Get new iPhone? Useful accessories that you absolutely need now

If you buy a new iPhone from Apple or maybe even got one as a gift at Easter, you can consider yourself lucky. Hopefully you haven’t already spent everything, because there are still some things to get. But which ones do you really need? A very personal list of recommendations from Sven Kaulfuss – Apple expert at GIGA.

Anyone who buys a new iPhone these days, or is lucky enough to receive one as a gift, will be greeted with a much smaller scope of delivery than in previous years – Power adapter, headphones … no longer included in the package. If you still have both from older models “lying around”, you can usually save yourself the hassle of buying them later. Provided that you also keep the right charging cable and don’t sell it with it. Background: Apple only includes USB-C-to-Lightning cables with new iPhones. This necessarily requires a USB-C power supply, which brings us to my first recommendation.

Absolutely necessary for the iPhone: A faster USB-C charger

A faster power supply: If you still have an old USB power adapter, chances are it’s not very powerful. An iPhone 12 or the new iPhone 13 is therefore really “underpowered”, i.e. it takes longer for a charging process. This becomes even clearer if you use Apple’s MagSafe charging puck, which already charges more slowly, and if you then have the “wrong” power supply unit, you have to bring even more time with you.

Therefore: You might be better off getting a USB-C power adapter with at least 20 watts. Doesn’t have to be the Apple original, a cheap one, for example from Anker (about 15 euros, see at Amazon), is completely sufficient. Tip: Owners of an iPhone 13 Pro should buy a 30-watt power supply (see Amazon) right away, because this way they can charge their smartphone even faster.

Spare cable: Don’t forget, Apple only includes a single cable. Just in case, I would always carry a second cord with me, especially when traveling. Even if these come from Apple itself or are at least certified by Apple, these can always fail. Doesn’t cost the world, for example, you’re already there with around 11 euros (view at Amazon).

MagSafe Charging Pad: With the iPhone 12, Apple introduced an amazingly ingenious feature – the magnetic charging pad for wireless charging. The Apple original costs just under 38 euros in retail stores (view at Amazon). Pretty awesome. The advantage: Again, specialized accessories, such as the Stouchi mount I have already presented, fit without any problems.

If you don’t need them, you can find them Alternatives for much less money. An example on the market is the Anker PowerWave Magnetic Pad for just under 20 euros (view at Amazon).

dust plug: If you then charge wirelessly, you can also close the lighting connection with sizeable dust protection plugs. So come no dirt gets into the connection and the functionality is maintained for longer. Certainly not an absolute must, but if you want the last bit of protection for your iPhone, you should grab it – usually under 10 euros (see Amazon).

Elegant, practical, useful: a stylish sleeve for the iPhone

Shell, case, bag … what now? For me it is clear that the iPhone needs to be protected. However, this always requires compromises from customers. Unfortunately, a case with full protection (back and front) makes the slim Apple cell phone pretty fat, a case for the back does not prevent damage to the front and a protective film usually looks quite dingy after a short time. So what? I think that with the shapely iPhone 12 at the latest, you shouldn’t disfigure your Apple cell phone in such a way, but you don’t want to see it defenseless against adversity either. For me, therefore, the Time is ripe for the return of the so-called “sleeves”, i.e. simple “sleeves”. You can really celebrate the use of the iPhone, whenever it is solemnly pulled out of the case.

I recommend something “handmade”. For example the Cases by Crazy Horse Craft – do not cost 40 euros (view at Amazon, also in black) and always look stylish.

Everything you need to know about AppleCare+ for the iPhone can be found in the Video to see:

My personal advice for more security

AppleCare+ can be damn useful: At first you don’t want to believe it, but the iPhone quickly falls out of your hand and the damage is already great. The normal guarantee or the dealer warranty does not cover such damage and then it gets really expensive. But who AppleCare+ at Apple buys, he secures himself better for a full two years after buying the iPhone.

Damage to the display then only costs a flat rate of 29 euros, the battery is replaced free of charge and further hardware damage is charged with a maximum deductible of 99 euros. On the other hand, if you don’t have AppleCare+, you’ll have to fork out several hundred euros in the worst case.

But watch out AppleCare+ can only be purchased directly from Apple or within 60 days of purchasing the iPhone. If you come too late, you will unfortunately get nothing. Depending on the model, the cost of protection varies (watch at Apple):

• 99 euros for the iPhone SE
• 169 euros for the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 11 and iPhone XR
• 229 euros for the iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max

In the end it’s a bet, but there’s a pretty good chance of suffering damage from clumsiness. Therefore my insider tip when buying iPhone accessories – usually little noticed, but invaluable useful when the worst comes to the worst.