iPhones but works with any device connected to the same iCloud account — a true champion in wireless accessories. The AirPods Pro also let you know if the chosen tips are the right size for your ears — you get three different sizes when you purchase the earphones. Choosing the right tip for your earbuds is important to provide you with the right levels of noise cancellation and sound isolation. The earphones’ sound quality is also influenced by them. The ear tips themselves neatly click into place and are far from the silicone buds you wiggle on and off the earbuds. To me, they have a premium-quality feel.
As one of the latest Apple accessories, the AirPods Pro are very light, which makes a comfortable wear. This also poses some dangers though, as it can be easy for them to fall off your ear without you noticing, if there isn’t any music playing. They also have shorter stems than the AirPods 2, which makes touch control a little less comfortable. A new feature they have is the Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. The Active Noise Cancellation uses an outward-facing microphone to detect external sounds in the environment, which then your earphones cancel out with anti-noise. Transparency mode allows outside sound to soak in, so you can hear what’s going on around you. These modes are easy to switch between, using the force sensor located on the AirPods Pro themselves. Or you can switch it using your iPhone. The AirPods also feature an optical sensor and an accelerometer, which allow the bud to sense when you remove them or put them on so they can start and stop music automatically.
What I didn’t like about those earphones is that they don’t have a way of telling you how much battery is left, unless you check your phone. The light indicator on them is either green or red, with nothing in between. They also aren’t well suited for working out, as it’s easy for them to fall off. Even so, they make for a wonderful iPhone gift, which integrates nicely with Apple — as it is Apple itself.
- Good noise cancellation
- A very comfortable fit
- Good for tracking hearing health
- Convenient case for portability
- Can be loose during workouts
- They use a USB-C charging cable
11. Powerbeats pro + Apple Care
- Acoustic Design: Closed
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20 kHz
- Case Battery Life: 25 hours
- OS Support: Android/iOS
Beats have always been one of the best Apple accessories, which aren’t actually Apple. The PowerBeats Pro might cost a bit more over the Airpods but when it comes to workout-focused earphones, they have no match. They deliver top-notch stimulating and impactful bass, combined with energetic highs that inspire you to move. According to Apple, the Powerbeats Pro have 60% less harmonic distortion compared to the PowerBeats3, which is easy to hear upon testing. The sound is crisp and clear in the upper register, and the separation of instruments is clearly distinguishable — a true feast for your ears. The music feels dynamic, aggressive and fast, which is just the thing you need when at the gym. This makes it one of the must have iPhone 11 Pro accessories — they are a match made in heaven. You also don’t need to worry about the battery — upon testing them, I discovered that I can play music for close to 11 hours. For wireless earphones this is a truly impressive stat.
Similarly to the Airpods, the PowerBeats Pro have a ton of sensors. Each earbud has a proximity sensor, which pauses music when you remove them from your ears. The accelerometers in each bud help detect when you speak, which makes it easier for the smart technology to guide the microphone when in a loud environment. A significant difference with the Airpods is that the Beats have dual audio controls for full volume and track management. You can skip, pause, or play the previous song, adjust volume and call out Siri with a few simple taps. The Beats also have various sizes of in-ear tips, which offer a much more customizable fit. Their slick look can be paired nicely with the newest iPhone, which is why I think it is one of the best iPhone 11 accessories, which not only look pretty, but are also powerful.
Something which I didn’t like was how big the carrying case was. Compared to the Airpods, it is around 4 times bigger, which illustrates how uncomfortable it would be to fit them in your pockets. Another issue I had with them is that they only have a IPX4 rating (splash resistant). This means that they are not completely waterproof — while they can withstand water splashes and sweat, a dip in the pool isn’t recommended.
- Very comfortable and steady in-ear fit
- Rich sound and satisfying bass
- Water resistant
- Impressive battery life
- Large carrying case
- Aren’t very discreet looking
Top iPhone gadgets for sport
Apple is one of the brand names that first come to mind when someone says “technology accessories for sports.” They have one gadget in particular, which has one of the best iPhone add ons out of all Apple products. I will keep this brief, since you probably already know it. It’s the…
12. Apple Watch Series 5
- Compatibility: iOS
- Display: 1.78” OLED
- Band Sizes: Different based on watch size
- Onboard Storage: 32GB
- Charging Method: Wireless
One of the current best Apple accessories, the Apple Watch Series 5 isn’t much different from its predecessor, but still brings a seemingly small but important change: its screen stays on all the time. Other smartwatches have had this feature for ages, but Apple finally caught up to the notion that a watch is essentially needed to tell the time. No more arm twists and turns — now you can keep track of what time it is while driving, working or watching TV. Or you can be the fastest person to tell what the time is when someone asks. Other interesting new upgrades include: a compass, an international SOS trigger on cellular watches, new finishes in ceramic and titanium (more pricey as well).
There was a lot of hype around the LTPO technology which Apple used for the Apple Watch Series 5. Of course, the new Watch has some new display drivers, which make it more efficient and includes a better light sensor than previous models, but all in all its similarities to the Watch 4 are far too many. Thanks to this new technology, however, the watch can go from a refresh rate of 60Hz to just 1Hz in 1 second – which is impressive. A lot of other manufacturers have had difficulties making displays that can switch so dynamic and fast. The Watch itself is crafted for activity, listing it among the best phone accessories for sporty iPhone users.
Unfortunately, the always on display drains the battery in about a day and a half. I have always been frustrated by my old Apple Watch Series 4 short battery life, but now I appreciate it more than ever. Something I wish to try and figure out how to do is how to somehow get through 2 full days with the Apple Watch Series 5, but so far I don’t think this is possible. Even so, my opinion is that the Apple Watch Series 5 isn’t that big of an upgrade compared to the Series 4. I am eager to see what the Series 6 will have to offer us — hopefully extended battery life and integration with Android (since as of now the Apple Watch is exclusive to iPhones). Still, in case you are looking for cool iPhone gadgets, you can hardly get cooler than the Series 5. It is so cool that it even made it to the top of our best smartwatches 2022 article.
- Good health features, with included ECG
- 32GB on-board storage
- Always-on display
- Compass
- Cool new features with the WatchOS 6
- Short battery life
- Pricey
- Only integrates with iOS
BONUS: Top iPhone Smart Accessories
Do you know what PWK stands for? It’s the abbreviation for phone, wallet, keys — the 3 things you don’t want to forget when you are going out. However, sometimes it happens that we are absentminded and leave one behind… or have no idea where we put it. If it’s your iPhone, there’s an easy fix — just click on Find iPhone through iCloud and a sound will be played, to help you find it. When it comes to wallet and keys though, the situation is more complicated… at least was before modern technology found a solution to this problem. It’s small, it’s functional and it’s among the best Apple accessories. And its name is…
13. Tile Pro
- Range: 400 ft
- Battery: 1-Year Replaceable CR2032
- Water-resistant: yes
- Dimensions: 42mm x 42mm x 6.5mm
Even though it isn’t exclusive to Apple, the Tile Pro is one of the more cute iPhone accessories, with a practical edge. It is a versatile Bluetooth tracker that isn’t restricted only to your keys — it can be hooked to other belongings as well. Think in terms of purse, wallet, handbag, backpack, etc. When prompted by your phone, it will play a loud sound to locate your misplaced item (similarly to the Find iPhone feature on iCloud). The battery is replaceable and can last you for about a year, and you can easily get a new one after it expires. However, it is not waterproof, so be careful when you are around pools.
Tile also offers a subscription service, called Tile Premium. It costs $3 per month and with your subscription you receive a nudge on your phone if you ever forget your tracker at home when you are leaving the house. The Premium service also gives you a 3 year warranty, free battery replacement per year, location history and the ability to share the device with other people.
As a very forgetful person, I am very satisfied with this product. I have 2 of these — one on my keychain and another inside my wallet, and they have served me well in a number of cases. I even considered buying a third one as I think it’s one of the nice iPhone car accessories that no one talks about (for your car keys). Long gone are those days where I would only realize I had forgotten something after it was already too late. In my opinion this is a great investment for anyone and while it’s not an iOS specific product, its Siri integration is flawless and it seems like they are in fact made for each other.
- Easy to use
- Good app support
- Maps last known location
- Big range of tracking
- Integrates with Siri
- Sturdy
- Some features are restricted to Premium
- Not waterproof
Methodology
How exactly did I find the best iPhone accessories for 2022? Here is a closer look into my process:
- I did very robust and in-depth research on the current Apple (and non-Apple) market trends. I did know roughly what was new (the AirPods Pro for instance) but didn’t want to miss anything that might have been flying under my radar.
- I checked out the best iPhone accessories of 2020 as well, to see if anything significant made it to 2022.
- I compiled a list of over 40 different products from far and wide, which had appealing features in one way or another. I then grouped them in several categories, to make it easier to access them.
- After going through the initial list several times, I managed to cut it down to 20 products.
- I ordered these 20 gadgets from Amazon.
- I tested them for several weeks, wrote down my initial findings and wasn’t shy to ask my colleagues and friends to give me their two cents on how they found them.
- With their help, I narrowed down my top picks to the items you see listed in the article.
- I did my best to include various items, which have different applications — different people find different values in different things.
- I sat down and wrote the article.
There you have it! The whole process took me about a month but in the end it was worth it, as I got to test some nice and unknown gadgets myself. The Tile Pro especially impressed me and is now an integral part of both my keychain and wallet.
The world of iPhones isn’t that hard to navigate through. Like Apple’s main brand message, their corresponding accessories are straightforward, simple, easy to operate and yet somehow also sophisticated. So take your time and explore the rich world of the coolest iPhone accessories. Something I dislike about Apple is how much they force you to rely on their accessories — you need the iPhone dongle to connect it to regular 3.5mm wired headphones without a Lightning-in port, you need adaptors for full usability of the MacBook, etc. However, the more I use Apple products, the less I seem to mind — and embrace the accessories life instead.
What are the best iPhone accessories?
It really depends on your personal needs and preferences. For the sake of safety, I would say that a standard tempered glass screen protector and a sturdy case are a must if you want to protect your phone from damage. To me, this combo makes the best iPhone 10 accessories, as they saved my phone from certain death just last week. Battery cases are even better, as they can come in handy in moments of desperation — the Mophie Juice pack listed above is a good one. Wireless charging stations are also my personal favorite — they make the whole charging process much easier and cable-free. However, they only work with the newest generation of Apple products.
What accessories come with iPhone X?
Many people expect to receive AirPods together with their iPhone X — but this is not the case. Inside your iPhone X you will find all the standard free iPhone accessories – a Lightning USB cable for charging, as well as a 5W USB charger, a pair of EarPod wired headphones and a Lightning to 3.5mm headphone dongle. The traditionally provided Apple stickers are also included, as well as a setup guide/warranty manual. Maybe future iPhones will come together with a pair of AirPods, but this is highly unlikely to happen any time soon. This also answers the question of “Does the iPhone 11 come with AirPods?” — unfortunately, the iPhone 11 accessories don’t differ from the ones provided with the iPhone X.
Final thoughts
While it was challenging to compile this list, I am more than satisfied with the outcome of my research — there are just so many nice cellular accessories to try, which are so well integrated with iPhones and Apple products in general. I hope you managed to find something on the list to try out yourself — be it a battery case or accessories for taking better photos and videos with your smartphone. We at 10Beasts are curious to see how the accessories market evolves over time, with Apple setting high standards for quality, which companies are obliged to follow. Want to know more? Check out how tech bloggers themselves rank iPhone accessories – maybe that will inspire you some more.
FAQ
Q: What are the most popular cell phone accessories?
A:
- Charge on the go – power banks, case batteries, charging docs and stations, wireless charging mats and car chargers
- Phone photography – smartphone camera lenses, selfie sticks, tripods, stabilizers and rigs
- Phone stands for desks and cars, PopSockets
There are many new iPhone accessories that you can choose from these days. Phone cases and screen protectors are must-have accessories for smartphones, needed to protect your phone from damage. It’s curious to speculate what the newest iPhone accessories will be like in the future, but for now we have to make due with what we have.
Q: What are the top 10 best iPhones?
A:
- iPhone 11 – best overall
- iPhone 11 Pro – best for camera
- iPhone 11 Pro Max – best big screen
- iPhone SE 2 – best compact
- iPhone XS Max – like iPhone 11, on a budget
- iPhone XS – best performance
- iPhone XR – best value
- iPhone 8 Plus – best on a budget
- iPhone 3GS – best iPhone innovator
- iPhone 4S – best for… introducing Siri
There isn’t really a one sided answer to this question. Performance wise, it makes sense to go backwards chronologically, with the iPhone 11 triumphing on the number 1 place. Even though it has very little new tweaks compared to the iPhone X, it is the best iPhone money can buy as of this moment, that is until iPhone 12 hits the market this fall.
Q: What accessories do you get with iPhone 11?
A:
- SIM card remover tool
- Set of 2 Apple logo stickers
- 5 watt charger with Lightning charging cable
- EarPods with a Lightning connector
You don’t get anything out of the ordinary with the iPhone 11 — just the basic regular iPhone 11 accessories, which are hardly the best iPhone accessories. I have noticed that a lot of people expect to find a pair of AirPods in the box instead, but sadly that is not the case. Any additional accessories need to be bought separately — but here’s to hoping that in the next couple of years Apple decides to include a little something extra with the future iPhones.
Top Rated iPhone Accessories
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Thank you for this information. This is really useful.