Only about 0.1% of Kickstarter campaigns bring in over $1 million. The latest to pass that lofty mark is the OhSnap Mcon mobile gaming controller, which magnetically attaches to an iPhone to add joysticks, buttons and a D-pad.
A prototype of the accessory was on display at CES 2025 where it earned loads of compliments. It “may set a new standard for mobile gaming,” said Engadget, for example.
ShiftCam calls the Planck “the world’s smallest portable SSD,” and it’s certainly very small. That and the unusual placement of its USB-C connector allow the drive to fit neatly on the bottom of an iPhone Pro and hold up to 2 TB of high-resolution ProRes video as it’s being recorded.
The accessory hits the market soon and is being shown off at CES 2025 this week.
★★★★☆
The mophie Powerstation Plus Ultra plugs directly into a wall, and built-in cables let it plug straight into your iPhone or Mac. But it’s no simple wall adapter — it’s also a 10,000mAh power bank.
I put the all-in-one device to the test. It’s a bit of a brick, but delivers when it counts.
The SanDisk Creator Phone SSD sets itself apart from rival portable drives with MagSafe. This means the drive magnetically clings to an iPhone where it’s available to hold up to 2 TB of ProRes video as it’s recorded.
SanDisk unveiled the SSD at CES 2025, along with other new storage options.
The Belkin Stage PowerGrip adds the grip DSLR camera users are familiar with to an iPhone. Built into the grip is a battery which sends power to the handset via the MagSafe magnetic charging mat integrated into the device.
And his is just one of multiple new accessories Belkin unveiled in time for CES 2025.
★★★★☆
The Tizag Digital Canvas iPhone Case makes cases with single pictures obsolete. It includes a screen you can update with new images whenever you want, and so offers almost endless personalization.
It won’t drain your phone’s battery, but the case does protect your device when you’re on the go.
I tested the case, and I really like it, despite some screen limitations.
The newly launched GameSir X3 Pro Mobile Gaming Controller packs Hall Effect sticks, dual rumble motors, micro switch triggers and detachable grips. And its USB-C connector and telescoping design means it fits a range of iPhone and Android models.
A stand-out feature is a cooling plate designed to prevent the handset from overheating while playing very demanding games.
When traveling internationally with your iPhone, staying connected and avoiding unexpected surprises can be a bit of a balancing act. Whether it’s navigating unfamiliar streets, keeping in touch with family, or ensuring you don’t get hit with outrageous roaming fees, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how you can improve your iPhone use while traveling internationally.
★★★★☆
The Aukey MagFusion GameFrost Wireless Charger cools your iPhone or Android while it juices up, preventing the heat that often results from charging from damaging the battery.
I put the accessory through its paces to see how quickly it charges an iPhone 16, and how well it cools the handset.
★★★☆☆
The CRKD Atom looks small enough to be a game controller for a doll, but it’s designed to clip on your keychain for gameplay wherever you go. It’s a way to have some fun with your iPhone when you find yourself with some unexpected time to kill.
I played with it, and while the complete lack of sticks greatly limits the controller, it’s possible to have fun with retro games.
The new mophie Juice Pack specifically for the iPhone 16 series merges a power bank into a form-fitting protective case. Put Apple’s latest handsets in the case to greatly extend the battery life and add 6 feet of drop protection.
External magnets allow the case to attach to other MagSafe/Qi2 accessories, like car mounts.
★★★★☆
Rolling Square’s inCharge XS is a finger-size iPhone or Mac charging cable that squeezes in enough connectors and built-in adapters to ensure you can juice up virtually any Apple device.
Despite its diminutive size, the cable handles up to 240W of power. And it provides fairly quick data transfers, too.
I attached the inCharge XS to my keychain so I could put it to the test.
The name for inCharge XS must stand for “extra small.” It packs multiple USB formats plus a Lightning connector into a cable tiny enough to fit on a keychain. But it can handle up to 240W of power.
The accessory from Rolling Square enables any iPhone or Mac to plug into a battery or wall charger wherever necessary. It can even handle data transfers.
Wifi Porter takes the hassle out of letting friends or guests access your wireless network. Just tap this accessory from Ten One Design with your iPhone or Android device and the login details will be transferred.
The hardware is attractive, and it’s certainly a unique idea. We went hands on to see how it works in real life.
★★★★☆
AirPods 4 bring professional-grade features to Apple’s non-Pro earbuds. Fairly good active noise cancellation sits at the top of the list of additions, which is a surprise because the earbuds lack foam ear tips.
Apple did tweak the design to make them more comfortable and secure. And the company improved the audio quality, too. Especially the bass. How does all this play out in real-world testing? Read our hands-on AirPods 4 review to find out.
There’s no better way to charge your new iPhone 16 than with MagSafe. Pick the right charger and it’s as fast as a cable. And even when it’s a bit slower, it’s certainly the simplest and most convenient option. And, let’s face it, plugging in a cable is nowhere near as satisfying as that snap you hear when slapping a MagSafe accessory onto the back of your iPhone.
If you’ll be experiencing MagSafe for the first time with iPhone 16, it’s time to stock up on cables, charging stations and battery packs. Here are the best available right now.
Apple improved MagSafe wireless charging in the new iPhone 16 models by increasing the maximum charging capacity. It’s a considerable jump: the handsets can charge up to 66% faster.
Wireless charging is now as fast as plugging in a cable…with the right equipment.
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K w/ Integrated Cable lets users charge their iPhone or other device without needing to worry about a separate USB-C cable. And it can juice up two devices at once.
Those who need more power can turn to Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro 3-Port Laptop Power Bank 20K.
Picture two double wireless charging mats, one atop the other. There, you’ve imagined the Zens Quattro Charger Pro 4.
It handles four phones or other devices at once, while taking up a minimal amount of space.
The new mophie powerstation plus ultra plugs directly into a wall, and built-in cables let it plug straight into your iPhone or Mac. But it’s no simple wall adapter — it’s also a 10,000mAh power bank.
mophie also introduced on Tuesday two more models in the 2024 powerstation plus line with a variety of features.
Twelve South’s new ButterFly SE powers up iPhone and Apple Watch like the original version, but at a lower price. The Qi2 charger version of the tiny travel changer is also more colorful.
It can be preordered starting today.
★★★★☆
Chargeasap Connect Pro is a charging and data cable with a built-in power meter and swappable magnetic connectors. It’s ready to power up a broad variety of devices at up to 100W, and iPhone at up to 27W.
The high-quality cable is 4.75 feet long, and it comes with three magnetic connectors. And with the meter, you always know how much current is flowing.
I tested it with my Apple devices, and a bunch of others, too. Here’s how it performed.
Moft is way beyond its fundraising goal for its new Moft Snap Flow iPhone stand, which snaps to the handset magnetically and unfolds to give you a little organizer with pen and paper. Having raised more than 13 times the funding goal of $10,000 on Kickstarter, the accessories company will most likely put the new Snap Flow into production. With nearly 2,400 people financially backing it so far, there seems to be an appetite for the old-school accessory.
But in the meantime, you can pledge for one on Kickstarter at 20% off through July 31. So who needs a Samsung-style smartphone stylus (or Apple’s Notes app), anyway?
Hold the Insta360 Flow Pro and walk around and the stabilizer always keeps your iPhone camera pointed at you or your subject thanks to Apple’s DockKit and Deep Track 3.0. It’s designed for content creators on the move.
The gimbal includes a selfie stick, tripod, power bank and tracking ring light.
With the summer travel season in full swing, it’s time to think about keeping your Apple devices ready for the road. Here are some of the best wireless travel chargers for powering up your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time.
I’ve been a frequent traveler for many years, toting Apple devices across three continents. I’m happy to share my experience.