Tag Archives: Apple

5 Best iPhone 17 Accessories You Actually Need in 2025

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Let’s be real…your shiny new iPhone 17 is incredible straight out of the box, but it’s not reaching its full potential. With camera upgrades that rival professional equipment and processing power that surpasses laptops, you need accessories that can keep pace. Lucky for you, Black Friday is just around the corner, and we’ve found some seriously impressive deals that won’t break the bank.

This year’s accessory game has undergone a complete transformation. Gone are the days of choosing between a pretty case and actual functionality. The best manufacturers have figured out how to pack serious features into designs that actually make your daily life easier. We’ve spent weeks testing, going through game-changing cases to professional-grade tools, and these five accessories genuinely earned their spot on our desks (and in our pockets).

1. TORRAS Ostand Q3 Air Case

The Q3 Air is straight-up engineering wizardry. This case takes everything great about its sibling (Q3 Silicone) and adds some seriously clever protection technology that makes it perfect for people who are hard on their phones. The big innovation here is TORRAS’ AirMax airbag system, which uses aerospace-grade technology for incredible drop protection. The dual airbag system runs along the top and bottom of the case, covering all four corners to deliver true 360° drop protection for your iPhone. The result is superior protection that doesn’t feel like you’re carrying a brick. The surface has this clever dot-matrix pattern that isn’t just for looks – it actually improves grip significantly. We tested this by having people hold both cases while walking, and the difference was noticeable. The textured surface gives your fingers something to grab onto without feeling rough or cheap.

Like the silicone version, you get that fantastic 360° spinning stand, but this one’s made from aluminum alloy, so it’s even more durable. Whether you’re presenting to colleagues, binge-watching shows, or on endless video calls, the stand adapts to whatever you need. The adjustment is smooth and precise, and it locks securely at any angle. All the protection specs match the silicone case – 8-foot drop rating, perfectly calculated raised edges, and those powerful N52 magnets for rock-solid MagSafe compatibility. But the airbag technology and anti-slip design make this the better choice if you’re active, clumsy, or just want the absolute best protection available. What distinguishes the Q3 Air is its focus on active users who demand maximum protection without sacrificing everyday usability. The airbag technology provides enhanced impact resistance for users with active lifestyles, while the anti-slip design offers additional security during dynamic use situations, representing months of testing and refinement to create the optimal balance between protection, functionality, and daily usability.

Click Here to Buy Now: $59.39 $69.99 (10% off, use coupon code “Q3AIR7799”). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours! Website Here.

Why You Should Buy It

The airbag technology isn’t marketing fluff – it genuinely works better than traditional case materials. Combined with the anti-slip surface, you’re significantly less likely to drop your phone in the first place. The aluminum stand feels more premium and durable than plastic alternatives, and the MagSafe magnets are strong enough to trust with your expensive phone. What makes this even better is that you can use code Q3AIR7799 to get 10% OFF – though you’ll want to act fast since it’s limited to the first 80 customers only, making this already impressive protection solution an even smarter investment.

2. Akko MetaKey

Remember when phones had keyboards? Before we all resigned ourselves to autocorrect failures and fat-finger typos? Akko remembers, and they’ve done something pretty brilliant about it. The MetaKey brings back physical keys for your iPhone 17 Pro Max, and honestly, once you try it, touchscreen typing feels primitive. This isn’t some cheap knockoff – Akko makes some of the best mechanical keyboards in the business, and that expertise shows.

The keys have real tactile feedback, they’re backlit for low-light typing, and the layout is surprisingly intuitive despite being compact. The connection is USB-C with a passthrough port, so you’re not giving up charging to use it. That’s crucial because this keyboard is addictive once you get used to it. The shortcuts for common iPhone functions (Siri, dictation, number input) are actually useful, and there’s this “scroll mode” that turns the top rows into navigation controls. Scrolling through Twitter or long documents becomes way more precise than finger-swiping.

Why You Should Buy It

If you type more than a few words a day on your phone, this changes everything. Your accuracy and speed will improve dramatically, and the tactile feedback makes typing enjoyable again instead of frustrating. The backlit keys work in any lighting, and the passthrough charging means you never have to choose between productivity and power. It’s perfect for anyone who uses their phone for serious work or just wants their typing to not suck.

3. TORRAS Ostand Q3 Silicone Case

Here’s the thing about phone cases – most of them are boring. They protect your phone, sure, but they don’t actually make your life better. The TORRAS Q3 Silicone is different. It’s like someone finally asked, “What if a phone case could do more than just sit there?” The standout feature is this brilliant 360° spinning stand that’s built right into the back. It’s not some flimsy afterthought – this thing is solid. You can prop your phone up for video calls (finally, no more holding your arm up for 30 minutes), watch Netflix in bed without weird neck angles, or follow recipes in the kitchen without getting flour all over your screen. The stand adjusts from 30° to 90° vertically and 15° to 165° horizontally, which sounds technical but basically means you’ll always find the perfect angle. What really impressed us was the attention to detail. The case uses food-grade liquid silicone that feels amazing in your hand – none of that cheap, sticky stuff that attracts every piece of lint in your pocket. Inside, there’s this soft velvet lining that cradles your phone like it’s precious cargo, preventing those tiny scratches that somehow always appear despite your best efforts.

Protection-wise, it’s serious business. This case can handle 8-foot drops, which we unfortunately tested more than we’d like to admit. The edges are raised just enough around the camera (1.2mm) and screen (1.2mm) to keep everything safe when you place it face-down, but not so much that it feels bulky. At only 3.35mm thick, it barely adds any bulk to your phone. The MagSafe magnets are impressively strong – 18N magnetic strength with N52 magnets, if you’re into specs. What that means in real life is your wireless chargers, car mounts, and other MagSafe accessories work perfectly. No sliding, no repositioning, just a solid magnetic grip every time. Despite its comprehensive protection, the case maintains an impressively slim profile, adding minimal bulk while delivering maximum functionality that transforms how you interact with your iPhone throughout your daily routine.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45.99 $59.99 (23% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours! Website Here.

Why You Should Buy It

This case solves multiple problems you didn’t even realize were annoying you. No more propping your phone against random objects or holding it during long video calls. The food-grade silicone feels premium and safe, while the velvet interior keeps your phone pristine. Plus, you never have to choose between protection and MagSafe functionality. With the expected Black Friday price of $39.99, it’s honestly a steal for what you’re getting.

4. MagHub Go- 3-in-1 Portable SSD Enclosure & USB-C Hub

Content creators, this one’s for you. The MagHub Go solves the storage problem that’s been plaguing iPhone videographers since ProRes recording became a thing. This tiny device packs up to 4TB of blazing-fast NVMe storage, connects via MagSafe, and includes fingerprint security that actually works.

The fingerprint unlock isn’t just a gimmick – it’s enterprise-grade security that responds instantly. One touch and your drive is accessible, but it stays locked tight otherwise. For anyone handling client work or sensitive content, this peace of mind is worth the price alone. The device accepts M.2 NVMe drives in 2230 format, so you can start small and upgrade the storage as your needs grow.

Why You Should Buy It

This eliminates the storage anxiety that kills creative momentum. Record as much ProRes 4K as you want, knowing it’s going straight to fast, secure storage. The fingerprint security protects your work, the MagSafe attachment is seamless, and the charging passthrough means your phone never dies mid-shoot. For serious content creators, this transforms the iPhone 17 from a capable camera into a complete professional video rig.

5. Sandmarc Telephoto 6x Lens

Here’s something most people don’t realize: the iPhone 17 Pro’s built-in telephoto lens, while impressive, uses a smaller sensor that limits image quality at high magnification. The Sandmarc 6x lens takes a smarter approach by working with the main 48MP camera, giving you better zoom with superior image quality.

The difference is immediately obvious in your photos. Colors are richer, details are sharper, and you get much more flexibility in post-processing because you’re working with the full 48MP resolution instead of a cropped sensor. The lens itself uses premium multi-coated glass elements that minimize flare and maximize light transmission, so your photos look professional even in challenging conditions.

Why You Should Buy It

This lens unlocks zoom capabilities that genuinely rival dedicated cameras while maintaining the convenience of your iPhone. The image quality advantage over built-in telephoto is significant, and the manual focus control opens creative possibilities that aren’t possible with software alone. For photographers who want professional results without carrying additional gear, this lens delivers exactly what you need in an incredibly portable package.

Level Up Your iPhone 17 Game

These five accessories aren’t just add-ons – they’re genuine improvements to how your iPhone 17 works in real life. The cases make daily tasks easier while protecting your investment. The keyboard brings back the joy of accurate typing. The storage hub removes creative limitations. The lens expands photographic possibilities. Each one solves actual problems you face every day.

The best part is that you don’t need all five to see a difference. Pick the one that matches your biggest pain point – whether that’s protection, productivity, storage, or photography – and see how much better your iPhone experience becomes. Sometimes the right accessory doesn’t just protect your phone; it transforms how you use it entirely.

The post 5 Best iPhone 17 Accessories You Actually Need in 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple’s $70 Hikawa Grip Proves Accessibility & Art Can Coexist

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Apple just dropped something unexpected and pretty cool: the Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand, a $69.95 MagSafe accessory that looks more like a piece of modern art than your typical phone attachment. What makes this launch special isn’t just the design, though. It’s Apple’s way of marking 40 years of accessibility work, and honestly, it shows in every curve and ridge of this thing.

Los Angeles designer Bailey Hikawa didn’t just sketch this grip at a design table. She worked directly with people who deal with limited muscle strength, reduced dexterity, and various hand control challenges. That kind of collaboration makes a difference you can actually feel. The triangular silicone form accommodates different grip styles, letting users hold their phones with way less effort than usual. The magnetic MagSafe connection stays secure during use but snaps off easily when you’re done.

Designer: Apple

Here’s where it gets practical. The grip doubles as a stand that works in both portrait and landscape modes. Propping up your iPhone for a FaceTime call or binge-watching session suddenly doesn’t require awkward hand positions or makeshift setups. The premium silicone has that soft-touch feel that doesn’t irritate your hands during extended use, which matters more than you’d think.

Hikawa’s artistic background really shines through in the sculptural form. Each grip genuinely looks like something you’d see in a contemporary art gallery. Apple is offering two exclusive colors: Chartreuse, a bold greenish-yellow picked specifically for high visibility, and Crater, a recycled finish with gray, black, and white specks that feels surprisingly sophisticated. At 3.1 by 2.3 inches, it adds just enough bulk to be useful without turning your phone into a brick.

Compatibility spans everything from the iPhone 12 through the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, including the new iPhone Air. Any MagSafe-enabled device works right out of the box. Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s Head of Accessibility, made an interesting point about this product. She acknowledged that it’s designed to solve specific problems for certain users, and that’s perfectly fine. Not every accessibility tool needs to appeal to everyone.

This limited edition grip is exclusive to Apple’s U.S. online store, and given how fast their recent iPhone Pocket sold out, you might want to move quickly if it catches your eye. What strikes me most is how Apple’s bringing attention to accessible design without making it feel like charity or an afterthought. The Hikawa grip works because it’s genuinely useful and genuinely beautiful, proving those two things don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

The post Apple’s $70 Hikawa Grip Proves Accessibility & Art Can Coexist first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 iPhone 17 Pro Setup Essentials for 2025

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Setting up your iPhone 17 Pro isn’t just about unboxing and turning it on anymore. With features like ProRes video recording, advanced computational photography, and desktop-class performance, your new device deserves accessories that match its capabilities. The right setup can transform your iPhone from an impressive smartphone into a complete productivity and creative powerhouse. Black Friday is approaching fast, and we’ve discovered some incredible deals that make building the perfect iPhone 17 Pro setup more affordable than ever. These aren’t just random discounts – we’re talking about genuine value on accessories that solve real problems and enhance your daily workflow. From ultra-tough protection to professional camera controls, these five essentials represent the best of what’s available right now.

What makes 2025 different is how accessory manufacturers have finally caught up to Apple’s innovation pace. Gone are the days of choosing between protection and functionality, or settling for cheap alternatives that break after a few months. Today’s premium accessories are engineered to work seamlessly with your iPhone’s advanced features while adding capabilities you didn’t know you needed. We’ve tested dozens of products over the past few months, focusing on accessories that genuinely improve the iPhone 17 Pro experience rather than just looking good in marketing photos. These five essentials earned their spot through real-world testing, and the Black Friday pricing makes them absolute no-brainers for anyone serious about maximizing their iPhone investment.

1. TORRAS OrigArmor Screen Protector

Let’s talk about what makes a screen protector truly exceptional…because let’s be honest, most of them are terrible. The TORRAS OrigArmor isn’t just the world’s first anti-reflective screen protector with 3D full-coverage curved edges; it’s a complete rethinking of what screen protection should accomplish. What drives everyone crazy is that most protectors make your gorgeous display look duller and mess with color accuracy. OrigArmor flips that script entirely. The magic happens through its 7-layer anti-reflective coating created through magnetron sputtering and a dual ion-exchange process. This keeps reflectivity under 0.8%, while regular tempered glass protectors reflect over 4.5% of light, which is more than five times the glare.

So, how does this actually elevate your daily life? Your screen remains remarkably bright, clear, and easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight. You won’t need to awkwardly shield your phone or squint like you forgot your sunglasses. You’ll finally stop cranking your brightness to maximum, which doesn’t just save battery life, it actually helps preserve your phone’s long-term performance. It also restores the iPhone 17’s native anti-reflective display function, which regular protectors completely disable. The 95% light transmittance (compared to an average 91% on standard protectors) means your front camera captures sharp, detailed, true-to-color selfies without that blurry, washed-out disaster look that makes other screen protectors so frustrating.

The engineering behind OrigArmor is also pretty darn impressive. Using their proprietary Tora-Curve™ 3D curving technology instead of traditional hot-bending methods (The core difference between the two technologies is that Tora-Curve™ does not make the glass more brittle, while hot-bending does), TORRAS created incredibly durable glass with absolutely flawless edge alignment and zero bubbles. The 99.8% screen coverage eliminates those annoying light leaks and dust traps, creating a seamless fit that genuinely looks and feels like it’s part of your phone from the factory.

Installation is foolproof with Tora-Airfree™ molecular adhesive that naturally disperses air for a clean, precise seal every single time. So essentially, there are no do-overs, no frustration, no regrets. The surface features premium Shin-Etsu fingerprint-resistant oil applied through magnetron sputtering, creating that incredibly buttery-smooth touch experience without gross smudges building up. With a beastly 9H+ hardness rating and surviving over 25,000 scratch tests plus 8,000 drop tests in TORRAS labs, this protector delivers scratch and drop resistance that absolutely demolishes traditional matte films. The 3D curved edges mean no sharp corners or weird discomfort, just ultimate grip and that premium feel that actually enhances your iPhone experience instead of ruining it.

Click Here to But Now: $34.99 $41.99 (17% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours! Website Here.

Why You Should Buy It

The OrigArmor, of course, protects your screen, but also actively improves your iPhone 17 Pro experience. The revolutionary anti-reflective coating cuts glare by 5×, saves battery life, and restores native display functions that other protectors disable. Your selfies stay crystal-clear thanks to 95% light transmittance, while the 3D curved edges provide seamless coverage with zero light leaks or dust traps. Beyond the superior protection, TORRAS is offering excellent Black Friday value: spend $135 or more and get a free MagSafe Card Wallet, spend $149 for a free MiniMag Power Bank (5,000mAh), or spend $199 to receive a free Flexline Pebble Power Bank (10,000mAh). Plus, their Blind Box Surprise offers up to 50% off mystery TORRAS products, adding the thrill of unboxing premium accessories at half price.

2. KUULAA Magnetic Power Bank 5000mAh

At just 6.9mm thick, the KUULAA power bank is impossibly slim while packing serious power. This 5,000mAh battery can charge most iPhones from 0-100% completely, yet it’s lighter than Apple’s own MagSafe battery pack at only 110 grams. The glass back perfectly matches your iPhone’s premium aesthetic, creating a seamless look when attached magnetically.

The charging capabilities impress with 7.5W standard MagSafe wireless charging and 20W wired charging through the USB-C port. Super-strong N52 magnets ensure secure attachment, while dual-charging functionality lets it work as both a wireless and a wired charger simultaneously. Available in black, white, purple, and pink, it offers style options for every preference.

Why You Should Buy It

This power bank solves the eternal battery anxiety problem without adding bulk to your iPhone 17 Pro. At $20 less than Apple’s official option while offering nearly 2,000mAh more capacity, it’s an exceptional value. The ultra-slim profile means you’ll actually carry it daily, and the glass construction maintains your phone’s premium feel. The dual-charging capability and strong magnetic grip make it reliable for both emergency power and extended use scenarios.

3. Fjorden Basic

The Fjorden grip transforms your iPhone into a DSLR-like camera experience, providing the tactile control that touchscreen photography lacks. This pocketable accessory attaches via reusable adhesive, making it compatible with any iPhone model while offering genuine camera-style handling that improves stability and comfort during extended shooting sessions.

Professional photographers and content creators appreciate how the grip reduces hand fatigue and camera shake during long shoots. The ergonomic design provides a secure hold for one-handed operation, while the compact form factor maintains portability. With a 30-day money-back guarantee and 2-year warranty, Fjorden stands behind their build quality and user satisfaction.

Why You Should Buy It

If you use your iPhone 17 Pro for serious photography or video work, the Fjorden grip dramatically improves handling and reduces fatigue during extended shoots. The DSLR-like controls provide better stability for sharp images and smooth video, while the reusable adhesive means you can switch between devices easily. The investment pays off immediately in improved photo quality and shooting comfort, making it essential for anyone who considers their iPhone a primary camera.

4. Aeroloop Tango Grip Stand

The Aeroloop achieves something remarkable – a grip and stand that completely disappears when not in use. Collapsing to just 2.4mm, it’s virtually invisible on your phone until you need it. The hyperlight composite construction maintains MagSafe compatibility while providing both comfortable finger loop functionality and landscape kickstand capability for hands-free viewing.

One-handed expandability works smoothly on hard cases, and the magnetic attachment is strong enough for secure hold yet easy to remove when needed. The included MagSafe adapter makes any hard smooth case compatible, while MagSafe spacers let you adjust magnetic strength if needed. The dual-sided magnetic design requires care around sensitive surfaces but provides incredible versatility.

Why You Should Buy It

The Aeroloop eliminates the bulk and awkwardness of traditional grips while providing superior functionality. The ultra-thin collapsed profile means it never interferes with pockets or wireless charging, yet expands instantly when needed for a secure grip or hands-free viewing. MagSafe compatibility ensures it works perfectly with your iPhone 17 Pro’s magnetic ecosystem, making it the most elegant grip solution available.

5. MagBeat MagSafe Speaker

The MagBeat redefines portable audio by combining aerospace aluminum construction with MagSafe convenience. This isn’t just another Bluetooth speaker – it’s a luxury audio experience that magnetically attaches to your iPhone 17 Pro while maintaining full wireless charging capability. The IP-67 rating ensures it handles dust and water without missing a beat.

With 10+ hours of battery life, the MagBeat provides all-day audio for work, travel, or entertainment. TWS capability lets you pair two units for stereo sound, while the upcoming Auracast feature will enable the connection of multiple MagBeats for room-filling audio. The spacecraft-grade build quality matches your iPhone’s premium construction while delivering audio performance that rivals much larger speakers.

Why You Should Buy It

The MagBeat transforms your iPhone 17 Pro into a premium audio system without sacrificing portability or charging functionality. The magnetic attachment creates a seamless experience – just snap it on and enjoy superior sound quality anywhere. The rugged construction and long battery life make it reliable for daily use, while the luxury materials and engineering justify the investment for anyone who values both audio quality and design excellence.

Complete Your Ultimate iPhone 17 Pro Setup

These five essentials work together to create an iPhone 17 Pro experience that goes far beyond what Apple provides out of the box. The screen protector preserves your investment while enhancing usability. The power bank eliminates battery anxiety without adding bulk. The camera grip unlocks professional photography capabilities. The Aeroloop provides ergonomic comfort and hands-free convenience. The MagBeat delivers premium audio that matches your phone’s quality.

What makes this setup special isn’t just individual product quality – it’s how they complement each other to solve real problems. You’re not just buying accessories; you’re investing in a complete ecosystem that enhances every aspect of iPhone ownership. From protection and power to creativity and entertainment, these products ensure your iPhone 17 Pro reaches its full potential in every situation.

The post Top 5 iPhone 17 Pro Setup Essentials for 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple Vision Pro Expands Its Immersive Universe: New Content and Award-Winning Apps Redefine Spatial Computing

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Apple just dropped a wave of announcements that prove the Vision Pro isn’t just a headset. It’s becoming a legitimate platform for experiences you can’t get anywhere else. From backcountry skiing with Red Bull athletes to stepping inside Real Madrid’s locker room, the content pipeline is starting to deliver on spatial computing’s promise.

Designer: Apple

The Dual Knit Band Finally Solves Vision Pro’s Comfort Problem

The original Vision Pro had a fatal flaw. You could wear it for 30 minutes before the front-heavy weight started digging into your forehead. The Solo Knit Band slipped. The Dual Loop Band created pressure points. Extended viewing sessions meant discomfort, which meant the immersive content didn’t matter if you couldn’t stay immersed.

Apple’s new Dual Knit Band addresses this directly. The design looks simple but hides serious engineering.

3D-Knitted Counterweight Engineering

The band is 3D-knitted as a single piece with upper and lower straps forming a dual-rib structure. The lower strap contains flexible fabric ribs embedded with tungsten inserts. These aren’t decorative. They’re counterweights that balance the front-heavy Vision Pro by adding weight at the rear. The result is a headset that feels stable without the constant forward pressure that plagued earlier bands.

The upper strap provides cushioning and stretch. The dual-rib structure creates airflow channels that keep your head cooler during long sessions. The entire assembly prioritizes breathability without sacrificing support.

Dual-Function Fit Dial

The Fit Dial is now dual-function, letting users adjust both the top and rear straps independently. Previous bands forced you to choose between secure fit and comfort. The Dual Knit Band lets you dial in both. Tighter at the rear for stability. Looser at the top for comfort. Or whatever combination works for your head shape.

This matters more than it sounds. Vision Pro works through eye tracking and precise positioning. If the headset shifts during use, the tracking fails. The Dual Knit Band keeps the Vision Pro stable without creating pressure points.

Universal Compatibility

The band comes in small, medium, and large sizes. Apple uses iPhone Face ID scanning through the Apple Store App to recommend the correct size. The interesting detail: it works with both the new Vision Pro M5 and previous-generation models. If you bought a Vision Pro at launch and have been living with the Solo Knit Band’s compromises, you can buy the Dual Knit Band separately for $99.

Why This Matters for Content

The Dual Knit Band isn’t about specs. It’s about whether you can actually watch the World of Red Bull backcountry skiing episode all the way through without adjusting the headset. It’s about whether the Real Madrid documentary’s immersive locker room access works when you’re constantly aware of the weight on your forehead.

Previous Vision Pro bands made extended viewing uncomfortable. The Solo Knit Band worked for demos. The Dual Loop Band worked for specific head shapes. The Dual Knit Band is engineered for universal comfort during the 2.5-hour battery life the Vision Pro M5 delivers.

The tungsten counterweights in the lower rib are a subtle detail that makes a significant difference. The dual-function Fit Dial turns comfort from compromise into customization. Apple’s immersive content pipeline is finally delivering. The Dual Knit Band ensures you can actually experience it.

Red Bull Takes Immersive Video to Remote Slopes

World of Red Bull debuts December 4 with its first episode, “Backcountry Skiing.” The series uses Apple’s Immersive Video format to transport you into Revelstoke, British Columbia, where the world’s top freeskiers push their limits on remote, untouched slopes. This isn’t watching skiing on a screen. It’s being there as athletes carve through powder in terrain most of us will never access.

Red Bull’s built its brand on putting cameras in impossible places. Apple Immersive Video gives them a format that matches that energy. The result is content that uses the Vision Pro’s strengths instead of fighting against them.

Real Madrid Opens the Locker Room Door

Next year, Apple and Real Madrid are teaming up on an immersive documentary filmed during the 2025-26 Champions League. Over 30 Blackmagic immersive cameras captured Real Madrid versus Juventus, bringing you inside the world’s most decorated club with access fans have never experienced before. Practice sessions. Pre-game tension. Pitch-level intensity. This is spatial computing applied to sports storytelling.

The documentary arrives in 2026, but it signals where this platform is heading. Premium content from premium brands, shot specifically for spatial viewing.

What to Watch Right Now

The content library keeps expanding with experiences that show what spatial computing can do:

Elevated: Maine flies you above autumn landscapes with Oscar-winning actor Tim Robbins as your guide. Rugged coastlines, pristine lakes, and forests of the Pine Tree State unfold below you in ways that make traditional nature documentaries feel flat.

Flight Ready straps you into an F-18 fighter jet on the USS Nimitz flight deck. Full-throttle rides through the skies with real fighter pilots. No green screen. No simulation. Actual carrier operations captured in immersive video.

The Fine Dining Bakery premieres this Friday on the Theater app. Australian filmmakers Ben Allan and Clara Chong created an immersive documentary short about an iconic strawberry watermelon cake. They’ve also authored a book about immersive filmmaking, available exclusively on Apple Books this Friday.

“No Brainer” is an immersive music video from Dallas music collective Cure for Paranoia, filmed with the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive. It’s available for free on Amplium, and also from the Groove Jones website using Spatial Browsing in Safari. Music videos in spatial format are just starting to happen, and this is one of the early experiments worth watching.

Fantastic Four: First Steps in 3D brings Marvel’s first family to Vision Pro. Set against a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, viewers meet the team as they face a daunting challenge. The 3D presentation uses depth in ways traditional 3D movies can’t match.

2025 App Store Awards Spotlight Vision Pro Innovation

Yesterday, Apple announced the finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards. The Vision Pro categories showcase apps and games that exemplify technical innovation, user experience, and design.

Apple Vision Pro App of the Year Finalists

Camo Studio offers creators a more flexible way to livestream and create videos, turning Vision Pro into a production tool.

D-Day: The Camera Soldier pioneers the future of immersive storytelling by putting you in the boots of soldiers during the Normandy invasion. Historical storytelling gets a spatial computing treatment that makes the events feel immediate and personal.

Explore POV transports users through its library of Apple Immersive videos filmed around the world. It’s a curated collection that shows off what spatial video can do when shot properly.

Apple Vision Pro Games of the Year Finalists

Fishing Haven immerses players seeking a retreat into calm waters. Transform your surroundings into beautiful fishing locations for a peaceful escape.

Gears & Goo combines strategic gameplay with endearing characters in a spatial gaming experience that uses the Vision Pro’s unique capabilities.

Porta Nubi builds atmospheric puzzles that make users feel like a light-bending superhero. The spatial puzzles work because you’re physically moving around them, not just looking at a screen.

PlayStation VR2 Controller Support Expands Gaming Options

The PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller and Charging Station is now available from the Apple Store online in the U.S. This opens up new gaming possibilities with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers designed for VR. Here’s what you can play:

Porta Nubi works with the PS VR2 controller for more precise puzzle manipulation.

Pickle Pro turns your surroundings into your own personal pickleball court. With PS VR2 Sense controller support, every swing feels natural and precise with proper haptic feedback.

Spatial Rifts invites players to team up in the same space and fight waves of monsters. This Apple Vision Pro exclusive uses spatial gaming in ways that make co-op play feel genuinely different.

FunFitLand blends spatial interaction, real movement, and guided coaching into one seamless fitness experience. The PS VR2 controller adds tactile feedback to workout routines.

New Games Arriving on the Platform

Following last month’s announcement about expanded controller support, new compatible games are arriving:

Sniper Elite 4 delivers hours of gripping single-player campaign gameplay, with cross-save capabilities to seamlessly pick up where you left off across iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro. The tactical shooting translates surprisingly well to spatial computing.

POOLS offers no typical story. It’s slow, reflective, and intentionally uneventful. This relaxing, unnerving, eerie, and immersive experience rewards patience and quiet attention. It’s the kind of meditative experience that works when you’re fully immersed.

Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss lets players lead their squad of Champions into a fast-paced and immersive arena where tactics, magic, and power collide. This new spatial game is available on Apple Arcade.

The iPad Game of the Year finalists DREDGE and Prince of Persia Lost Crown are also available to play on Apple Vision Pro, showing how Apple’s gaming ecosystem is starting to connect across devices.

The Platform Is Maturing

A year ago, the Vision Pro launched with promise but limited content. Now the pipeline is filling with experiences that justify the hardware. Red Bull backcountry skiing. Real Madrid locker room access. Award-winning apps and games that couldn’t exist on flat screens.

Spatial computing still feels early. But with content like this arriving regularly, it’s starting to feel less like a tech demo and more like a platform with staying power. The question isn’t whether immersive content works on Vision Pro. It’s whether there will be enough of it to matter.

Based on what’s coming in the next few months, that answer is starting to look like yes.

The post Apple Vision Pro Expands Its Immersive Universe: New Content and Award-Winning Apps Redefine Spatial Computing first appeared on Yanko Design.

iPhone ‘Lock Screen Mirror’ feature lets you quickly check your hair/teeth without opening the camera

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Never have I seen something so audaciously brilliant I actually summon a CEO to help make it a reality but Tim Cook… if you’re reading this, this lock-screen mirror definitely needs to ship on the next iOS build. Put together by Jakub Zegzulka, an ex-Apple, Meta, and OpenAI fellow, this tiny little feature is perhaps more important than FaceID itself!

How many times have you stepped out for a meeting with friends or for an interview, having no idea what you look like… or whether you’ve got food stuck in your teeth? You unlock your phone, open the camera app, and flip to the front-facing camera to do a quick vibe-check. It’s a 3-step process that absolutely doesn’t need to be a 3-step process. Instead, Zegzulka’s solution involves just long-pressing on the camera icon on the bottom right of your lock screen. That brings up a tiny window emerging off the dynamic island, giving you a quick preview of yourself. You can check your hair, fix your make-up, adjust your specs, run your tongue across your teeth, or just quickly check out that annoying zit that appeared at the wrong place and wrong time.

Designer: Jakub Zegzulka

Zegzulka didn’t outline much, except a quick video demo of this feature on Threads. Although that was enough to gather nearly 2K likes in just over a day. The Lock Screen Mirror isn’t an app. It’s just a quick interaction that lets you open the camera’s viewfinder right on your lock screen for checking your appearance. The tiny circular window is almost exactly the size of a make-up mirror, and the feature is legitimately handy, even for me as a guy who has fairly curly hair that needs to just be ruffled before I step out.

Heck, imagine going an entire hour on a date with spinach stuck in your teeth and them being polite enough to not point out. Instead, you just do a quick check, get that pesky piece of green stuck on your pearly whites, and you’re good to go. It’s such a tiny-yet-life-enhancing feature that Apple could totally ship with their next build. You’re NOT opening your camera app with this lock screen mirror function, just a preview. You could drag your finger up and have the app open like it traditionally does, but a feature like this would probably eliminate the need to, if all you need to do is see if you look good right before you meet your friends, your future boss, or the potential love of your life.

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Apple, Hear Me Out… An iPhone Pocket, but for the Vision Pro’s Battery Pack

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Decades after giving Steve Jobs his iconic turtleneck, Japanese fashion behemoth Issey Miyake returned to Apple with a product that somewhat felt absurd at first. The iPhone Pocket is an oddly specific handbag for just your phones (and maybe some other bits and bobs), but here’s a reality check the folks at Apple probably didn’t get. Your phone doesn’t need a dedicated solo-bag. It fits in most pockets, and when it doesn’t, people carry handbags or purses. If there’s a single Apple product that DOES need its own ‘holster’, it’s probably the Vision Pro Battery Pack.

This concept from Nathaniël de Jong cleverly gives that power bank a dedicated holster to make spatial computing more convenient without the added bulk. Almost everyone who’s reviewed the Vision Pro has railed against that silly little appendage that simply hangs off the already heavy Vision Pro. Apple just assumed you’d end up putting it in your pocket… but somehow it decided to make a dedicated holder for its phones, but not for this?!

Designer: Nathaniël de Jong

The beauty of this entire arrangement is that nothing needs to change. Apple just needs to ALSO market the iPhone Pocket as a perfect holder for the Vision Pro’s Battery Pack. It’s roughly the same size as a small phone, probably weighs a bit thanks to its thick metal design, and gives the Vision Pro a slightly fashionable touch… with the 3D woven iPhone Pocket matching the 3D weave on the Vision Pro’s headbands. It’s synergy just waiting to happen, and I love that someone decided to cobble up some renders and put them out there just to show us all that there’s a great alternative use for this fairly expensive fabric accessory.

The iPhone Pocket is limited to just 10 stores worldwide, and will only be sold in limited stock. Is that a deal-breaker? Probably not, because most Vision Pro users probably live in one of these 10 fancy cities (New York, Paris, Milan, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc.). The limited stock isn’t a problem either, because the Vision Pro’s fairly limited in its consumer reach too… and I don’t mean that as a diss. I just think these two are a match made in heaven!

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Apple iPhone Pocket is the most absurdly Apple-ish way to carry your smartphone with you.

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Years after giving Steve Jobs his iconic turtleneck, Issey Miyake returns to give the iPhones their own turtleneck too. Dubbed the iPhone Pocket, these haute handbags are designed for one thing and one thing only, your iPhone. The bags are created using a special 3D-knitted construction that’s developed by the Japanese fashion house, and come in 8 colors. They’re single-sized, which means you can pretty much fit any iPhone in, from the ultra-thin iPhone Air to the large iPhone 17 Pro Max, or even the tiny iPhone 13 Mini. Could you also put an Android smartphone in? Yes, but Steve Jobs will tut-tut at you in your dreams for the rest of your life.

Don’t expect these luxurious phone-holsters to be cheap. They’re a limited-edition item that Apple will sell at just 10 select stores across the globe, with the short-strap versions selling for $149.95 and the larger strapped variant for $229.95.

Designer: Issey Miyake

Is the iPhone Pocket practical? No. Is it classy? Yes. If you’re the kind to splurge on a $19 Apple-branded polishing cloth, or a fancy Hermes strap for your watch, then the iPhone Pocket won’t feel like such a pricey buy. The single-piece 3D-knitted ‘gizmo-garment’ is surely a marvel. It doesn’t have any parts stitched together, it’s singular from start to end, and the weave itself is something that Issey Miyake’s done extensive R&D on.

The result is a yarn that protects the iPhone with its padded weave, while letting you easily ‘wear’ your smartphone around your neck, on the side, or across your body. You could loop it around a bag too, this thing is probably one of the rare Apple products that doesn’t need a user manual… Apart from probably washing instructions. I’d probably keep it away from the rain, food, beverages, or anything too damaging. Sunlight may fade the color, so air-drying indoors is the only sensible option, if this thing gets wet. Don’t even think of chucking this thing in the washing machine, by the way. Or Issey Miyake will cry from heaven.

The iPhone Pocket’s design is sort of open to user interpretation and expression. Put any phone in and it’ll fit. Slide the phone completely if you want to conceal it, or have just the tip jutting out if you want to sneakily film people around you, or if you want to stare at the top of your screen for notifications. The expandable design also lets you add other stuff… maybe a lip balm, your AirPods, or one of these ultra-slim MagSafe power banks.

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AirPods Max 2 Concept Brings The Vision Pro’s Comfy Band Into The Mix

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The AirPods Max dropped in 2020, that’s 5 years ago, making it one of the oldest products to not see a single design iteration in a significant time. Yes, sure, Apple upgraded its Lightning-powered models to USB-C recently, and gave the AirPods Max some fresh new colors, but other than that, there’s been absolutely no change to the product in half a decade. It’s time we saw a few upgrades.

Not that there’s anything broken with the AirPods Max, but it could use a few key upgrades. Users complain often that it’s heavy, can often get uncomfortable, and early adopters noticed some weird condensate on the inside after sustained listening. While Apple hasn’t officially fixed any of these problems, Parker Ortolani decided to give the AirPods Max a refresh – with a few key visual changes that all lead to a better product (except for one detail which I personally dislike).

Designer: Parker Ortolani

Ortolani’s design retains the iconic shape of the AirPods Max earcups, but transforms a major part of its otherwise memorable silhouette. Most importantly, the band on top gets a revision, ditching the metal and  tensile fabric for something more familiar. The new band gets made from the same material used on the Vision Pro, giving it flexibility within a much more lightweight and comfortable design. Sure, there has to be something inside providing structure, but the chances of it being stainless steel is low. That instantly cuts the AirPods Max 2’s headband weight while providing a wider surface for it to rest on the cranium, so you can wear the cups for longer without that strain.

A knob on the side lets you easily adjust the band’s design, lowering or raising the earcups so that they sit higher or lower (depending on how big your head is). The crown stays exactly where it is, but Ortolani adds buttons to the mix too, just to make intuitive control easier. The padded cups get upgraded to a cushion-like material, and for that weird condensation issue, vents at the bottom promote breathability, so you can worry about sweat accumulating inside the cups from listening for too long.

My only significant gripe is that Ortolani ditched the Lightning/USB-C port for a proprietary snap-on connector like the one found on the Vision Pro. To be fair, Ortolani did design this concept before the USB-C AirPods Max dropped, so it’s certainly an upgrade over the lightning port, but otherwise seems like bit of a drag. I’d personally change that, but barring this tiny little oversight, the AirPods Max 2 concept truly feels like an iterative improvement on its predecessor. The plastic bands flex so you can actually curl the headphones for easy carrying (and no more using that weird handbag).

Ortolani debuted his concept in a variety of subtle colors (barring that electric Project RED version), but I wouldn’t mind seeing a few vibrant options too. Hopefully Apple has plans to upgrade its flagship audio wearable next year, along with the AirTag, which has remained entirely unchanged in 4 full years!

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Apple To Launch $599 MacBook With An A18 Pro Chip Inside? Here’s What We Know

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The budget laptop market has long been dominated by Chromebooks and entry-level Windows machines, but Apple may be about to crash the party. Reports indicate the tech giant is preparing to launch a $599 MacBook featuring the A18 Pro chip, offering desktop-class macOS performance at a price point that directly challenges competitors. If true, this could be Apple’s biggest strategic shift in the laptop space in over a decade.

The rumored device would mark a dramatic departure from Apple’s traditional pricing strategy, which has kept MacBooks firmly in premium territory. But with Chromebooks capturing the education market and budget Windows laptops satisfying casual users, Apple has watched from the sidelines as millions of potential customers chose competitors simply because the price of entry was too high. This move could change that calculus entirely.

Designer: Apple

The laptops could sport a colorful design, helping differentiate it from the more capable Air and Pro models.

The A18 Pro chip is the same processor that powers the iPhone 16 Pro, and Apple claims it delivers performance comparable to the M1 MacBook Air. That’s a legitimately capable chip for everyday computing tasks like web browsing, document editing, video streaming, and light photo work. You’re looking at a 12.9-inch display housed in what’s described as an ultra-thin, lightweight frame, with color options including silver, blue, pink, and yellow. The base model comes with 8GB of RAM, though there’s reportedly an option to upgrade to 16GB. It runs full macOS, which means you get access to the entire Apple ecosystem and software library, something Chromebooks fundamentally cannot offer.

But here’s where things get interesting, and where Apple’s compromises become obvious. No Thunderbolt ports. Limited external display support. That base 8GB of RAM is going to struggle with anything beyond basic multitasking. This machine is clearly designed for a specific user: students writing papers, casual users checking email and browsing the web, first-time Mac buyers who want to dip their toes into the ecosystem without dropping two grand. Apple isn’t trying to replace the MacBook Air or Pro with this device. They’re creating an entirely new category within their lineup, one that prioritizes accessibility over capability.

Spring 2026 puts this launch alongside the M5 MacBook Air, which will undoubtedly carry a higher price tag and more robust specs. Apple gets to segment their market cleanly: budget buyers get the A18 Pro MacBook, mainstream users get the M5 Air, and professionals stick with the Pro and Max configurations. Analysts are predicting this could boost MacBook shipments by up to 40 percent, which would be massive for a company that’s watched competitors dominate the sub-$700 laptop space for years.

There’s a real risk here that Apple cannibalizes their own iPad sales. Why would someone buy an iPad in the same price range when they could get a full laptop with macOS instead? The value proposition shifts dramatically when you’re comparing a tablet with accessories that cost more than this MacBook to an actual laptop with a keyboard included. Apple clearly thinks the trade-off is worth it, betting that bringing more people into the Mac ecosystem will pay dividends down the line when those users eventually upgrade to pricier models.

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The best iPad accessories for 2026

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The best iPad accessories can make an aging tablet feel like new again, or give you additional ways to use that new slab you just bought. Whether it's a slim folio case, an Apple Pencil, a docking station or a paper-like screen protector, there are so many iPad accessories out there that can transform how you use your tablet on a regular basis — and make your iPad last longer, too. We've tested a plethora of accessories over the years, and these are the best iPad accessories you can get right now.

Before you splurge on a bunch of accessories, you should double check which iPad generation you own. There are a couple of ways to do this: first, you can check the back of your tablet for its model number, which will start with an “A” and end with a series of numbers. You can also go into Settings on your iPad, then General and look up the model number in the top section. If you see a series of letters and numbers with a slash (“/“) in it, just tap that to reveal the iPad’s true model number.

The most important iPad details to consider before buying accessories are the charging port, screen size and Apple Pencil compatibility. Most iPads now have USB-C charging, save for the now discontinued 9th-gen iPad that still requires a Lightning cable. Make sure to double check your iPad’s screen size before buying a folio for iPad or a screen protector — especially if you have the new iPad Air 11-inch. As for the Apple Pencil, check out this guide to how to choose the right Apple Pencil (and even replacement pencil tips) to make sure you're getting the right one for the tablet you have.

If you’re a heavy user of the Apple Pencil or some other stylus, you should consider getting a screen protector for your new iPad. They pull double-duty: Not only do they act as a first line of defense if your iPad goes careening onto concrete, but they can also enhance the digital drawing and writing experience. Using a stylus on an iPad is strange at first because gliding the stylus nib over a glass surface feels nothing like “normal” writing. Matte screen protectors can get closer to replicating the pen-on-paper experience, and they also prevent the stylus nib from wearing down as quickly.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-ipad-accessories-130018595.html?src=rss