Your iPhone is capable of amazing things on its own, but it becomes even more powerful when it’s paired with the right accessories. Whether you want to take close-up photos of insects, type a report, or take your iPhone for a jog, there’s a tool out there that can help you do the job. Read on for a look at seven awesome accessories that can help make your iPhone even better than it already is.
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A selfie stick
They might look a little silly, but selfie sticks are one of the most popular smartphone accessories for good reason—they’re simply the best way to capture those Instagram-worthy scenes and moments without a lot of hassle. And they’re far from one-size-fits-all. On the contrary, selfie sticks come in a wide range of different sizes and types, with features including Bluetooth capability and waterproofness. So whether you’re a keen traveler or the self-designated official photographer of your family reunion, a selfie stick can help to ensure the best shots possible.
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A camera kit
Speaking of getting the best shots, many enthusiastic photographers are investing in special lens sets that can boost the capabilities of the already excellent iPhone camera. If you’re someone who likes to take specialized photos, these additional lenses are a worthwhile investment, particularly if you use your iPhone as your primary camera. Sets can come with everything from a fisheye lens, which adds a 180-degree spherical effect to your snaps, to a super wide lens, which adds 120 degrees of visibility to your landscape shots (perfect for panorama photos). Many brands make easy-to-attach lenses that can clip directly to your iPhone with minimal setup and no app or extra features to download.
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A portable charger
According to independent reviews, the iPhone X delivers just shy of 11 hours of battery life on a single charge (that’s nearly 11 hours of continuous online browsing). While that’s likely to be more than enough if you’re out and about for a day or two, you might need a backup plan if you’re a frequent traveler or are otherwise unlikely to be able to charge your phone from a wall socket. This is where a portable charger can come in very handy. These compact little devices are easy to tuck into a purse or a suitcase, and some of the latest models can charge your iPhone multiple times.
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A wireless charger
If you want to improve your iPhone charging experience at home, a wireless charger is a great way to eliminate some cable clutter and make it easier than ever to charge your device. With wireless charging, there’s no need to plug your phone into a wall socket or connect it to your laptop to charge. Simply place the phone directly on a compatible charging mat, and power will be transmitted directly to the battery. Some of the newest wireless chargers even allow you to charge multiple devices at once.
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An armband
If your iPhone is your favorite workout companion—say you like to listen to music while you ride your bike, keep track of your vital stats while you’re at the gym, or use an app to navigate a jogging route—a sports armband is a must-have accessory. Trying to hold your iPhone in your hand or tuck it into a pocket while you exercise is not only inconvenient, but you also run the risk of moisture damage or dropping the device on accident. A sports armband helps you solve these problems. The best ones provide a comfortable, secure fit, usually through the use of adjustable Velcro straps, and many offer handy extra features like water protection, a holder for keys or credit cards, and reflective strips for visibility and safety at night.
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A wireless keyboard
If you find yourself frequently using your iPhone for work, you know how frustrating it can be to try to type lengthy documents on your device’s touchscreen. To make prolonged typing work much easier, why not try a wireless keyboard? There is a huge range of models to choose from, from full-size keyboards to compact models to portable, foldable styles. Your fingers will be sure to thank you.
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A car mount
Dash mounts and phone holders can help you make the most of your iPhone while driving, something you won’t want to miss out on now that iOS 12 has introduced a massive improvement to Apple Maps. Look for mounts with an adjustable grip (this helps hold your device in place more securely than models that use magnets) and a soft, padded interior to cushion your iPhone from bumps in the road.