Whether you’re shopping for an Apple aficionado who still treasures their original iPod or the productivity ninja who lives and breathes the latest iOS updates, finding the perfect geeky gift can feel like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. Fear not! We gather some of the most ingenious, innovative and downright cool gadgets that’ll make any Apple user’s heart skip a beat.
From retro-inspired accessories that pay homage to Apple’s legendary design heritage to cutting-edge smart home integrations that would make even Tim Cook jealous, these gifts bridge the gap between nostalgia and innovation. Each selection celebrates the unique blend of form, function, and pure geek appeal that defines the Apple ecosystem. And return to this post, because we’ll keep adding to it.
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Geeky gifts: Ultimate guide for Apple users
Each of these items represents more than just another gadget. The best geeky gifts don’t just solve problems; they spark joy, inspire creativity and remind us why we fell in love with technology in the first place. Choose the perfect match for your favorite Apple user, and watch their eyes light up with that unmistakable geek gleam of recognition and appreciation.
Table of contents: Guide to geeky gifts for Apple users
- ShiftCam ProGrip – iPhone photography powerhouse
- Ulanzi QT01 Mac mini Case – Make it a Mac Pro
- Elago W3 Apple Watch Stand – Classic Mac edition
- Twelve South PlugBug – The can’t-lose charger with Find My
- Ugreen MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh – Speedy power on the go
- Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Bulb – Matter-enabled color lighting
- Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 – Conquer the skies with AirPods
- Ordilend laptop and keyboard cleaning kit – Banish MacBook grime
- Apple Pencil Pro – Top iPad creativity tool
ShiftCam ProGrip – Mobile photography powerhouse
Photo: ShiftCam
What makes it geeky: This innovative accessory transforms your iPhone into a legitimate camera rig with a professional grip, built-in battery pack and physical shutter button. The ProGrip connects magnetically via MagSafe and features an ergonomic hand grip inspired by professional digital cameras. And it comes complete with a two-stage shutter button that mimics DSLR operation (half-press to focus, full press to capture).
The built-in 5,000mAh battery provides wireless charging while you shoot, and the grip is compatible with ShiftCam’s extensive ecosystem of snap-on lenses and accessories. The Apple Store even sells an exclusive ProGrip Starter Kit. For iPhone users who are serious about mobile photography and want their phone to feel more like a professional tool than a rectangular slab, this accessory is transformative.
This DSLR-style iPhone camera grip features built-in power bank with Qi charging, ergonomic handle with wireless shutter button, phone stand dock, built-in cold-shoe and tripod mount.
- Further unlocks iPhone photography potential
- Works with iPhone and Android
- Expandable with accessories
- Limited weather sealing
- Somewhat pricey
Ulanzi QT01 Mac mini Case – Make it a Mac Pro
Photo: Ulanzi
What makes it geeky: Apple’s 2024 Mac mini M4 is a marvel of compact computing power, but it has one controversial design decision: the power button is on the bottom. The Ulanzi QT01 solves this elegantly while adding Mac Pro-inspired industrial style. This precision-machined aluminum alloy case is styled after the iconic tower Mac Pro, transforming your tiny Mac mini into a sleek, modular workstation that looks like it belongs in a professional studio.
The QT01 features tool-free magnetic assembly with removable side panels, making setup incredibly easy. The hollow-out rear design and aluminum construction maximize airflow for optimal cooling performance — critical for the powerful M4 and M4 Pro chips during intensive tasks. Perfectly aligned port cutouts ensure full access to all connections whether you stand it vertically or lay it flat. The soft foam interior protects against bumps and scratches, while the stainless steel handle makes it genuinely portable.
Best of all, the repositioned power button access means you’ll never have to tip your Mac mini over again. As an alternative, you could try the Tiga Aluminum Chassis Stand, which is $10 cheaper at it’s regular price of $39.
This aluminum case makes Mac mini M4/M4 Pro look like a tiny Mac Pro. The shock-proof stand provides heat dissipation, too.
- A tiny Mac Pro is cool
- Provides heat dissipation
- Scratch resistant and shock proof
- May hinder front-port access
- May impact Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth connectivity
This aluminum stand dresses up M4 or M4 Pro Mac mini as a small-but-mighty Mac Pro. The stand and case with handle features optimized heat dissipation.
- Protective stand and case makes M4/M4 Pro Mac mini look like little Mac Pro
- Helps with airflow and heat dissipation
- Stainless steel handle
- Somewhat pricey for an accessory
Elago W3 Apple Watch Stand – Classic Mac edition
What makes it geeky: This adorable silicone charging stand transforms your Apple Watch into a miniature 1984 Macintosh computer while it charges. It’s pure nostalgia meets modern functionality, and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on any Mac nerd’s face.
The watch face lines up perfectly with the “screen” position of the tiny Mac, and when using Nightstand Mode, your Apple Watch becomes a tiny computer displaying the time — just like the original all-in-one desktop that changed computing forever. Made from scratch-free silicone, the W3 stand protects your watch while keeping it stationary during charging. The stand accommodates all Apple Watch models from Series 1 through the latest Series 10 and Ultra versions, making it universally compatible.
It even has built-in cable management to keep your charging puck neatly tucked away.
And if you want another retro alternative — try the Elago’s W4 stand, based on the original iMac from 1998.
This adorable Classic Mac stand for your wearable works with Apple Watch Series 8/SE2/7/6/SE/5/4/3/2/1 (45mm, 44mm, 42mm, 41mm, 40mm, 38mm). And it's compatible with Nightstand Mode.
This cool Apple Watch stand looks like a classic iMac. Compatible with all Apple Watch Series (10/9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2/1/SE, 46mm, 45mm, 44mm, 42mm, 41mm, 40mm, 38mm).
Twelve South PlugBug – The can’t-lose charger with Find My
Screenshot: Twelve South
What makes it geeky: Losing your charger is a thing of the past with this ingenious wall charger that integrates Apple’s Find My network. The PlugBug is the world’s first USB-C charger with built-in tracking technology, meaning you can locate it anywhere in the world using your iPhone — just like an AirTag.
Its distinctive white design with a bright red swoosh makes it easy to spot in a sea of boring black chargers, and the slim profile with downward-facing ports fits in tight spaces where bulky adapters can’t. Available in both 50W (2-port) and 120W (4-port) configurations, the PlugBug delivers intelligent power distribution with Power Delivery fast charging for iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and more.
The folding prongs make it perfect for travel, and the Find My integration runs on a replaceable coin cell battery (like an AirTag) that lasts about a year. For frequent travelers, digital nomads or anyone who’s ever frantically searched for their charger at 6 a.m. before a flight, this is an absolute game-changer that combines practical charging with peace of mind.
This 4-port USB-C fast charger for iPhone, iPad, MacBook and more integrates Apple Find My and folding prongs for travel.
- Convenient USB-C connectivity
- Charges four devices
- Folding prongs
- Not a power bank
Charge up to two USB-C-powered devices simultaneously with dynamic charging up to 50W. With folding prongs, the PlugBug is perfect for compact travel. But the standout feature is that the charger works with the Find My app, so you can easily locate it using your Apple device.
- Plenty of power for iPhone or MacBook
- Find My support is brilliant
- Audible alarm could be louder
Ugreen MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh – Speedy power on the go
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
What makes it geeky: Leading the charge in next-generation power technology, Ugreen’s MagFlow 10000mAh stands as the world’s first Qi2.2 25W-certified power bank, the company said. It’s ideal for power users who need maximum charging speed plus versatility. The bank offers substantial power in a sleek package.
The MagFlow’s standout attribute is its groundbreaking Qi2.2 25W certification, delivering approximately 30% faster wireless charging than standard 15W MagSafe options. This allows it to charge an iPhone 17 Pro Max to 50% in roughly 38 minutes versus 54 minutes with 15W charging. Its 10,000mAh capacity provides approximately 1.8 full charges for an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max. The power bank features a built-in 30W USB-C cable that doubles as a convenient carrying handle.
Additionally, it includes a digital display showing remaining battery percentage. Most impressively, this power bank can simultaneously charge three devices — one wirelessly, one via the built-in cable and a third through its 30W USB-C port.
This Qi2 power bank charges MagSafe iPhones at 25 watts, faster than the 15W MagSafe standard. Comes with built-in USB-C cable and an additional charging port.
- Fast charging pad
- Built-in cable
- Sleek design
- Only one additional port
Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Bulb – Matter-enabled color lighting
Photo: Nanoleaf
What makes it geeky: These aren’t your average smart bulbs. Nanoleaf Essentials bulbs are among the first to support the new Matter standard, making them future-proof and compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings — all at once. With Thread radio technology built in, they connect to your smart home network more reliably than traditional Wi-Fi bulbs, with lower latency and better energy efficiency.
Choose from over 16 million colors or tune the white temperature from cool to warm (2700K-6500K) to match any mood or task. The bulbs support HomeKit Adaptive Lighting, automatically adjusting color temperature throughout the day to match natural circadian rhythms. You can control them via the Nanoleaf app for deep customization (including animated color scenes), voice commands through Siri, or automation based on time, location or other triggers.
Each bulb delivers 1,000 lumens of brightness — equivalent to a 60W incandescent — and the Matter certification means your investment won’t become obsolete as smart home standards evolve. They’re perfect for the Apple user who wants to build a truly intelligent home.
This versatile Matter A19 lightbulb includes RGB colors and warm to cool whites. Use app or voice control. Works with Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings.
- 16 million colors
- Works with Apple Home
- Control via app or voice
- App can be confusing
Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 – Conquer the skies with your AirPods
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
What makes it geeky: In-flight entertainment systems typically require wired headphones, creating a compatibility problem for travelers with AirPods or other wireless headphones. Twelve South AirFly Pro ingeniously bridges this technology gap, transforming any standard 3.5mm audio jack into a Bluetooth transmitter. This compact adapter connects to standard headphone jacks found on airplane seat-back entertainment systems, gym equipment or older TVs.
Once paired with your AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones, it transmits audio wirelessly with minimal latency. The internal battery delivers approximately 16+ hours of continuous usage — more than sufficient for long-haul international flights. One standout feature is the AirFly Pro’s dual-pairing capability, allowing two sets of Bluetooth headphones to connect simultaneously. That’s perfect for sharing audio with a travel companion.
The device also functions in receive mode, letting you to stream audio from your phone to car stereos or speakers lacking Bluetooth connectivity. Plus, gym enthusiasts appreciate its ability to connect wireless headphones to older exercise equipment. That extends the utility beyond travel scenarios alone.
At just 1.8 inches long and weighing under an ounce, this transmitter barely occupies more space than a standard thumb drive, fitting easily into any travel pouch or pocket.
AirFly Pro 2 transforms any headphone jack into a Bluetooth transmitter or receiver. Stream audio from airplane screens, gym TVs, or gaming consoles to your AirPods (or other headphones).
- Makes AirPods more useful
- Connect to two pairs of headphones at once
- Can be used with car stereo AUX ports, too
- Current battery level hard to check
Ordilend laptop and keyboard cleaning kit: Banish MacBook grime
Photo: Ordilend
As you may already know, keyboards are no better than toilet seats in the germ department. And on a bad day, your MacBook keyboard — if it’s as overused and undercleaned as mine — looks almost as bad as the notoriously disgusting pub bathroom in Trainspotting (“The worst in Scotland”). So many us can benefit from the Ordilend laptop and keyboard cleaning kit.
It’s a 10-in-1 sanitation kit with everything you need to clean every nook and cranny of your computer and its keyboard, from microfiber wipes to cleaning solution and key removal tools. It’s also good for cleaning your AirPods, iPhone, cameras and plenty more.
This cleaning kit includes everything you need to spruce up your laptop and your crumb-covered keyboard. Comes with cleaning microfiber clothes, brushes, a keycap puller, cleaning pen and sponge, a soft lens-cleaning pen, and more.
- Comprehensive set of cleaning tools
- Large retractable brush for scrubbing keys
- Easy to keep in bag or drawer
- Some tools flimsy
Apple Pencil Pro – Top iPad creativity tool
Photo: Apple
What makes it geeky: Apple Pencil Pro represents the cutting edge of digital stylus technology, packed with features that blur the line between analog and digital creation. New squeeze sensors let you bring up tool palettes with a simple pinch, barrel roll detection changes brush orientation as you rotate the pencil in your hand (just like a real calligraphy pen), and haptic feedback provides tactile confirmation of your actions.
Pixel-perfect precision, industry-leading low latency, and tilt sensitivity make it feel incredibly natural for drawing, note-taking and photo editing. Pencil Pro attaches magnetically to compatible iPads (iPad Pro M4, iPad Air M2) for charging and pairing, and Find My integration means you can locate it if it rolls under the couch.
For creative professionals, students or anyone who takes their iPad Pro seriously as a work tool, the Apple Pencil Pro transforms the tablet into a legitimate replacement for traditional creative tools — whether you’re sketching concepts, annotating PDFs or creating detailed digital illustrations.
The best stylus for new Apple tablets: the M4 iPad Pro, the M3 iPad Air and M2 iPad Air, plus the iPad mini 7. We gave it the maximum rating in our hands-on review, and found that its pro features are worthy of the price.
- Advanced features like the new squeeze gesture, haptic feedback and support for hover.
- Excellent for note-taking, image editing and artistic endeavors.
- Finally works with Apple's Find My network.
- Only works with latest iPads.
- High-end stylus comes with high-end price tag.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
