10 Cool Accessories For Your New iOS Device
Time To Accessorize?
2017 was a huge year for new Apple iOS devices, with the launch of three iPhones (the iPhone X, 8, and 8 Plus) along with three new iPads (the 9.7-inch iPad and two iPad Pro models). If you've unwrapped a new iOS device over the holidays, your thoughts may now be turning to accessories. For instance, the latest iPhones all offer wireless charging, but wireless chargers are sold separately. (And trust us, you want to do wireless charging.) Meanwhile, the glass-covered design and high price tag for the new iPhones -- particularly the iPhone X, which starts at $999 -- means that protective cases are more crucial than ever.
In the following slides, we've rounded up 10 of the coolest accessories available right now for iPhone and iPad.
Samsung Fast Charge Wireless Charging Stand
Compatible with: iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus
Price: $59.99
One of the best smartphone wireless chargers on the market right now is made by Apple rival Samsung, but don't let that stop you from considering it for your new iPhone. Samsung's Fast Charge Wireless Charging Stand will work great for refueling the battery on the iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus. The Qi charger can also switch between two modes, allowing users to lay their phone flat on the charger or prop up their phone in stand mode (we're big fans of the stand).
Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Pad
Compatible with: iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus
Price: $59.99
Another Qi wireless charger option for the new iPhones is Belkin's Boost Up. Users can charge their phone just by laying it atop the Qi charging pad, and Belkin says it will generally still provide a charge when the iPhone is in its case (the pad works with "most lightweight cases," Belkin says). Features include an LED indicator that confirms when the phone is charging, and the 7.5W device is faster than some of the other wireless chargers on the market, according to Belkin.
Mophie Wireless Charging Base
Compatible with: iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus
Price: $59.95
Mophie's Qi wireless charger for the new iPhones shares some key similarities with the Belkin charger, such as 7.5W charging and a circular design for the pad. It doesn't have an LED indicator. But, it does come in a smaller package: Mophie's version has a width of 3.82 inches, versus the 5.5 inches of the Belkin charger. Thus the Mophie charger may be the better match for those who are buying the smallest of the new iPhones, the 4.7-inch iPhone 8.
Spigen Neo Hybrid Crystal Case
Compatible with: iPhone X
Price: $29.99
So you've got a new iPhone X, and it's covered all over with glass (and cost at least $999). It looks amazing, but probably isn't going to hold up to very many mishaps. Spigen's Neo Hybrid Crystal case aims to find that middle ground between showing off the look of your iPhone X and protecting it from shattering. The case is crystal clear but packs in a shock-absorbent layer, along with a rigid bumper frame, for protecting against the inevitable dropping incident.
Nomad Rugged Case
Compatible with: iPhone X
Price: $44.95
If leather cases are more your thing, Nomad makes an appealing one for the iPhone X. And the case offers major durability thanks to its integration of polycarbonate and a rubber bumper. Nomad promises protection against drops as high as 10 feet.
Apple iPad Smart Cover
Compatible with: iPad, iPad Air, iPad Air 2
Price: $39
Here's a reliable go-to for your new iPad. This durable and stylish Apple-made polyurethane case offers protection to the iPad's screen. The Smart Cover attaches to the tablet with a magnetic connection, and it also doubles as a stand that can be folded to an ideal position for using the iPad.
Logitech K780 Wireless Keyboard
Compatible with: iPad, iPad Pro, iPhone
Price: $ 79.99
Another thing your new iPad won't come with is a keyboard. Apple has its own keyboard options for the iPad Pro, but the K780 Bluetooth keyboard from Logitech will work with both of the iPad Pro models as well as the new iPad (or even with typing on your iPhone, if you're so inclined). The full-size keyboard allows users to switch easily between up to three different devices at a time, and the keyboard includes an integrated stand for propping up your iPad or iPhone.
Apple Fast-Charging Adapter
Compatible with: iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus
Price: $84
With all three of the new iPhones, Apple says getting a 50-percent charge is possible in just a half hour. Doing this will, however, require buying two pieces of additional gear. First, you'll need a USB-C power adapter. Then, you'll need a cable (sold separately) that converts USB-C to Lightning (the connector on the iPhone). Plug all of these pieces together, and charging up should be a much quicker proposition than ever before with an iPhone. Apple's 29W USB-C adapter is priced at $49, and the USB-C to lightning cable is priced at $35.
Bose SoundSport In-Ear Headphones
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad
Price: $49.95
If you went looking for a headphone jack on your new iPhone, you no doubt got an unpleasant surprise. Fortunately, Bluetooth headphones have come a long way in terms of reliability and sound quality -- and Bose, in particular, is a master. For the SoundSport In-Ear Headphones, you not only get Bose's much-respected audio quality, but the headphones' tips will also conform to your ear shape for staying in place. Additionally, the headphones are made from weather- and sweat-resistant materials for jogs and gym workouts.
HP Sprocket
Compatible with: iPhone, iPad (running iOS 9.0 or later)
Price: $129.99
Your iPhone camera isn't just for posting to Instagram anymore. HP has developed the Sprocket printer to let you turn your iPhone photos into printouts on the fly -- a sort of Polaroid for the selfie generation. The Sprocket printer lets you print out 2- x 3-inch photos that double as stickers, with the printing done wirelessly from your iPhone or iPad. Importantly, the Sprocket printer is highly portable -- small enough, in fact, to fit in your pocket.