8 Awesome iPhone Accessories To Check Out In 2018
Time To Accessorize?
Apple's latest iPhones have some big changes that make finding the right accessories even more of a necessity. For one, the iPhone X, 8 and 8 Plus are covered with glass on both sides -- which make them more vulnerable to shattering. The new iPhones also come with wireless charging capabilities, but a wireless charger isn't actually included with the device, meaning you'll need to seek out a third-party solution. On the show floor at CES 2018 in Las Vegas, we saw many of the top new iPhone accessories on display. So in the following slides, we've rounded up eight of the coolest iPhone accessories for 2018.
Catalyst Impact Protection Case
For iPhone owners who don't want to take any chances with their pricey new device, the new Catalyst impact protection case may be a wise investment. The case features an "impact truss system" that cushions against drops, using a blend of rubber polymers. The result is that drops of up to 9.9 feet should be no problem for iPhones housed in the case. The Catalyst impact protection case also includes a rotational mute dial and a clear backing. The iPhone X and iPhone 8 versions of the case are priced at $39.99, while the iPhone 8 Plus version is priced at $49.99.
iOttie Wireless Dash And Windshield Mount
This new device goes beyond the typical smartphone car mount in a few ways. One is the use of locking side arms, which lets users quickly mount their iPhone and keep it secure. For users of the iPhone X, 8 or 8 Plus, the mount also offers Qi wireless charging to keep the device fueled up -- making it even easier to use the iPhone in the car. In addition, iOttie says the device charges iPhones quickly, up to 40 percent faster than traditional wireless chargers. The suction cup mount attaches to either the dashboard or the windshield. The iOttie Wireless Dash And Windshield Mount is priced at $54.95.
Otterbox 'Star Wars' Cases
Protective cases don't just need to be about mitigating the effects of drops and shocks. This new lineup of "Star Wars"-themed cases from Otterbox provides both protection and a variety of choices of artistically depicted characters from across the "Star Wars" universe, including from the original trilogy and the latest movies such as "The Last Jedi." Choices for cases include Darth Vader, Rey, BB8 and a stormtrooper. Otterbox's "Star Wars" case for iPhone 8/7 is priced at $44.95, while the versions for iPhone X and 8/7 Plus are $54.95.
Belkin Wireless Chargers
During CES 2018 in January, Belkin unveiled an expansion of its wireless charging offerings -- which are compatible with all Qi wirelessly chargeable devices including Apple's iPhone X and iPhone 8/8 Plus. The new Belkin Boost Up lineup includes the Boost Up Bold, which charges at 10W, enabling faster charging than the company's prior 7.5W wireless chargers. Belkin is also introducing the Boost Up Wireless Charging Stand, which lets users stand up their phone while it's charging; a Dual Wireless Charging Pad, which can charge two devices at a time with 10W on both sides; and a commercial version of Boost Up for businesses such as restaurants and hotels. The new Belkin Wireless Chargers are expected to debut this summer. Pricing hasn't been disclosed.
Samsung Fast Charge Wireless Charging Stand
One of the best smartphone wireless chargers on the market right now is made by Apple rival Samsung -- but that shouldn't stop anyone from considering it for their 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). The Samsung Fast Charge Wireless Charging Stand is priced at $39.
Pearl Compact Mirror USB Battery
This novel device for charging an iPhone now comes in two sizes. The larger Pearl compact mirror measures 3.5 x 3.5 x 0.5 of an inch and comes with two mirrors, one of them 3X magnified. The mirror doubles as a battery pack for iPhone, iPad and USB devices, with a sizable 3000mAh battery and a 2.1A USB charging port. The Pearl Compact Mirror USB Battery sells for $30. There is now also a smaller version, the Pearl Mini, which sells for $20 and comes with two mirrors as well. The Pearl Mini measures 2.9 x 2.9 x 0.7 of an inch and features a 1,600mAh battery.
Apple Fast-Charging Adapter
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, sers will need a USB-C power adapter. Then, they'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.
Apple AirPower
We're still waiting for the arrival of AirPower, an Apple-made wireless charging mat that the company first teased this past fall. Apple's website currently says only that the AirPower is "coming in 2018." The AirPower will aim to differentiate by being able to charge multiple devices at once. It's large enough to fit an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously, according to Apple's rendering of the device. Along with the release date, Apple also hasn't released pricing yet for the AirPower.