We’ve come a long way from 2007 when Apple unveiled the first iPhone. Little did we know how many businesses would be built around smartphone devices. Simply having a smartphone (which 77% of Americans do) isn’t enough these days.
Just about everyone has at least a few accessories for their smartphone, but which ones are the most popular? Let’s have a look at some of the smartphone accessories people just can’t live without.
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Protective Accessories
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The first purchase most people make right after getting a new smartphone is a case. Those who really want to protect their supersize phone investment also get a screen protector. It only makes sense. If you’re paying over $1,000 for the newest iPhone you might as well get an iPhone Xs tempered glass screen protector for some added insurance. It cost a heck of a lot less than repairing a cracked screen.
Cases can be more than just smartphone protection. It’s a smartphone accessory that shows off personal style. Honestly, you can tell a lot about someone’s personality by the case they use. Do they have a no-nonsense Otterbox? Are they a true techie that uses a BodyGuardz clear case to show off the design of the device? Or do they have a Lumee Light case for taking the perfect selfies?
Today, you’ll rarely we a naked smartphone without a case. Cases have gone well beyond containing our precious smartphones. They are a true style accessory that serves multiple purposes.
Music Accessories
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The iPhone all but made the iPod obsolete. Smartphones quickly became our music storage device of choice, and soon the accessories started to follow. There are two key smartphone accessories music lovers just have to have.
Earphones – You could use the earphones that come with your smartphone, but they aren’t usually the best option in terms of listening and style. There are more stylish earphone options than ever before, largely because people have access to their music wherever they go.
Speakers – Smartphone speakers allow you to really amplify your music well beyond what a phone is able to do on its own. Wireless Bluetooth speakers are the simplest option if you plan to take your music on the road. Those who own an iPhone can purchase a dock with built-in speakers or the popular AirPlay wireless speakers.
Selfie Accessories
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If you are an unapologetic selfie addict there are a lot of accessories to help you get the perfect shot. As mentioned above, you can even get phone cases with built-in lighting to up your selfie game.
In terms of smartphone accessories specifically for taking photos of yourself, the selfie stick is still extremely popular. Sure, they can be annoying to others, but a selfie stick is indisputably better than stretching your arm out as far as possible. Even then it may be tough to get a group shot.
If you have a way to prop up your smartphone (like using a Gorillapod accessory) you can avoid the awkward stick all together with the Shutter Remote Control from Muku. It allows you to snap a pic from up to 30 feet away.
Light rings are also growing in popularity. You may have seen the giant ring lights that photographers use to get full coverage illumination for headshots. Well, a ring light is a miniature version of that. There are also a number of wireless LED flash accessories that clip onto a smartphone and give you the ability to control the temperature and brightness of the lighting.
Accessory of the Future: The VR Headset
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Google has really changed the game in terms of virtual reality (VR) using smartphones. You no longer need an expensive system to experience VR environments. There’s a super cheap cardboard VR viewer that can hold a variety of smartphones and works just as well as costly headsets.
There are also pocket VR viewers that are more compact and portable. If you want a comfortable, high-end stroll through virtual reality the Daydream View VR Viewer is the way to go. Need more control? Opt for a headset with a Bluetooth connected controller like the ReTrak Utopia 360.
