So you’ve gone and bought an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus and want to know how to make the most out of that lone lightning connector port. Fret not, with this list, you’ll be able to choose an accessory that best fills your needs.
- Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar (US$40)
You probably really miss listening to music while charging, don’t you? And saving up for a decent pair of Bluetooth headphones will take months! With this little dongle, you can use the bundled Lightning-connector Earpods that came with your new iPhone and charge simultaneously.
- Smart Battery Case by Apple (US$99)
Many third party manufacturers make battery cases, but for the sleekest, most dependable one, look to Apple. Their Smart Battery Case gives you more than an additional day of talk time and is engineered to support other Lightning accessories. Plus it’s soft on the inside and out, so both your hands and your new phone will be protected.
- Transcend JetDrive Go 300 128GB (RM539)
Lightning connector on one end, USB 3.1 on the other – never has backing files on an iPhone without the help of iCloud has never been simpler! This little device may just be a glorified memory stick, but for those of you who bought the 32GB model, it can be a real life saver (or more accurately, file saver). On top of being able to transfer all kinds of media from phone to PC, you’ll also be able to backup the important contents of your phone with just one touch using the JetDrive Go app.
- Phillips Fidelio (US$199)
Say you’re uncomfortable with earplugs and can’t stand the way ear pods feel. Well, a number of companies, including Phillips, produce on-ear and over-ear headphones with lightning connectors in place of the standard 3.5mm fare. The Fidelios are, like the iPhone 7, constructed of aluminium and sound great for the price. At US$199, you’ll be hard pressed to find something as niche as this sound so good!
- Jaybird X2 Wireless Earbuds (US$149.95)
If you’re the sporting type and appreciate a good run without cable clutter, then the new Jaybird X2 Bluetooth earbuds will work perfectly for you. They’re available in a number of finishes, so it’ll be easy to find something that fits your iPhone and general fashion sense. Great if you’re willing to spend the same amount of money as you would for a pair of Apple’s Airpods, but don’t like the way they look or feel. And with 8 hours of battery life, they seem to be superior, at least on paper, to Apple’s alternative.
- Apple Lightning Dock (US$49)
Normally, we wouldn’t recommend a dock, but with the absence of 3.5mm audio jack, a dock like this could be the sleek, colour-coordinated alternative to the Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge we mentioned earlier. At US$49, it’s a tad more expensive, but you get 5 colour options and it’ll let you charge your iPhone 7 while listening to music thanks to its included 3.5mm audio jack.
- Tech21 Case (US$39)
Cases are always going to be a very personal choice for most consumers, and there are definitely loads of quality entries (and even a few decent generic ones too) to suit the needs of most iPhone users. But what if you’re looking for something really special? Well, Tech21 have you covered on that front. They build some of the toughest cases in the market – some are even able to withstand falls of up to 3 metres! Loads of variants are available from their online store.
- MoKo Sports Running Armband (US$6)
That iPhone 7 of yours if full of sensors that’ll help track your fitness. Why not take advantage of it by getting a running armband – it’ll keep the phone from messing with your exercise routine, yet keep it close enough to double as a music player.
- Spigen Premium Air Vent Magnetic Car Mount A201 (US$18)
In this day and age, who needs a GPS unit built into your car’s system? Those things are not user-friendly, and are often a pain to update. Instead, make full use of Waze or Google Maps through your new iPhone with this mount from Spigen. It clips easily on your air vent and can be rotated whichever way you prefer.
- Spigen Screen Protector GLAS.tR SLIM HD (US$30)
No matter how careful you are, you’re eventually going to put your iPhone in the same pocket or handbag where you keep your keys. And no matter how tough that glass screen is, you’ll want to slap a screen protector on it just in case. If anything, it’ll keep the phone looking fresh for when you pass it down or trade it in. A good investment for those who want their phones looking pristine for years to come.
