iPhone cases

How to update AirPods firmware

Apple periodically brings out new firmware with improvements and bug fixes. It’s well worth installing these updates because they fix bugs and sometimes contain significant new features. The 6A300/6A301 update, for example, added new features to the entire AirPod line.

Apple typically doesn’t bother to announce AirPods updates. However, the company recently started publishing release notes so users know what’s changed.

Firmware updates are conducted automatically when your AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that’s connected to Wi-Fi.

What is the latest AirPods firmware?

    • AirPods (3rd generation): 6A321

    • AirPods (2nd generation): 6A321

    • AirPods Max: 6A300

    • AirPods (1st generation): 6.8.8

What is the latest AirPods Pro firmware?

    • AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C): 6B34

    • AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning): 6B34

    • AirPods Pro (1st generation): 6A321

Apple introduced firmware version 6A321 only for AirPods 3 in on January 17, replacing 6A317 from September. The release notes say it simply offers “bug fixes and other improvements.”

At this time, only AirPods Max remains on version 6A300. AirPods Pro 2 are on 6B34 from December 5, whether the earbuds are from 2022 or the new 2023 edition.

How to check AirPods’ current firmware version on iPhone or iPad

It’s pretty easy to quickly check if your AirPods are up to date in iOS and iPadOS.

1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad

AirPods Pro in an open case.
Connect your AirPods to your device by opening the case — or pop them in your ears.

AI designed this insane $326,700 iPhone case

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An AI-designed iPhone case by Labodét with crocodile and alligator leather, diamonds and gold detailing.
This stunning iPhone case can be yours for only 300,000 euros. We dare you.
Photo: Labodét

A new iPhone case designed by an AI that apparently doesn’t grasp the value of the dollar will set you back a cool $326,700. The “uber-exclusive” case for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, from French luxury accessories company Labodét, is made of “genuine alligator and exclusive Himalayan crocodile leathers.”

Obviously, it comes festooned in diamonds and features 18K gold detailing. Dust off your titanium Apple Card and hit the link below to snap one up!

With this thing, your iPhone 15 Pro can go nearly naked

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Nomad Magnetic Leather Case Back for iPhone 15 Pro:Pro Max
It's sort of like going halfway from case to caseless.
Photo: Nomad

When I first saw Nomad’s brand-new Magnetic Leather Back for the iPhone 15 Pro series, I thought, what is this, like a thong for iPhone?

Well, it’s what its name describes, a partial case. And it’s for those who wish their handset was naked, but they can’t bring themselves to strip it completely.

Grab one of Laut’s stunning iPhone 15 cases while you can

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Laut Crystal Matter cases for iPhone 15
Laut's Crystal Matter cases come in three colors and fit any of the four iPhone 15 handsets.
Photo: Laut

If you don’t want to go “nearly nude” with your iPhone 15, check out Laut’s supremely stylish and highly protective cases for the handsets.

You can shop all 14 products in the Laut collection, including 11 cases, two screen protectors and one lens protector for iPhone 15, in the Cult of Mac Store. See some highlights below.

Last chance to win a colorful and durable Pitaka iPhone 15 case [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Pitaka's new Moonrise case for iPhone 15 is a cool blue spin on the company's Sunset Moment case, which sold out last year.
Pitaka's new Moonrise case for iPhone 15 is a cool blue spin on the company's Sunset Moment case, which sold out last year.
Photo: Pitaka

Cult of Mac joined forces with Pitaka again for another unmissable giveaway. Four fortunate winners will receive one of two iPhone cases: either a gorgeous orange-and brown Sunset case — inspired by Jack Kerouac’s Beat Generation novel On the Road, and previously sold out — or a blue-tinged variant called the Moonrise case. (That one’s color scheme pays tribute to “the ‘blue hour’ between sunset and moonrise,” according to Pitaka.)

Each case retails for $69.99, and winners will receive one or the other at random. Don’t miss your shot at landing one of these sought-after iPhone cases!

OtterBox ‘Cactus Leather’ iPhone cases look good and make you feel good [Review]

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OtterBox Cactus Leather iPhone case
OtterBox's new iPhone cases look like leather but haven't been anywhere near a cow.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The just-announced OtterBox cactus leather iPhone cases will give buyers the option to wrap their handset in a plant-based material rather than traditional leather. I got my hands on a pre-release case and found the cactus-based material to be somewhat similar to cow leather but not identical.

Here’s why I’m optimistic about OtterBox Symmetry Series Cactus Leather iPhone cases that are scheduled to launch in spring 2024. Update: And now we have pricing info!

OtterBox makes ‘leather’ iPhone cases out of … cacti?!?

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OtterBox Symmetry Series Cactus Leather iPhone cases product shot
No cows were harmed making the new Symmetry Series Cactus Leather iPhone cases.
Photo: OtterBox

OtterBox’s new iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands and MagSafe wallets might look and feel like they’re made of leather, but they’re not. They’re made from nopal cactus leaves.

The exclusive Desserto leather alternative used in OtterBox’s Symmetry Series Cactus Leather iPhone cases is “a luxury material that is durable, cruelty-free and sustainable,” the company said Tuesday in a press release.

Nab year-end iPhone accessories deals up to 80% off at Best Buy [Update: Sale over]

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Insignia's 3-in-1 MagSafe charger
Insignia's 3-in-1 MagSafe charger is on sale, along with plenty of iPhone accessories from Apple and others.
Photo: Best Buy

Here’s your last chance of the year to grab certain outstanding deals on iPhone accessories from Best Buy before 2024 comes along, including one item for an astounding 80% off the regular price.

Jump on the links below to nab bargains on iPhone cases, screen protectors, wallets and chargers. Keep in mind the examples below are just a sampling of all that’s on offer. Sales lasts through December 31.

MagEasy iPhone 14 cases go for glamour and toughness

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MagEasy glams it up a bit with one of its new iPhone 14 cases.
MagEasy glams it up a bit with one of its new iPhone 14 cases.
Photo: MagEasy

If you have an iPhone 14, you may want to protect it with a new case. MagEasy offers an interesting selection of options, from glamorous to rugged (but without the bulk). You’ll also find four screen protectors and a portable stand in the mix.

You can see the whole MagEasy iPhone 14 collection in the Cult of Mac Store. And they’re on sale now!

Nab any SwitchEasy iPhone 14 case for 20% off

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What's classier than marble?
What's classier than marble?
Photo: SwitchEasy

Attention iPhone 14 owners: Don’t miss the SwitchEasy sale on all iPhone 14 cases and accessories in the Cult of Mac Store. You can save 20% on any of 10 different cases to protect and dress up your fabulous Apple handset.

The cases cover the bases from tough and functional to highly decorative. There are regular cases as well as MagSafe options. Check out some highlights below. And 20% off saves you about $6 on many of the cases.

Save 30% on sweet Elago accessories for iPhone, Apple Watch through Cyber Monday

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Save on Elago's new Apple Pencil cover
Get the new Apple Pencil cover for just $10.49.
Photo: Elago

Elago’s awesome accessories for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods are now available at 30% off through the Cult of Mac Store. All you need to do is add Elago products to your cart and 30% discount will automatically be added.

You can save on brilliant retro charging stands inspired by iconic devices like the original Macintosh and Game Boy, Apple Watch bands, iPhone cases, AirPods bumpers, and lots more. There’s also 30% off Elago’s new Apple Pencil cover.

This discount ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Monday, November 27 (Cyber Monday), so enjoy it while you can.

Snag a 5-piece iPhone accessories bundle for just $35

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Save $89 on this 5-piece Apple-compatible charging set.
This $35 bundle includes everything you need to keep your iPhone ready for action.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You don’t need to empty your bank account at the Apple Store to fully accessorize your iPhone. In the run-up to Black Friday, you can grab a useful five-piece iPhone accessory bundle on sale at a special low price of $34.97.

Usually worth $129, you won’t need a coupon code to bag this deal on handy iPhone accessories. But you will need to be quick, as it’ll only be available through November 16.

Your iPhone needs this luxurious leather wallet case [Review] ★★★★

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Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case with MagSafe★★★★
You don't need a separate wallet with this handsome leather iPhone case from Mujjo.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple dropped its leather iPhone cases, but the Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case with MagSafe is a brilliant alternative. It protects your valuable handset while also providing an easy way to carry credit cards and drivers license. Plus, it looks gorgeous while doing so.

I carried my iPhone 15 Plus this case on holiday, to restaurants … everywhere I went for weeks. Here’s why I love this case for my iPhone 15 Plus, despite a notable drawback.

Get up to 35% off big selection of eye-catching iPhone cases

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SwitchEasy's MagEasy lineup of iPhone cases is on sale.
SwitchEasy's MagEasy lineup of iPhone cases is on sale.
Photo: SwitchEasy

If you have an iPhone, you should probably protect that expensive gadget from drops and scrapes with a case. And it’ll change up your handset’s look, too. Good thing SwitchEasy is having a big sale on its MagEasy lineup — one case for 20% off and an additional 15% off when you buy two cases.

The collection on sale includes a variety of cases for iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11 and SE. Just remember to use coupon code cultofmac on the product page when you buy.

Dress your iPhone as a Disney villain with these fun new cases

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Casetify Disney Villains collection
You iPhone and AirPods can have some Hallowe'en fun, too.
Photo: Casetify

Hallowe’en is right around the corner, and to celebrate Casetify launched a collection of iPhone cases
featuring Disney villains. And there are accessories for AirPods and Apple Watch, too.

More of a Rick and Morty fan? Casetify has an array of iPhone, MacBook, etc. options for you, too.

Hands-on with Spigen’s iMac-inspired iPhone 15 case [Review]

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Three of Spigen's limited-edition Classic C1 MagFit cases, inspired by 1998's iconic iMac G3.
Spigen's limited-edition Classic C1 MagFit case is inspired by 1998's iconic iMac G3.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

One of my favorite iPhone cases of all time is Spigen’s Classic C1 MagFit case. Inspired by the iconic iMac G3, the translucent case is strong, protective, easy to get on and off, and inexpensive.

I used a similar Spigen case all last year to protect my iPhone 14. The case now looks worse for wear, but the iPhone remains pristine.

Spigen updated the case in a limited run for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and in my hands-on testing, it’s as good as ever.

Enter to win a protective and stylish iPhone 15 bundle from Laut [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Premium iPhone case, that is built to protect and has a great sleek look.
This week's giveaway pairs a premium iPhone case with a screen protector for maximum protection.
Photo: Laut

We teamed up with Laut this week to give three lucky winners a great accessory bundle featuring new products designed to protect the iPhone 15 series.

This bundle includes an iPhone 15 case and a screen protector to ensure all-around protection for your precious new phone. It’s free and easy to enter!

Classic Mac-style case gives iPhone 15 Pro military-grade protection

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Give your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max a retro look and serious protection.
Give your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max a retro look and serious protection.
Photo: Spigen

If you love the retro look of the colorful old iMac G3 and you want to give your pricey new iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max serious protection, Spigen’s Classic C1 MagFit case has returned with a revamp, the company said Tuesday.

And what’s more, right now you can get a 20% discount on the case. See below.

Best cases you can buy today for iPhone 15

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These are the best cases you can buy for iPhone 15 right now.
From as little as $14.99.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Got an iPhone 15 or 15 Pro on preorder? It’s time to start thinking about protection. No matter how badly you want to show off your handset’s pretty paint job or its tough titanium chassis, you’re going to regret not covering it up if you drop it onto a hard surface and break it within a week. But don’t worry — there are already a bunch of excellent case options to choose from.

Whether you want a sleek fit that complements iPhone 15’s slim design, extreme impact-resistance for the most damaging drops, or luxurious leather that only gets better with age, there’s an iPhone 15 case right up your alley.

We rounded up the best options you can buy right now, with prices starting from a mere $14.99.

See what happens when an iPhone falls 14,000 feet

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Smith, just through the airplane's door, loses his iPhone at 14,000 feet.
Smith, just through the airplane's door, loses his iPhone at 14,000 feet.
Photo: cast_rumcoffee@TikTok.com

You might’ve dropped your iPhone on the floor and felt massive relief to find it undamaged. Or maybe a bit cracked. But what happens when an iPhone plummets 14,000 feet?

Thanks to TikTok and a skydiver who failed to secure his handset, now we know. At least in this one very lucky case.

Enter to win a limited-edition iPhone case from Pitaka [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Pitaka Sunset Moment iPhone 14 case towers above a Route 66 diorama.
This iPhone 14 case pays tribute to Jack Kerouac's On the Road.
Image: Pitaka

For this week’s giveaway, we teamed up with Pitaka to offer four people the chance to win a limited-edition iPhone case worth $89.99.

The lucky winners will get their hands on Pitaka’s Sunset Moment case for iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max. (Be sure to enter the proper giveaway to match your iPhone model).

Pitaka made only 1,500 of these cases, which were inspired by Jack Kerouac’s Beat Generation novel On the Road. This tribute to Route 66 and the classic American road trip is nearly sold out. With a unique product number on the camera ring, the Sunset Moment case you get will be uniquely yours.