Accessories

Apple Stores expected to begin carrying Apple Watch bands this week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

You may soon be able to pickup new Apple Watch bands in-store, according to 9to5Mac. Citing an internal memo sent out to employees, the outlet reports that Apple Stores will soon start carrying limited quantities of bands for the just-released wearable.

Before you get too excited, the message indicates that a majority of the stock will be made up of Sport bands. Also, it sounds like much of the inventory is reserved for customers looking to swap their pre-bundled bands, and replacing worn out demo bands.

New iPhone Lightning Dock requires iOS 8 for audio out via Apple headset with remote control

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 20, 2015

Apple yesterday surprised fans by releasing a $40 Lightning dock for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus which works with official Apple cases. A $10 pricier than Apple's previous docks, it can be used to listen to music and sync your device with a computer while charging your iPhone’s battery at the same time.

What the spec sheet available on the Online Apple Store doesn't tell you is that the dock requires iOS 8 or later for audio out. The requirement is listed in a support document for Apple’s Lightning docks, as noted by 9to5Mac.

Olloclip launches new telephoto and ultra wide-angle Active Lens for latest iPhones

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

Joining its existing range of various lens attachments and special cases for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Olloclip on Wednesday announced a new Active Lens accessory that combines a telephoto lens with an ultra wide-angle lens.

The pocket-sized accessory requires no extra parts, can be snapped on both front and rear-facing cameras and ships with three wearable pendants to keep your lens safe and within arm’s reach.

Automatic debuts new vehicle adapter and developer SDK

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Automatic, the makers of the adapter that allows cars to talk to smartphones, debuted new hardware and third-party app support on Tuesday. The new hardware comes in the form of a second-gen Automatic adapter that supports real-time data, and third-party app support in the form of a new SDK.

More specifically, the new adapter supports dual Bluetooth data streams: one to the Automatic mobile app and one to a third-party app. This allows both apps to receive data from the adapter simultaneously over an encrypted Bluetooth connection. It also features built-in GPS, and MFi certification.

Surprise! Apple releases a Lightning dock for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

Jeff Benjamin ∙ May 19, 2015

Getting a new 5K iMac for under two grand was nice, and the addition of Force Touch to the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro was cool. But this release is by far the most surprising release from Apple that we've seen today.

Indeed, has released a Lightning dock for the iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and 6 Plus. You can even use Apple's new dock with a Lightning equipped iPod touch.

The dock is available for purchase now for $39.99 and ships in 1-3 business days.

The Halo Hybrid iPhone 6 case is practically invisible

Lory Gil ∙ May 19, 2015

Nothing says "minimalist" more than nothing at all. However, most people don’t want to risk scratching up their beautiful iPhone 6 by leaving it completely unprotected.

iBlason's Halo Hybrid case is a mix between a cover and a bumper for the iPhone 6. It is thin, simple, and comes in clear, making it hard to tell that you have a case on your iPhone 6 at all.

Fashion design house Kate Spade New York launching iPhone-charging women bags this fall

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 18, 2015

Kate Spade New York, a U.S.-based fashion design house, has partnered with the seed-funded startup Everpurse on a new autumn range of iPhone-friendly bags, purses and backpacks.

These fashionable accessories for women will sport the ability to recharge iPhones, including all Lightning-based models from the iPhone 5 through the iPhone 6 Plus, The Wall Street Journal learned Monday. The fashion label was founded as Kate Spade Handbags in January 1993 by handbag designer Kate Spade.

The Case Star Octopus Tripod will help you take steady photos without breaking the bank

Lory Gil ∙ May 18, 2015

Since Apple Watch can be used as a remote control for the iPhone's camera, you can bet that wide-shot personal pictures will become the new trend, especially since you don't have to use one of those silly "selfie sticks" to get a shot of yourself in front of the Eiffel Tower.

The Case Star Octopus tripod will make wide shots even easier because you can wrap the legs of this mini stand around just about anything and get the best possible shot.

Smart screen protector gives your iPhone a handy back button

Cody Lee ∙ May 16, 2015

I love the additional screen real estate my iPhone 6 Plus gives me, but it makes one-handed usage very difficult. I can reach about halfway up the display comfortably, but anything higher than that—say, when I need to tap an app's back button—and I have to shimmy my hand up the device.

Halo Back is a new iPhone accessory that wants to help significantly reduce the need for shimmying. Billed as the world's first "smart" screen protector, the Halo attaches to the front of your iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, and gives you a virtual back button within thumb's reach—left of the Home button.

Take your mobile photography a step further with Olloclip 4-in-1 Photo Lens for iPhone 6

Lory Gil ∙ May 16, 2015

If you fancy yourself an iPhone photographer and are looking for some accessories to make your hobby more interesting, lenses work great for creating a wider variety of looks.

The Olloclip 4-in-1 Photo Lens kit provides a fisheye, wide-angle, and two different macro lenses that attach to your iPhone 6, giving you a multitude of picture taking options.

OtterBox Defender for iPad Air 2 offers rugged protection

Lory Gil ∙ May 15, 2015

I've been known to take my tablet with me camping. When I do, I want to make sure it is completely protected from the messy outdoors. Without proper coverage, dust, campfire ash, sticky marshmallows, and sunscreen, might end up all over your expensive mobile gadget.

The OtterBox Defender protects against such elements while providing durable shock resistance so you can play hard with your iPad Air 2 in hand and not worry about what might happen to it.

First HomeKit devices coming in June, Apple says

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

The first HomeKit-enabled smart-home devices will be launching sometime in June, Apple told the Wall Street Journal on Thursday. The statement refutes an earlier report that claimed that delays with the home automation platform would push its launch back until August or September.

“HomeKit certification has been available for just a few months and we already have dozens of partners who have committed to bringing HomeKit accessories to market," Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller told The Journal. "We’re looking forward to the first ones coming next month.”