Apple’s transition away from the old Lightning connector includes a USB-C version of EarPods, and these can now be purchased online for under $20.
The wired earbuds that come with iPhone are surprisingly good — audio quality is closer to AirPods than you might realize. And there are other advantages for Mac and iPad users, too.
This sleek 3-in-1 wireless charger is covered in genuine black leather and can charge iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at the same time.
It looks luxurious, but you can get it at an affordable price. It’s on sale for only $99.99 (regularly $149), and it can upgrade your current charging game in several ways.
You’ll always know how much current is flowing to your devices with the just-launched Plugable USB Type-C Extension Cable with Power Meter. A small display shows how many watts are being transferred by the affordable cable.
Plugable also introduced on Tuesday a tiny 30W USB-C GaN charger plus a 32W wall charger that includes USB-C, USB-A and AC power ports.
Designed for iPhone photographers, the Pocket Tripod’s one-of-a-kind design allows it to fold up to the size of a credit card so it can fit easily into your wallet, pocket or bag. When you need an iPhone stand for something like a group photo, a long-exposure sunset shot or even to watch a video on a long flight, it folds out in seconds to support your most prized gadget.
It’s the perfect lightweight, sturdy iPhone tripod that you can take anywhere. Even Woz likes it!
The name for the Ugreen MagSafe 10,000mAh Battery Pack with Foldable Kickstand is a mouthful, but it’s also a full description of what the new accessory has to offer. Magnetically clip the power bank to the back of an iPhone and it’ll wirelessly recharge the handset. And the kickstand means it also functions as a stand.
The accessory can even recharge two other devices at the same time.
Whether you vacation at the beach, in the mountains or anywhere in between, you’ll surely bring your iPhone, Apple Watch and maybe an iPad or even a MacBook with you. We have suggestions for accessories to simplify keeping your gear charged and organized. Plus some to make the trip more fun.
We’ve tested all these gadgets so we know they do what they promise.
★★★★☆
The Pitaka MagEz Slider 2 combines a desktop stand for your iPhone with a MagSafe power bank, so your handset can get juiced up wherever you go. Just slide the external battery out and take it with you. As a bonus, the swiveling stand also includes an AirPods charger.
It originally launched in 2022, and there’s second-generation version out with an improved design. I put the updated charging stand on my desk to test it out in everyday use. Here’s what I found.
★★★★☆
The SwitchEasy MagPower 4-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand can wirelessly power up a MagSafe iPhone while also juicing up an Apple Watch, AirPods and more. And it even has a nightlight as a bonus.
I’ve had the stand either on my desk or beside my bed for a couple weeks now. Here’s what it’s like in real-world use.
Note: This stand is currently on sale in the Cult of Mac Store’s SwitchEasy flash sale.
The Vaonis Hestia gives users a closer look at the moon, sun and stars, but it’s far from a traditional telescope. It’s designed to let beginners use their iPhone to view the heavens, easily find the celestial objects they want to see, and then photograph them.
It’s also quite portable. It’s ready to go with you to escape light pollution.
★★★★☆
The 2023 version of the mophie powerstation packs in 10,000 mAh and a trio of USB ports to charge your Apple or Android devices. It can keep an iPhone 14 going for a weekend, or give a boost to a MacBook or iPad.
I put the external battery to through testing to see how well it stands up to real-world use.
★★★★☆
Whether you carry a wallet bursting at the seams or you’re a two-cards-and-cash-in-a-clip person, Journey has a new product you might want to give a go. It’s the Ezmo Magnetic Wallet and Phone Stand.
It’s a high-quality leather product that fixes to your iPhone. But whether you want it to be your daily carrier for cash and cards depends on how little you feel you can get by carrying around with you. The company sent me one to try out.
If your dad loves Apple gadgets, we’ve found the ultimate accessory for him — just in time for Father’s Day. The ChargeUp 6-in-1 wireless charging station with Apple Watch charger will it keep all his gear charged and tidy. And right now, this great charging station is discounted for our Father’s Day Sale to just $49.97.
That’s more than half off the regular price of $99. Be quick to grab it, as the special low price will only last through to 11:59 p.m. on June 11.
Juggling multiple chargers for iPhones, Apple Watches and AirPods can be a hassle (and also looks terrible on your desk or bedside). Thankfully, there’s a simple answer: a multipurpose wireless charging station.
The MagStack Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station, which comes with a floating stand and a 20W adapter, solves the age-old issue of messy, tangled cords. Apple lovers can’t stop raving about it, and it only costs $47.99 (regularly $74).
★★★☆☆
The mophie powerstation XL offers 20,000mAh that goes with you anywhere, always ready to charge up your iPhone, iPad or MacBook. It stores enough juice to keep devices going for days.
It comes at a relatively low price for such a high-capacity battery, especially one made by a very reputable company.
I put the consumer-grade power bank through testing to make sure real-world performance lives up to the specifications.
As iPhone 14 Pro owners already know, the latest generation of Apple’s signature device can do a whole lot. But just because you’ve got the “next big thing” doesn’t mean you can’t go bigger. This six-piece iPhone 14 Pro accessory bundle will make your sexy smartphone cooler and easier to use in multiple ways.
★★★★☆
The ESR HaloLock Geo Wallet Stand combines three popular iPhone add-ons into one. In addition to being a wallet and a stand, it also includes a handle. If that wasn’t enough, the accessory can be located almost anywhere with Apple’s Find My network, just like an AirTag.
I attached the wallet/stand to my iPhone 14 Plus with its powerful magnets and started testing. Here’s what I discovered.
The WonderCube Pro is a tiny, multifunctional iPhone accessory that’s small enough to fit on a keyring. It features a charging cable with multiple tips, plus a flash drive, a flashlight and a flashy phone stand. It even comes with a keyring!
For a limited time, you can get one for just $39.99 (regularly $70), while a two-pack costs only $79.99 (regularly $118). This is the best price you’ll find online, but you’ll have to act fast, as these price drops only last until April 18.
As the old saying goes, there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch — there’s usually a trick. And the same goes for phone charging sustains in airports. These can be used to hack your device, according to a recent warning from the FBI about “juice jacking.”
Here are six ways to safely charge up your iPhone when you’re on the go.
★★★★☆
The RiotPWR RP1950 Cloud Gaming Controller solves a problem for iPhone gamers: the controller plugs into the Lightning port in today’s models, but also into the USB-C port that will be in the iPhone 15. In the mean time, the controller can also be used with the many iPad models that use USB-C.
I field-tested RiotPWR’s latest controller and its removable iPhone mount. I understand why Apple likes it enough to put in the online Apple Store.
It’s nearly impossible to lose the ESR HaloLock Geo Wallet Stand. It clings to an iPhone with unusually powerful magnets, and when removed can be located almost anywhere with Apple’s Find My network.
The new ESR wallet offers several advantages over the Apple Leather Wallet with MagSafe.
★★★★☆
The Twelve South Forté turns Apple’s MagSafe iPhone charging puck into a stand. So rather than your handset lying flat on a table, it’s held up so you can more easily see the display. And the elevated charging mat swivels so you can pick your viewing angle for watching video or making FaceTime calls.
I put the Forté to use in my home office. Here’s what it’s like to use in real life.
Using your favorite Apple products is a great thing until their batteries start running low. Rather than juggling several cords or searching for an area where you can power up various devices at the same time, streamline the charging process by taking advantage of this special deal.
You can pick up a three-in-one USB-C charging cable that’s compatible with your Apple Watch, iPhone and AirPods for only $17.99 (regularly $34). Cut the cost in half for a product that provides upgraded efficiency for your everyday technological needs.
There’s no reason your USB-C charger has to be dull. Rather than being the usual white or black box, GravaStar’s Alpha65 looks like a miniature robot. But it really is a 65W charger with multiple USB ports.
And the company’s Supernova is both a Bluetooth speaker and a portable lantern even though it looks like a mini mecha.
★★★★★
The earliest Macintosh models used an iconic design — one that many longtime Mac users like me feel nostalgic about. The Shargeek Retro 67 is a salute to those early Macs that’s useful, not just decorative.
It’s a palm-size wall charger that pumps up to 67 watts through a trio of USB-C ports. With it, you can make a Macintosh juice up your iPhone and MacBook.
As someone who still has a Mac from the 1980s, it was a delight to test the Retro 67.
From iPhones and Apple Watches to Mac accessories and AirPods, many of us have plenty to keep powered up on a daily basis. If you’re tired of dealing with low batteries while on the move, or spend too much time using stationary charging options that keep you tied down, consider exploring new solutions.
This three-in-one wireless charging station from WonderCube is a proven product that streamlines your process of powering up, no matter where the day takes you. Typically sold for $69, you can score this nifty device for only $44.99.