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

LEGO Meets Spielberg: This 2,204 Brick Fan-made Build Captures the Iconic Scene from E.T.

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It’s hard not to smile when you think about E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Whether it’s the heartwarming friendship between Elliot and his otherworldly guest or the unforgettable image of them soaring across the moonlit sky, the movie’s magic feels timeless. That same magic now finds itself meticulously captured in KoalaBrick’s 2,204-piece LEGO set proposal—a tribute to the iconic “across the moon” scene, combined with a diorama-like display of key elements from the film.

This build is as much about artistry as it is about nostalgia. The silhouette of Elliot and E.T. against a crescent moon forms the centerpiece, with the lunar glow carefully contrasting the dense, detailed forest below. As your eyes wander through the scene, smaller touches, like the flower pot and the communication device, bring a delightful sense of recognition. Even E.T.’s spaceship makes an appearance, cleverly scaled to keep the diorama cohesive. You can almost hear John Williams’ sweeping score as you imagine putting the final pieces together.

Designer: KoalaBrick

What makes this design stand out isn’t just the clever use of LEGO elements; it’s how it balances playability with display-worthy craftsmanship. The forest, for instance, is layered with texture and depth, making it look lush without overwhelming the centerpiece. Peer into the forest and you notice minifigures of Elliot and E.T. standing around the comms device, along with a scaled-down model of the UFO and even the iconic flower pot that E.T. carries around. Yet, when you step back, the build feels more like a cinematic moment frozen in time—a LEGO version of the iconic frame pulled straight from Spielberg’s classic.

The moon backdrop isn’t merely a flat surface but a structure with depth and detail, thanks to the use of LEGO art bricks that help mimic the cratered surface of the moon. Not that a cratered moon is great for scientific authenticity, but rather this helps recreate the very textured detail seen on the poster. These design decisions ensure the set appeals to a wide range of LEGO enthusiasts, from casual fans who admire its display potential to skilled builders eager to create similar artpieces.

Few movies elicit the kind of universal fondness that E.T. does, making this set an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you watched the film as a child, shared it with your kids, or simply appreciated its influence on pop culture, this build taps into those feelings effortlessly. It’s a love letter to a story that transcends generations. The film’s set around Halloween, but given that we’re a month late, I won’t judge you for re-watching it on Thanksgiving instead!

KoalaBrick’s creation is a heartfelt tribute that reimagines one of cinema’s most iconic scenes in brick form. Currently a submission on the LEGO Ideas website, KoalaBrick is accepting votes from the broader LEGO community to help turn this one-off artpiece into a retail box set that movie buffs and LEGO-nerds can buy and own. Vote for the E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial set on the LEGO Ideas website here.

The post LEGO Meets Spielberg: This 2,204 Brick Fan-made Build Captures the Iconic Scene from E.T. first appeared on Yanko Design.