The Apple iPhone, as expected, has been a huge hit. If you’re a new user, you can have even more fun with it and make it more useful and convenient with the addition of accessories. These include phone cases with innovative features, wireless charging pads, wireless AirPods earbuds, and much more. Here are a few of our favorites.
AirPods
Image via Flickr by pestoverde
By now, anyone familiar with the iPhone knows that Apple got rid of the headphone jack on the iPhone 7, and the iPhone 8 doesn’t have one either. Fortunately, the phones now come with a lightning adapter for your wired headphones, which goes into your charging port. But why do that, when you can have AirPods? AirPods are wireless earbuds that work seamlessly with your iPhone 8, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes as well as use Siri and talk on the phone. Pairing them with your phone is easy, and you can also use them with an Apple Watch, iPad, and Apple TV. In fact, AirPods work with any device that supports Bluetooth headphones.
Battery Case
The iPhone 8 has an improved battery life over previous models, but it’s not unlimited. Anyone who has used a smartphone for a while knows the frustration of trying to hunt down a plug to charge the phone, waiting for it to charge, and making sure to bring the charger with you in the first place. A battery case solves that problem because your backup power is always with you. Apple sells one, but the Mophie Juice Pack Classic may be one of the best. It charges alongside your iPhone — just plug it in, and the iPhone charges first, then the backup battery follows automatically. It also offers excellent protection for your phone against drops and bumps.
Wireless Charging Base
One of the best features of the iPhone 8 is wireless charging. It works with Qi-certified chargers, which may be found in cars, hotels, cafes, and even furniture. If your lamp or desk doesn’t have a charging base installed, it’s easy to get your own from Samsung, Mophie, Belkin, and many other manufacturers. All you do is plug in the charger base and place it on a level surface, then put your iPhone on the base with the screen facing up.
Bluetooth Speakers
Nearly everyone enjoys listening to streaming music with their iPhones using earbuds, but there are times when you want to share your music with others, or simply fill the room with the sound of your favorite band. Today’s Bluetooth speakers are even available in water-resistant models, such as the Braven Stryde 360. The manufacturer says it can be fully submerged in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes, so it’s a great accompaniment for when you sing in the shower. With this speaker, you don’t need to miss any calls while you wash up because it even allows you to make and receive calls using a voice assistant.
If you do a lot of streaming, you’ll need a reliable, fast network from a carrier like T-Mobile for your iPhone 8. A recent report from OpenSignal calls T-Mobile the fastest network, beating out both Verizon and AT&T. With this kind of speed, you’re sure to get the most from any accessory you pair with your new iPhone.
Super-Protective Cases
If you’re the clumsy type, and all too aware of how expensive iPhone screen repairs can be, forget about those cute, lightweight novelty cases. You need a serious case like the Otterbox or LifeProof case. Reviewers have had mixed results with wireless charging using these cases, although they’re supposed to be compatible. Still, that’s a small price to pay for the level of protection they offer. Older Otterbox cases were rather plain, but the new Symmetry series offers many attractive options with the company’s Certified Drop Protection. Certain models of LifeProof cases are even rated as waterproof and have a built-in screen protector.
These are just a few of the accessories available to soup up your iPhone 8 and provide you with the ultimate in fun and utility. You can find these, and many more accessories at a variety of online retailers and local stores, and from Apple itself. Take some time to shop around and come up with your own list of favorite accessories.
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