One of the most exciting parts of purchasing a new iPhone is finding ways to make it your own. From updating your wallpaper to adjusting your notifications, you can tailor countless individual elements to truly curate and personalize your iPhone experience.
You can also incorporate the best iPhone accessories to help you get the most out of your phone.
From a wide variety of accessories to charge your iPhone at home or on the go to fun and functional gadgets, the go-to products in this guide can instantly upgrade your phone.
Customizing your iPhone with the right, must-have accessories
When you upgrade to the latest and greatest iPhone model, you deserve to have cutting-edge accessories to match. From MagSafe iPhone cases that keep your iPhone looking and feeling brand new to immersive Bluetooth wireless earbuds, there are countless ways to make the phone you love even better. Different models, such as the iPhone 15 vs. 16, may need different accessories, so make sure you choose ones that are compatible with your device.
Personally, there are a few things I like to add to my phone as soon as I take it out of the box to make sure I’m getting the most out of it.
Accessories to charge your iPhone
The iPhone’s battery can last the whole day for most users. Eventually though, you’re going to have to charge it back up. Now, you have more choices than ever when it comes to charging options. From MagSafe to power banks, check out the following accessories to keep your battery full and your phone running:
MagSafe accessories
Apple created MagSafe technology to make it easier, faster, and safer to charge your iPhone. The system “intelligently adapts to conditions to optimize charging your iPhone at up to 25W of peak power delivery for faster wireless charging.”1 Some standard USB-C cables may charge as little as 10W of peak power, which means it’ll take longer to charge. And some third-party accessories may not be best for your phone. Using MagSafe helps protect your phone while also getting you charged up quickly.
Apple has included MagSafe charging in its iPhones since the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. Although MagSafe was created by Apple, many other brands use the technology as well.
MagSafe and other iPhone charging accessories include:
MagSafe charger
Now that you know what MagSafe is, you may be excited to learn that there are many ways to charge your iPhone with it.
The first thing you’ll need to power up your iPhone with MagSafe tech is a MagSafe charger. Because MagSafe magnets are built into iPhones, you can simply place your phone on the charger and let the magic happen. These chargers give you a wireless charging experience that’s fully locked in, so your phone won’t fall off the dock if it gets jostled. Ultimately, you get all the convenience and speed of a regular wireless charger with an added security boost. We offer many MagSafe accessories, so you can choose whatever best suits your needs.
MagSafe chargers eliminate the need for cumbersome cables, reduce wear and tear on your charging port, and let you fuel up quicker than conventional cords. You’ll likely want a new case for your iPhone to protect it and personalize it. If you want to use MagSafe charging with it, you’ll need to purchase a MagSafe case.
Protective MagSafe case
MagSafe cases have carefully engineered magnets on the back, so your iPhone will snap perfectly in place on its wireless charging dock.
These functional and fun cases come in a variety of colors and designs. Not only can you protect your phone from damage in day-to-day use, but you can also charge it quickly by simply attaching it to a MagSafe charger.
Charging cable and adapter
Even though you may have a MagSafe charger, it’s good to also keep a standard cable handy as well. As of the iPhone 15, Apple has moved from its proprietary lightning connector to universal charging standards and has equipped its devices with USB-C ports.2 Now iPhone 15 or later users use a USB-C connector for charging. AT&T offers a variety of charging cables and blocks to help ensure your iPhone never runs out of battery.
USB-C cables with wattages above 20W deliver power much more efficiently than lesser models. For even faster charging, you might want to purchase a 60W USB-C cable.
An Apple power user bonus? If you’re also a MacBook user, you can also power up your phone with your MacBook or MacBook Pro charger. These deliver a minimum of 30W of power.
Apple charging bank
Sometimes, power aka juice in your phone fast but you’re not close to an outlet, like at your airport gate or outdoors. One of my favorite iPhone hacks to avoid this? Keep a fully charged portable charging bank handy. They’re perfect for concerts, camping, or any other situation where outlets are scarce, and you need to charge on the go.
No matter how you choose to power up, always pick a high-quality charging device that’s compatible with your version of iPhone to avoid depletion and damage. Likewise, on the topic of safeguarding your cell phone, be sure to look into these other accessories to protect your iPhone from possible damage.
Accessories to protect your iPhone
Speaking of avoiding damage, let’s take a look at two other must-have accessories that can protect your investment—while saving money in the process.
iPhone case
MagSafe is the way to go, in my opinion, but you do have plenty of other options. There are countless types of phone cases available to shield your iPhone from scrapes, scratches, and shock damage. When deciding on a case, remember that it should reflect your style and your needs. For example, if you live a rugged, outdoorsy lifestyle, you’ll want a case that can take a tumble and protect your iPhone from the elements.
To find the perfect case to match your needs, consider the different styles currently available to iPhone users:
- Silicone cases – Silicone cases offer a soft feel that gently conforms to your phone and fingers. They protect against surface scratches and falls. Additionally, many MagSafe cases with built-in wireless charging compatibility are made from silicone.
- Tough cases – If you’re constantly fumbling your devices or work in a physical industry like construction, your iPhone needs all the shielding it can get. For the ultimate in phone protection, choose the material SWAT teams and police officers trust to stay safe on the job: Kevlar.
- Decorative cases – Unique, decorative cases not only keep your phone secure from scrapes and scratches, but also allow you to express your personality. If you’re all about rocking a complete look, choose a case that matches your style, fashion, and flair.
- Charging cases – If you use your phone quite a bit and find yourself blowing through your battery, opt for a case with a built-in power backup to keep you charged and protected on the go.
- Waterproof cases – If you love to spend your days on the water kayaking, boating, or soaking up the sun poolside, you’ll want a case that offers water protection. Many waterproof cases can keep your phone dry and damage-free for up to half an hour at depths of two meters, making them the essential choice for swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers everywhere.
Screen protector
Nothing will ruin your day more than seeing a scratch or a crack in your new iPhone screen—unless it’s realizing your screen has completely shattered after accidentally dropping it.
This is why I always recommend immediately applying a screen protector to any new iPhone or Apple device. Not all screen protectors are equal, though. In fact, there are a few primary options to consider for your screen protector:
- Plastic screen guards – These are basic plastic models that, for a while, will offer protection against minor scratches. However, they tend to get dirty quickly and are difficult to clean, reducing screen clarity over time.
- TPU plastic screen protectors – Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is rubber-like in comparison to conventional plastic. It can stretch further and is a more durable material in general, offering increased protection.
- Tempered glass screen protectors – Tempered glass is more resistant to force and heat. It also cleans easily and feels just like your device’s built-in screen, making it a great choice to protect your iPhone against falls and impacts.
- PET plastic – Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is more recyclable than other forms of plastic but offers the same downside of getting grimey faster than its glass counterparts.
- Cases with built-in screen protectors – Select cases, such as waterproof varieties, come with built-in screen protectors since other aftermarket products won’t achieve the same effect (i.e. keeping your device safe underwater).
Many screen protectors also offer additional features like:
- Anti-glare – Sometimes, glare from the sun or bright lighting can make it impossible to see what’s on your screen. In these instances, an anti-glare screen protector can ensure everything remains visible.
- Privacy screen protectors – These types of screen protectors keep nosey onlookers from seeing what’s on your screen. From their angle, your screen will appear dark and unreadable.
Which style is right for you? Check out our wide variety of iPhone-compatible screen protectors to keep your phone safe.
Accessories to hold your iPhone
Protecting your iPhone from falls with a case is paramount to its longevity—but so is not dropping it in the first place. Maintain a better grip with these holding accessories that make handling your phone safer and easier.
PopSocket
There are plenty of perks to having a phone with a bigger screen, but it can also make your phone a little bit harder to hold—especially if you’re snapping a selfie. PopSockets are small accessories designed to attach to the back of your iPhone to offer superior cell phone grip and hands-free use. They come in a variety of styles, and sometimes even feature convenient rings for you to slip your finger into for maximum hold during selfies, video calls, and more.
Plus, the PopSocket doubles as a stand to prop up your phone anytime you want to watch videos or Facetime with friends.
MagSafe car mounts, stands, and tripods
Texting and driving don’t mix. As safety says: It can wait. But what if you rely on your phone for GPS navigation or use it to listen to music, a podcast, or a good book while you’re driving?
A car mount makes it possible for you to have hands-free operation. The right stands and mounts allow you to enjoy a truly hands-free experience, whether you’re filming a video or heading out on a road trip. And, by choosing an option with MagSafe technology, not only will your phone charge while its mounted, it’s also magnetized to better stay safely in place.
Browse AT&T iPhone accessories
Check out our full line of iPhone accessories for convenient shopping all in one place. Give your iPhone a well-deserved upgrade and enjoy a more personalized experience. If you have questions, contact AT&T customer support or visit your local AT&T retail store to discover which accessories are right for you.
1 “How to Use Your MagSafe Charger with iPhone.” Apple Accessed October 1, 2024. https://support.apple.com/.
2 “Charge and Connect with the USB-C Connector on Your iPhone.” Apple Support. September 19, 2024. https://support.apple.com/en-us/105099.
This article is AT&T sponsored content written by Zoya Cochran, TechBuzz by AT&T and the AT&T Business Insights blog editor and contributor. The statements in this article are her own and don’t necessarily represent the positions, strategies, or opinions of AT&T.
