OtterBox

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on OtterBox:

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.

MacBook Pro drives ‘minimal’ and moody space-gray rig [Setups]

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There's plenty going on this
There's plenty going on this "minimal" computer setup.
Photo: JVillaPhoto@Reddit.com

People love their “minimal” computer setups, but everyone has a different idea of what that means. Today’s featured M1 MacBook Pro setup is on the spare side — not to mention beautifully photographed — but it actually has a lot going on.

From the powerful laptop and 4K display to the big-time external storage, backup power and extensive smart lighting, the setup’s more than a match for its owner’s photo editing work.

OtterBox iPhone case’s pop-up handle plays nice with MagSafe [Review] ★★★★☆

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OtterBox OtterGrip Symmetry Series review★★★★☆
The OtterBox OtterGrip protects your iPhone and adds a handle that doesn't impede wireless charging.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

OtterBox’s new OtterGrip Symmetry Series case protects your iPhone, plus it includes a pop-up handle. What sets it apart from the competition is the handle doesn’t interfere with MagSafe wireless charging.

I wrapped my own iPhone 14 Plus in an OtterGrip. I found a lot to like.

OtterBox OtterGrip iPhone case combines serious protection with pop-up handle

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OtterBox OtterGrip gives iPhones serious protection plus a pop-up handle
OtterGrip promises solid protection, MagSafe compatibility and a pop-up handle.
Photo: OtterBox

OtterBox is known for its very protective iPhone cases, and its new OtterGrip Symmetry Series case adds a twist: a pop-up handle. Surprisingly, this doesn’t interfere with MagSafe wireless charging.

The design was good enough to win an Innovations Award at CES 2023 in January, and the case is now available to order.

This portable Apple Watch power bank turns into a nightstand

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OtterBox 2-in-1 Power Bank with Apple Watch Charger
Keep your Apple Watch juiced up for days with the travel-friendly power bank from OtterBox.
Photo: OtterBox

OtterBox merged a power bank, an Apple Watch wireless charger and a stand for the wearable into a single product. Just place the accessory on it end and it becomes a stand that juices up the Watch.

In addition, OtterBox also released on Thursday a MagSafe iPhone power bank that comes with a clip-on stand plus a car vent mount. This is joined by a foldable power bank with a built-in iPhone stand and Apple Watch charger.

All three new accessories are now available from the Apple store.

Best iPhone game controllers this holiday season

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Old school Xbox gaming on the RiotPWR Controller.
An iPhone game controller can make a great gift.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

If you are overstraining your brain trying to come up with the right gift for an iPhone fan, consider a clip-on game controller. Mobile gamers can appreciate that physical buttons, sticks and triggers make play a lot more fun for many types of games.

I’ve reviewed all the top iPhone game controllers. Here are my recommendations.

Potent new OtterBox charger lineup powers you up at home and on the road

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OtterBox rolled out an array of new chargers.
OtterBox rolled out an array of new chargers to address different needs.
Photo: OtterBox

OtterBox released its Premium Pro Power lineup of chargers Wednesday, including wall chargers, car chargers and MagSafe charging stands.

With the release, OtterBox steps further into the market for smaller charging accessories, including potent-but-compact gallium nitride (GaN) chargers.

OtterBox’s new MagSafe charger juices up iPhone and Apple Watch

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It's a full MagSafe charger with 15W of power for your iPhone.
It's a full MagSafe charger with 15W of power for your iPhone.
Photo: OtterBox

OtterBox rolled out its new iPhone and Apple Watch charger Tuesday — the 2-in-1 Charging Station with MagSafe. Not just “MagSafe-compatible,” it offers your iPhone a full 15W charge and your Apple Watch a 5W charge.

And if you want to charge your AirPods case instead of your iPhone, you can.

The sleek wireless charging stand, featuring a white-and-silver combo colorway called “Future,” is sold by both OtterBox and Apple.

Brilliant MagSafe power bank cuts cables with two-way charging [Review]

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OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe review
With double the MagSafe, this power bank from OtterBox both sends and receives power wirelessly.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe doubles down on wireless charging. It clings magnetically to your iPhone while charging it, and the external battery also magnetically attaches to MagSafe chargers to receive power. And it can do both at the same time. There are versions with 3,000mAh and 5,000 mAh of capacity.

I tested the MagSafe accessory with my iPhone 13, and I’m pleased with how well it works.

10 tough cases that keep your iPhone in top condition

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10 tough cases for iPhone
Ensure your iPhone always looks brand-new.
Photos: OtterBox, Casetify, LifeProof, SwitchEasy, Elago

If you want your iPhone to always look brand-new — even after you’ve dropped it over and over again — you’ll need a rugged case that offers plenty of impact protection. And there are loads of tough iPhone cases to choose from.

We rounded up 10, starting at just $7.99, that are all built to be robust bodyguards for your iPhone.

New OtterBox MagSafe power bank sends and receives wireless power

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New OtterBox MagSafe power bank both sends and receives wireless power
No cables needed. The Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe gets and provides power wirelessly.
Photo: Otterbox

The OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe offers two-sided charging capability. It clings magnetically to an iPhone while charging it, and the external battery also magnetically attaches to MagSafe chargers to receive power. It’s that second feature that sets it part from rivals.

There are versions with 3,000mAh and 5,000mAh of capacity.

OtterBox will replace OtterSpot batteries for free due to potential swelling

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OtterBox OtterSpot
If you have an affected unit, you should stop using it immediately.
Photo: OtterBox

OtterBox this week launched a replacement program for its unique OtterSpot batteries after confirming that some are susceptible to swelling.

Earlier versions of the battery, which are designed to stack so that multiple units can be charged simultaneously, will be swapped at no cost for those who contact OtterBox support.

Top 10 MagSafe-compatible iPhone 13 cases

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Totallee's iPhone 13 cases are thin and light.
Totallee's iPhone 13 cases are thin and light.
Photo: Totallee

With many new iPhones 13s already shipped to customers and many more on the way, now’s the time for folks to find the right case to protect their new investment. Accessories makers have obliged with many, many choices, from minimalistic to stylish to super-tough.

We offer a top 10 list below, but not a ranked one, because that would be comparing apples and oranges, so to speak. Several different types of cases are included.

Easily attach iPhone to Xbox controller with OtterBox MagSafe clip [Review]

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OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip for MagSafe review
The OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip for MagSafe offers better gaming with the convenience of magnets.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip for MagSafe uses magnets to connect your iPhone to your Xbox controller. It’s quick but secure. And you can easily rotate between landscape and portrait orientation.

I played a bunch of different games over the weekend using this accessory. Here’s why I like it.

iPhone X survives 11,000-foot fall from an airplane

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An iPhone X fell about 11,000 feet from a Diamond DA40 aircraft -- and survived!
An iPhone X fell about 11,000 feet from a Diamond DA40 aircraft -- and survived!
Photo: Diamond Aircraft

You know how technology publications do “drop tests” on gadgets like smartphones, just to see if the thing is likely to survive if and when you knock yours off the kitchen counter? Well, an iPhone X recently passed an accidental drop test from 11,000 feet. From an airplane.

You’re always ready to play with OtterBox’s protective Xbox controller case [Review]

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OtterBox Gaming Carry Case review
OtterBox Gaming Carry Case provides solid protection for your Xbox controller.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Slip your Xbox controller into the OtterBox Gaming Carry Case to protect it when gaming on the go. There’s a built-in phone stand so you can play anywhere, and the case makes room for OtterBox’s new phone mount.

I’ve used this Xbox controller case for several weeks. Here’s why I like it.

OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip unites iPhone with Xbox controller [Review]

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OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip review
Securely mount your iPhone on an Xbox controller with the OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Playing fast-moving games on a touchscreen is often frustrating. And while iOS supports external game controllers, combining one with an iPhone can be cumbersome. But not with the OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip. It attaches an iPhone to an Xbox controller in a surprisingly usable setup.

I did some gaming with the phone mount to see how it stands up to real-world use. Spoiler: it performed far better than the many cheap alternatives.

New OtterBox clip joins iPhone to Xbox controller for on-the-go gaming

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OtterBox, known for rugged phone cases, branched out to the gaming market.
Cheery people use the OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip and the Gaming Carry Case.
Photo: OtterBox

CES 2021 bugOtterBox, known for rugged phone cases, branched out to the gaming market. Its newly announced Mobile Gaming Clip attaches a smartphone to an Xbox Wireless Controller.

The company also unveiled the Otterbox Easy Grip Controller Shell, which brings extra protection to an Xbox controller. And more gaming accessories, too. All at CES 2021.

Look at all these fantastic iPhone 12 cases

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Apple plans several iPhone 12 cases, all MagSafe compatible.
Apple’s iPhone 12 cases aren‘t ready yet, but there are plenty of third-party options available now.
Photo: Apple

There are already plenty of iPhone 12 cases to choose from, even though Apple’s newest handset hasn’t yet reached customers hands. When this product arrives on October 23, they can have a case waiting.

Here’re are descriptions of a wide range of options already up for sale, along with lots more coming soon.