Top 10 accessories for your iPhone

On September 14th, 2021, the iPhone 13 series was launched at Apple’s event. Everyone had major expectations for the latest iPhone family – some were met, some were not.  The iPhone has a smaller notch, bigger battery, better chip, and not too many major changes. Whether you were disappointed or excited by the iPhone, whether you found it compelling or a tad bit boring – there’s always scope to amp up your iPhone with a bunch of exciting accessories! And by accessories, we don’t simply mean the same old covers and cases that we’ve all gotten pretty much accustomed to. Designers have been leveling up their accessories game, creating unique and handy products that will totally elevate your iPhone 13! From a MagSafe camera lens concept that turns your iPhone 13 into a professional mirrorless camera to corner protectors that will give your iPhone all-round protection– these innovative accessories are what your iPhone 13 truly needs!

1. SCIO

Taking inspiration from Sony’s QX10 and QX100 modular camera lenses, SCIO is a mirrorless lens that simply attaches to your iPhone via MagSafe. Snap it on and your smartphone is now a professional shooter capable of much more realistic portrait shots and telephoto images.

Why is it noteworthy?

With a much larger lens and sensor, SCIO’s imaging system is capable of capturing much more light than the iPhone 13’s multiple lenses. This allows for better photos, more detail, higher-resolution low-light shots, and much more accurate bokeh. SCIO’s camera lens uses your iPhone’s display as a viewfinder, and can potentially pull battery power from the iPhone via reverse charging, so you don’t need to separately charge the camera lens.

What we like

  • The lens even has a tripod mount, bringing traditional and computational camera experiences even closer

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

2. Belkin’s Continuity Camera Accessory

Belkin is working on a new puck that is MagSafe compatible. It attaches to the back of the iPhone and using its support can cling on to the Mac (where the webcam is) to let the iPhone’s rear camera be used as a full-fledged webcam.

Why is it noteworthy?

From how it appears, the Belkin device – in the making – is an all-white circular peripheral that attaches to the iPhone’s back with MagSafe. I’m not sure of the material it’s made from but presume it will be soft silicone so it leaves no scratches on the back of the Mac when it’s mounted. When attached to the Mac at the ideal spot where the webcam features, the Continuity Camera automatically activates to allow the iPhone to be used as the webcam.

What we like

  • A great replacement for the 720p webcam on the MacBook

What we dislike

  • It’s not available yet!

3. Nothing Phone (1) Cover

No one can deny the out-of-the-box design of Nothing Phone (1) – though there is the obvious iPhone 13 inspiration – the device has to be practical enough as a daily driver. For now, that Glyph interface has got everyone talking positively, and D Brand has even created custom skins for other smartphones to cover them up in the sci-fi futuristic look!

Why is it noteworthy?

This is the coolest way to get that super cool translucent rear without shelling out money for the Nothing Phone (1). The device outfitter pros have created a line-up of cool case covers dubbed “Something” for the major flagships on the market. The attractive skin will be available for devices including the iPhone Pro Max, Pixel 6 Pro, and the Samsung S22 Ultra. Depending on the response for these devices, support for even more handsets is inevitable.

What we like

This is a nice prospect if you want to stick to Apple, Samsung, or Google devices but enjoy Nothing’s unique rear look

What we dislike

No complaints!

4. The G4 Charger

The G4 charger is a wonderful throwback accessory that reminds me of that Elago charger that turned the Apple Watch into the Macintosh. Its design, however, doesn’t seem to have aged the way the Macintosh has. Even by today’s standards, the iMac G4 is an incredibly eye-catching device that you’re sure to be amazed by. The charger condenses that beauty down into a small device that is equally good at drawing your attention to the iPhone that sits on it.

Why is it noteworthy?

The iMac G4, with its debut in 2002, was truly a design icon in that it was nothing like anything else that existed in its time. While the world still struggled with boxy plastic computers, the G4 had this intensely beautiful organic design accentuated with chrome details. It hovered above the rest, thanks to its adjustable stand, paving the way for future iMacs which still to this day retain the detail to maintain the right eye level. Eponymously named the G4, this quirky little charger pays a hat-tip to its 20-year-old predecessor. It sports the same dome-shaped base and chrome-plated stand which sits the MagSafe wireless charging element that lets you snap your iPhone to it. Once the iPhone comfortably nestles in place, it transforms almost into a miniature computer, hovering above the ground in a way that makes its display easy to view as well as to use, by allowing you to tap and swipe away!

What we like

  • The dual joint system on the back of the charger lets you angle and position your phone however you please
  • A nifty light within its domed front lights up when your phone begins charging

What we dislike

  • It isn’t available yet!

5. The Rmour Candy Corner Protector

Drop your phone on the floor, chances are it never falls perfectly flat on the ground. It’s always the corner that takes the first point of impact, sending shock waves to the rest of the phone… so theoretically, protect your phone’s corners and you pretty much end up protecting the entire phone from most damage-causing scenarios. That’s what the Rmour Candy Corner Protector does but in style.

Why is it noteworthy?

Designed to be protective jewelry for your iPhone, the Rmour Candy Corner Protectors come made from 925 silver with a decorative enamel inlay to match your iPhone’s color. Made to fit comfortably on iPhone 12 and newer models, the Rmour Candy Corner Protectors attach to the 4 corners of your iPhone using a strong-yet-non-destructive adhesive tape that keeps them firmly in place.

What we like

  • You can show off your iPhone in all its glory, without having it wrapped up in an opaque case

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

6. The Orbita modular system

The Orbita modular system is a good example of yet another useful utility of the Magsafe technology – giving the user freedom to extend the personal working space on the desktop or laptop without any hassle.

Why is it noteworthy?

The iPhone 13 becomes the second screen according to the designer Andrea Tortone who developed this modular accessory for MiLi. The Apple device can be oriented in any direction – vertical, horizontal, or anything in between to have a productivity-centered approach. This comes in handy for taking up Zoom calls, answering calls, or glancing over at the pop-up notifications right while you’re working on an important project.

What we like

  • Lightweight yet robust form

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

7. The HiRise 3

Twelve South’s new HiRise 3 stands out not just because of how tall it is but because of how little space it takes up to charge an iPhone and two of its friends.

Why is it noteworthy?

True to its name, the HiRise 3 takes inspiration from tall buildings that take advantage of vertical space where horizontal space is scarce. It maximizes each and every surface of the vertically-oriented stand, like using the base as a charging pad for compatible AirPods cases. In fact, that base can even be used to charge Android phones capable of wireless charging. And despite how many devices it can hold at the same time, it manages to keep a clean, minimalist appearance that looks beautiful without calling too much attention to itself.

What we like

  • It manages to hold your iPhone hanging from a height
  • Charges multiple devices in one go

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

8. MagStick

Meet MagStick – a selfie stick that also doubles as a tripod with a feature that sets it apart from the rest. With a MagSafe mount, MagStick allows you to instantly snap your iPhone in place and get shooting.

Why is it noteworthy?

When used as a selfie stick, the MagStick extends a whopping 63.5 inches, and in its tripod mode, MagStick allows you to use your iPhone like you would a professional camera. All it takes is two snaps – firstly for the iPhone to snap into place, and secondly for you to snap the shutter button!

What we like

  • The telescopic tripod/selfies-stick stretches to well over 5 feet in length
  • The MagStick’s 3-axis adjustment system lets you rotate, tilt, and swivel your phone to orient it at just the right angle

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

9. The MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank

MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank 10000mAh Product Designer

MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank 10000mAh Product Design

There are plenty of MagSafe-compatible products, but there are few power banks available. We may have seen a few already but nothing like this MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank with its 10000mAh capacity. Introduced by Neo Bie and Leigui Lui for Stylepie, this thing aims to improve the wireless charging and power bank experience for anyone.

Why is it noteworthy?

The MAG.L MagSafe Powerbank will remind you of an old Gameboy for its shape and design. It features the usual four operation buttons: SELECT, START, A, B, and a d-pad (directional pad). The lower part of the yellow power bank has a cover that slides to work as the stand of the power bank. There is also an LCD screen that shows basic information like date, time, battery level, or charging status.

What we like

  • Has a fun Gameboy-inspired aesthetic

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

10. The Fjorden

YouTuber Marques Brownlee, who shoots all his videos in 8K on ridiculously expensive RED cameras, alludes to the fact that “the best camera is the one you have on you”, and that’s almost always your smartphone camera. Your smartphone camera’s image processing engine is arguably powerful enough to click photos as well as a DSLR, and the only thing really missing is precision and that hands-on experience… that’s where the Fjorden comes in.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Fjorden turns your iPhone into a hybrid DSLR. It physically snaps onto the back of your iPhone, giving you analog camera controls including a two-stage shutter button, a jog dial, a zoom slider, and even an extra multi-function button you can use to do stuff like trigger the flash. The overall form is comfortably tactile and grippy (and comes with the same texture found on cameras) and orients the buttons in a way that’s intuitive and easy to use (so you don’t have to sprain your thumb to reach the shutter button while holding your phone with the same hand). Moreover, the actual physical buttons allow you to use the camera with gloves on, an understated-yet-impressive upgrade to the iPhone camera experience).

What we like

  • Portable and sleek
  • Has its own camera app

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

The post Top 10 accessories for your iPhone first appeared on Yanko Design.

UFO-inspired MagSafe wireless charger is here to add a sci-fi touch to your desk

MagSafe wireless charging is one of Apple‘s most unique features that sets it apart in the smartphone landscape. Add a bit of geeky spice to the contemporary MagSafe charger and you get this cool accessory to flaunt!

With the MagSafe charger, Apple brought to the fore easy snap-and-go charging to the equation. The perfectly aligned magnets hook on to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 series for faster 15W charging. So, Apple lovers can keep on using their phone even when it is wirelessly charging which is a problem with other wireless chargers on the market. The popularity of MagSafe chargers means iPhone users don’t have to be restricted to Apple’s official accessories. The likes of Belkin, Mophie, Anker and Satechi make the buying decision crystal clear.

For geeks who want more than just a standard MagSafe charger for their den, the UFO MagSafe Wireless Charger will be the preferred choice. This cute-looking accessory for the Apple ecosystem is currently just a concept design, but we want to see it make it to the shelves. It’s like a UFO riding on the back of your iPhone 13 minus, all the shenanigans of gimmicky gadgets. The accessory is minimalistic in form and doesn’t go overboard with the spaceship design. UFO MagSafe strikes on first look and doesn’t fade away like other flashy accessories. In fact, it grows on me every time I have a glance at the realistic renders to churn out this write-up.

When charging, the transparent dome with the Android-like being looking you straight in the face lights up with a warm glow as soon as the iPhone is snapped onto it. Now that’s going to act as a cool bias light for people who are in a habit of staring at their phones in the pitch dark. At least with the UFO MagSafe charger hooked on, your eyes will get some respite, even if for some time!

Designer: ZCool

 

 

 

 

 

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iPhone 13 Accessories designed to elevate Apple’s latest smartphone + upgrade your tech game!

On September 14th, 2021, the iPhone 13 series was launched at Apple’s event. Everyone had major expectations for the latest iPhone family – some were met, some were not. This year’s iPhone has a smaller notch, bigger battery, better chip, and not too many major changes. Whether you were disappointed or excited by this year’s iPhone launch, whether you found it compelling or a tad bit boring – there’s always scope to amp up your iPhone with a bunch of exciting accessories! And by accessories, we don’t simply mean the same old covers and cases that we’ve all gotten pretty much accustomed to. Designers have been leveling up their accessories game, creating unique and handy products that will totally elevate your iPhone 13! From a MagSafe iStorage that adds a snap-on physical drive to your smartphone to a tiny 20W power bank that can charge multiple Apple devices – these innovative accessories are what your iPhone 13 truly needs!

1. The Pixy Mini

gif1

Touted as the most powerful power bank for its size, the Pixy Mini is this pocket-friendly, granola bar-shaped power bank with a capacity of 5,000mAh and a 20W power delivery, making it capable of recharging practically any portable gadget you’ve got on hand… even your laptop. What’s so impressive about the Pixy Mini is its deceptively small size. Tinier than a credit card, and hardly bulkier than a Zippo lighter, the Pixy Mini was designed to be carried around… but not even in your backpack, rather in your pocket. Outwardly, it looks like any other power bank, with a USB-A port and a USB-C port on either side, and 4 LED indicators that tell you how much power the Pixy Mini’s battery has.

2. The NAKEY

Perhaps the easiest way to compare the NAKEY to most traditional cases is by comparing contact lenses to traditional spectacles. Much like how regular spectacles sit on your nose, hooking onto your ears for support, regular cases fit onto your phone from the back, hooking onto their front edge with a TPU lip or plastic grippers. The NAKEY, however, envelops your phone in a thin, protective film, like contact lenses attaching to the front and back of your phone. Formed through a process known as thermo-layering, the case is designed with incredibly tight tolerances, and basically sticks to your phone on the front and the back using the same sort of glue used on tempered glass screen protectors. A slim bumper on the side protects the edge of your phone too, creating a case that’s about as thin as a screen protector, and about as invisible as one too.

3. The Chargepuck

The Chargepuck acts as a replacement for the wireless charging dock or mat you’ve probably got lying on your desk or somewhere at your bedside. Instead of being a static device that sits plugged into an outlet forever, the little puck sits attached to your iPhone and comes with its own retractable cable that lets you plug it in anywhere. The Chargepuck isn’t a battery pack (it doesn’t have its own battery inside it), but rather, it’s a charging apparatus that sits attached to your phone and lets you charge three devices at the same time.

4. The Alto Metro Leather Wallet Case

The Alto Metro Leather Wallet Case completely protects the iPhone 13 series! The case features a card pocket with anti-magnetic properties and is compatible with the iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max. You can insert a contactless card within the pocket, and you don’t even have to remove it to make purchases! The interesting wallet case has been crafted from leather, which exhibits an elegant and unique color and texture. The leather also cushions your iPhone and protects it from any damage. At the same time, it also manages to wirelessly charge your smartphone!

5. The Native Union CLIC Case & Bundle

The Native Union CLIC Case & Bundle helps you customize your iPhone 13 the way you want! The bundle includes a CLIC Pop or CLIC Classic Case and a Sling or Leather Sling. You can create a style of your choice – either with a simple case or a case attached with a sling (which is easy to detach via the Click Lock mechanism). The leather case comes in a classic black or tan, whereas the sling has eight unique color options! You can wear the sling crossbody or as a necklace. The options are unlimited – you can customize and carry your beloved smartphone in your true style!

6. Taiseer’s mini AirPods Pro concept

Inspired by the iconic design language of Apple, 3D artist, and graphic designer Zarruck Taiseer conceptualized a pair of AirPods Pro that scale down the current model to the size of a bean. From its charging case to its silicone earbud covers, everything about Taiseer’s mini AirPods Pro concept is sleek in stainless steel and Polly Pocket-sized. One problem this concept does fix about the current model of AirPods on the market is the bulkiness of its charging case. While the AirPods’s current charging case takes up no more room in your pocket than a small rock might, the girth and length of the charging case make up more bulk in our pockets than we might like. Taiseer’s mini AirPods Pro concept slims down the charging case to match the side of a half-finished stack of mini Post-Its.

7. The Nimble Wireless Convertible Stand

The Nimble Wireless Convertible Stand makes wireless charging more flexible than ever! It charges your smartphone on contact and the built-in stand lets you place your iPhone in either a flat or propped-up position. This allows you to use your phone, and continue binging on your favorite Netflix show, while your phone is charging. The stand also features an additional port, so you can charge a second device as well. The built-in thermal management ensures a safe and hazard-free charging experience.

8. The iStorage

Designer Abdelrahman Shaapan has an idea – Magsafe Storage. Designed to resemble Apple’s newly launched MagSafe Battery Pack (although Abdel came up with this design all the way back in May), the iStorage is a nifty wireless drive that lets you add extra storage to your phone in literally a snap. How would the iStorage even work in theory? Clearly, the MagSafe is built just for hooking accessories to the iPhone and chargers to the wireless charging coil. How would the iStorage even transfer data? Well, even though Abdelrahman’s iStorage is just a fan-made concept, the real device could easily communicate with the iPhone or any other Apple device using AirDrop protocols. The snap-on feature would probably be just something of a convenience, but I could easily imagine the iStorage as being Apple’s own hard drive… something that the company hasn’t really ever worked on.

9. The OMNIA Q5

The OMNIA Q5 is a nifty docking and charging station that replaces your drawer of cables. Designed as a slick, compact dock that can fit on even the smallest night-stand, or the corner of your work-desk, the OMNIA Q5 lets you organize and charge all your Apple gadgets at once, supplying the right amount of power to each one of them to charge them rapidly and simultaneously. Designed to be an integral part of your ecosystem of Apple products, the OMNIA Q5 acts as an organizer for your gadgets. It docks them in individually assigned areas (so they’re always neatly arranged) and charges them too – wirelessly for the most part, except the iPad which needs a cable with USB-C input.

10. The MagSafe Battery Pack

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack

You know how they say you need to learn to walk before you can learn to run? Somehow Apple’s 2015 ‘Camel Hump’ Smart Battery Case for the iPhone makes complete sense to me now. Back in 2015, it was the ‘butt’ of many a joke, as people called it all sorts of things (even comparing it to Kim Kardashian’s internet-breaking 2014 Vogue magazine cover), now it feels like it was paving the way for something greater… the MagSafe Battery Pack! Simply put, the MagSafe Battery Pack is a neat, wireless power bank that snaps right onto your smartphone, relying on the MagSafe feature to hold it in place while it replenishes your battery.

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Would you pay $2699 for this absolutely bonkers Gold-plated Titanium iPhone 13 case?

It’s almost triple of what the iPhone 13 Pro costs… and the case isn’t even the most expensive one from Gray‘s ALTER EGO® collection. The luxury case-maker even has a flame-torched rainbow titanium version that costs more than three grand… or in other words, enough to buy you the iPhone 13 Pro AS WELL as the 2021 M1 MacBook Pro and still have spare change.

So why is the ALTER EGO case for the iPhone so expensive? The same reason why NFTs are so expensive… Because someone said so. Although this kind of ridiculously lavish definitely falls within Gray’s niche, who have made luxury cases for iPhones, Watches, and even Crypto Wallets in the past.

The ALTER EGO is less of a protective case and more of a status symbol. Sure, it protects your iPhone from dings and drops, but its prime purpose isn’t to be a baggy jumpsuit for your phone… it’s to be a piece of jewelry that your gadget adorns with pride. The cases come with a bumper-style design that grabs onto your iPhone from the edges, and a minimal aesthetic that adds a bit of glimmer to your phone, while showing your phone off too (instead of concealing it).

Designed for the iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max versions, the ALTER EGO cases are made from solid titanium. Each case is meticulously machined from a block of the metal, with a mechanically textured surface finish and a TPU inner layer that protects your phone from being scratched by the metal. The cases come in 4 styles – a raw titanium, PVD coated black, PVD coated gold, and the rather rare flame-torched rainbow Aurora that’s processed individually.

Another factor that influences the price of the cases is that they’re limited edition. The Gold and Aurora are limited to just 500 units of each, while the PVD Black has about 1000 units. The price for the cases differs based on the variant you choose, going from $1899 for the regular titanium case to a mind-numbing $3,199 for the rainbow Aurora (image below just in case you’re curious and extremely cavalier with your money.)

Designer: Gray

iPhone 13 Accessories designed to elevate Apple’s latest smartphone + fulfill every tech lover’s dream!

On September 14th, 2021, the iPhone 13 series was launched at Apple’s event. Everyone had major expectations for the latest iPhone family – some were met, some were not. This year’s iPhone has a smaller notch, bigger battery, better chip, and not too many major changes. Whether you were disappointed or excited by this year’s iPhone launch, whether you found it compelling or a tad bit boring – there’s always scope to amp up your iPhone with a bunch of exciting accessories! And by accessories, we don’t simply mean the same old covers and cases that we’ve all gotten pretty much accustomed to. Designers have been leveling up their accessories game, creating unique and handy products that will totally elevate your iPhone 13! From a MagSafe iStorage that adds a snap-on physical drive to your smartphone to a tiny 20W power bank that can charge multiple Apple devices – these innovative accessories are what your iPhone 13 truly needs!

gif1

Touted as the most powerful power bank for its size, the Pixy Mini is this pocket-friendly, granola bar-shaped power bank with a capacity of 5,000mAh and a 20W power delivery, making it capable of recharging practically any portable gadget you’ve got on hand… even your laptop. What’s so impressive about the Pixy Mini is its deceptively small size. Tinier than a credit card, and hardly bulkier than a Zippo lighter, the Pixy Mini was designed to be carried around… but not even in your backpack, rather in your pocket. Outwardly, it looks like any other power bank, with a USB-A port and a USB-C port on either side, and 4 LED indicators that tell you how much power the Pixy Mini’s battery has.

Designed in California (quite like the iPhone shown inside it), the Moshi Crossbody Holster is a slick little piece of EDC that carries your phone as well as your cards. Perfect when you want to head out for a quick coffee run or to meet a friend (when you don’t need to carry anything more than your phone, wallet, and keys), the Crossbody Holster serves in a pretty stylish fashion accessory that’s just as functional. The holster comes built out of vegan leather and is wide enough to hold all sorts of phones (from the smaller ones to the larger Pro/Max/Plus ones too).

Chau is a wireless charger that can be either mobile or stationary. Much like wireless chargers already on the market, Chau comes in two parts: a wireless charger and its charging dock. The charging dock can be plugged into any outlet and features two charging stations for Apple products. The raised charging station holds the auxiliary charger in place so users can either leave their phone to charge on the dock or dislodge the auxiliary charger from its magnetic port and charge on the go. Working from home, we don’t have all of the supplemental charging accessories that fill up the office and our appliances with juice.

Designer Abdelrahman Shaapan has an idea – Magsafe Storage. Designed to resemble Apple’s newly launched MagSafe Battery Pack (although Abdel came up with this design all the way back in May), the iStorage is a nifty wireless drive that lets you add extra storage to your phone in literally a snap. How would the iStorage even work in theory? Clearly, the MagSafe is built just for hooking accessories to the iPhone and chargers to the wireless charging coil. How would the iStorage even transfer data? Well, even though Abdelrahman’s iStorage is just a fan-made concept, the real device could easily communicate with the iPhone or any other Apple device using AirDrop protocols. The snap-on feature would probably be just something of a convenience, but I could easily imagine the iStorage as being Apple’s own hard drive… something that the company hasn’t really ever worked on.

The Alto Metro Leather Wallet Case completely protects the iPhone 13 series! The case features a card pocket with anti-magnetic properties and is compatible with the iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max. You can insert a contactless card within the pocket, and you don’t even have to remove it to make purchases! The interesting wallet case has been crafted from leather, which exhibits an elegant and unique color and texture. The leather also cushions your iPhone and protects it from any damage. At the same time, it also manages to wirelessly charge your smartphone!

The OMNIA Q5 is a nifty docking and charging station that replaces your drawer of cables. Designed as a slick, compact dock that can fit on even the smallest night-stand, or the corner of your work-desk, the OMNIA Q5 lets you organize and charge all your Apple gadgets at once, supplying the right amount of power to each one of them to charge them rapidly and simultaneously. Designed to be an integral part of your ecosystem of Apple products, the OMNIA Q5 acts as an organizer for your gadgets. It docks them in individually assigned areas (so they’re always neatly arranged) and charges them too – wirelessly for the most part, except the iPad which needs a cable with a USB-C input.

The Native Union CLIC Case & Bundle helps you customize your iPhone 13 the way you want! The bundle includes a CLIC Pop or CLIC Classic Case and a Sling or Leather Sling. You can create a style of your choice – either with a simple case or a case attached with a sling (which is easy to detach via the Click Lock mechanism). The leather case comes in a classic black or tan, whereas the sling has eight unique color options! You can wear the sling crossbody or as a necklace. The options are unlimited – you can customize and carry your beloved smartphone in your true style!

Inspired by the daily sunrise, industrial designer Taesung Yoon has thought of the 2 in 1 Apple Devices Charging Stand (yes, that’s the name of this accessory) that does what it says. Designed after feedback from the data-driven research and realizing what people actually want in their unified Apple charging stand, this accessory has been cleverly designed for form and function. The charging stand’s vertical stance with a slightly arched top means that the iPhone sits comfortably without the fear of accidentally toppling it over with an accidental shove.

The Fjorden turns your iPhone into a hybrid DSLR. It physically snaps onto the back of your iPhone, giving you analog camera controls including a two-stage shutter button, a jog dial, a zoom slider, and even an extra multi-function button you can use to do stuff like trigger the flash. The overall form is comfortably tactile and grippy (and comes with the same texture found on cameras) and orients the buttons in a way that’s intuitive and easy to use (so you don’t have to sprain your thumb to reach the shutter button while holding your phone with the same hand). Moreover, the actual physical buttons allow you to use the camera with gloves on, an understated-yet-impressive upgrade to the iPhone camera experience).

The Nimble Wireless Convertible Stand makes wireless charging more flexible than ever! It charges your smartphone on contact and the built-in stand lets you place your iPhone in either a flat or propped-up position. This allows you to use your phone, and continue binging on your favorite Netflix show, while your phone is charging. The stand also features an additional port, so you can charge a second device as well. The built-in thermal management ensures a safe and hazard-free charging experience.

Apple iPhone 13 – Marginally Better Camera, Smaller Notch, Recycled Plastic (An honest guide to the new iPhone)





The fact that you’re here reading my opinion on the new Apple iPhone 13 is a responsibility I take incredibly seriously, but I’ll be honest… a lot of times innovation just gets sugar-coated. Throwing statistics like saying an iPhone is 40% faster and 10% lighter sounds incredibly enticing, but at the end of the day, a consumer is hardly expected to sit and measure an iPhone’s screen to see how much larger it is compared to its predecessor, or simultaneously run games on both phones and see if the newer one has 20% better graphics thanks to a 5-core GPU. As much as nerdy stats sound exciting, they honestly mean nothing to 99.9% of consumers when push comes to shove. So here’s my simplified overview of the new iPhone 13 – no technical jargon, no over-complicated charts, just simple facts.

The simple reason behind why I’m choosing this format is because there’s nothing measurably better in this year’s lineup. I’ve honestly seen the climate go through more drastic changes in a single year than the iPhone has this year. (And I’m not knocking on Apple… I just think this forced tradition of launching a new phone every year is getting tiring)

Apple introduced 5G and MagSafe with last year’s iPhones, so this is almost like a placeholder year for the company as the world combats a pandemic + chip shortage, and also as Apple prepares for much higher demand next year as people who bought the iPhone 11 and 12 will want to upgrade to the iPhone 14. So what’s new with this year’s iPhone? Not much if you’re looking for major changes. The notch is now slightly smaller (yet still very noticeable), the battery slightly bigger, the chip slightly better, the cameras have night mode, and you can now shoot cinematic videos where the focus shifts from one subject to another, like in films. Oh, and the iPhone 13 also uses plastic from recycled bottles in its antenna strips.

What just about visually sets the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini apart from last year’s iPhone 12 and 12 Mini is the marginally smaller notch (although a 20% size reduction isn’t really enough to make a difference), and the new camera layout on the back. The new diagonal layout, Apple claims, adds more space between the two lenses, allowing the internal sensors to be bigger. It’s enough to make this year’s iPhone 13 camera as good as last year’s 12 Pro. Pretty cool, but it isn’t unexpected to see cameras get better every year.

The new iPhone 13 and 13 Mini run on the A15 bionic chip, come with a slightly larger battery, and house a stronger Ceramic-Shield glass on the front. The antenna strips on the side of the phone use recycled plastic (from single-use bottles) along with recycled rare earth magnets, tungsten, gold, and other materials used in the phone. Like their predecessors, they support 5G and MagSafe, are available in 5 colors, and will ship without a charger.

The iPhone 13 and 13 Mini are accompanied by the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, which come with the same shimmering stainless steel body and glass front and back. The front sports the smaller notch, while the back looks exactly the same. The Pro series come with 3 lenses, although Apple claims they’ve made major changes to all three of them, giving all of them Night Mode and the ability to shoot incredible shots no matter the lighting. A notable upgrade to the iPhone’s camera capabilities is the addition of Macro photography, which lets you now zoom in on really small subjects to capture tinier details.

The new cameras on the 13 and 13 Pro editions also support a rather interesting video feature called Cinematic Mode – which allows the camera to automatically and intelligently shift focus from subject to subject while you’re taking a video, just like in Hollywood films. Here’s a quirky little short film they shot entirely on the iPhone to show the Cinematic Mode in action.

Ultimately, the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro aren’t as game-changing as one would expect, although I partly blame us consumers for having such lofty standards each year. Yes, they’re incrementally better (as they absolutely should be), but not in a way that’s directly measurable… or warranting of an upgrade (unless you absolutely need it). If you’re looking at your iPhone 12 and wondering whether to line up outside the Apple Store for an upgrade, I’d tell you to sit this one out. Apart from a slightly smaller notch, you’re really not missing much; and if you want longer battery life, perhaps a $99 MagSafe battery pack could solve your woes?

Designer: Apple

What does the “perfect” iPhone look like? Here’s our wishlist of features ahead of the Apple iPhone 13 event





In just hours from now, the Apple crew take the stage to unveil the iPhone 13 (whether it will also feature a Mission Impossible-style intro with Tim Cook rappelling down into a secret facility with a latex mask is anyone’s guess)… and truth be told, we pretty much know what to expect from the new iPhone, from better battery life to stronger glass, perhaps a smaller (yet omnipresent) notch, better cameras, better display, better software, and possibly even satellite connectivity… thanks, not to overwhelming consumer feedback, but rather to supply chain leaks.

Apple’s approach to designing phones has always been a “we know what’s best for you” one, a stark difference from other companies like OnePlus who intently listen to their communities and design phones based on what their customers overwhelmingly want… and while that isn’t a knock on Apple, it’s resulted in a few popular features being introduced WAY longer than the competition – like wireless charging, widgets, 5G, and even bringing FaceTime to non-Apple devices LONG after Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams became popular. So, what if, for once, Apple designed an iPhone purely based on a consumer wishlist? What would a customer-feedback-driven iPhone look like? Designer Andrea Copellino has a few ideas.

Apple iPhone 13 Wishlist Andrea Copellino

Copellino’s “Peak iPhone” stays mindful of a few things. It doesn’t employ innovation for the sake of it. No waterfall displays, no folding screens, no fingerprint sensor in the Apple logo, no headphone jack to make Apple look like it’s backtracking. The elements of Copellino’s Peak iPhone are simply external hardware features that take the original iPhone experience and amplify it. There are also a few internal hardware considerations that I’d like to see in the iPhone but they aren’t any different from the stuff MKBHD always talks about, like much longer battery life, a higher refresh rate display, possibly a migration to USB-C charging, and possibly the ability to add a memory card to your iPhone.

Apple iPhone 13 Wishlist Andrea Copellino

There are a few noteworthy changes to the front and the back. The front sports a slightly elongated display, pushing the screen aspect ratio from 19.5:9 to the more generally accepted 21:9. It also does away with the notch, offering a more expansive immersive display for viewing content. While Copellino hasn’t hinted at where the front-facing camera would sit, I’d honestly be fine with a hole punch (something that is expected in the iPhone 14 next year).

Apple iPhone 13 Wishlist Andrea Copellino

While the front looks devoid of a camera, the rear comes with a mini screen that does everything from sharing notifications, messages, alerts, the time, and even acting as a viewfinder for the rear camera. This effectively means being able to use the iPhone’s superior set of cameras to click better selfies, although how one would use the camera with apps like Instagram and TikTok is something that’s yet to be determined. Nevertheless, the presence of a rear screen does three things – it lets you interact with your phone without waking the main screen, it creates a more horizontal camera bump that lets your iPhone rest on flat surfaces without rocking, and lastly, offers a functionality-driven secondary display like the ones found in folding phones… except without needing a folding display. It goes without saying that checking your clock or notifications on the smaller screen helps prolong your iPhone’s battery too.

Apple iPhone 13 Wishlist Andrea Copellino

Perhaps my favorite upgrade to the iPhone is the replacement of physical volume buttons with a touch bar. Borrowing its user interaction from the AirPods, the Peak iPhone ditches the physical volume control buttons for a touch-sensitive recessed surface that you can slide your finger on to increase or decrease the volume. It’s elegant to look at, and not to mention, takes the annoyance out of pressing the volume button 10 times or holding it in place for 10 seconds.

Apple iPhone 13 Wishlist Andrea Copellino

All in all, the Peak iPhone makes enough of a leap forward while retaining what works. The flat-edge design is still there, although the absence of the notch really makes the bezels disappear. The back’s upgrade with the screen provides enough functionality without taking away the iPhone’s ability to wirelessly charge or support MagSafe accessories. Just give us a 120Hz screen and a bigger battery and Tim Cook can officially say “This is the best iPhone we ever made” and actually mean it!

Designer: Andrea Copellino

Apple iPhone 13 Wishlist Andrea Copellino

iPhone 13 Designs to satisfy Apple lovers until the official launch this month!

The iPhone is pretty much one of the most popular phones in the world. I mean I’ve been using one for the past 7 years, and I don’t think I’m transitioning to any other smartphone company anytime soon. And, news about the upcoming iPhone 13 has been making waves in the tech world! We don’t know exactly when it’ll be launched, but we are hoping it’s this month! But we did recently hear a rumor from renowned analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, that the iPhone 13 may be the first consumer-grade phone to have direct satellite connectivity! Of course, there are other upgrades Apple may introduce in the iPhone 13, including a smaller notch, larger batteries, and even supersized new cameras. As we wait for the tech giant to release its latest smartphone, let’s deep dive into some of the innovative and exciting iPhone 13 concepts that have been circulating in the design world! From a concept that ditches the notch for a bump to a foldable iPhone 13 concept – these conceptual designs have us completely geared up and excited for the real deal!

This concept by Antonio De Rosa ushers in a new age for a new iPhone – the M1 iPhone. The ‘beauty on the inside’ for this concept is surely its M1 chip, which has definitely made a massive splash with the rest of Apple’s high-end consumer electronics… while the design change in question is in the very product’s silhouette. Unlike every previous iPhone, which has had a rounded rectangle shape from the get-go, the iPhone 13 comes with an outward notch that houses its front-facing camera. This is probably the most unusual camera bump I’ve ever come across because for once, it isn’t on the back of the phone… it’s on the top.

The iPhone 13 conceptual design showcases a curved display that wraps around the screen on all four edges. The phone body looks pretty much iPhone 11-ish and compromises the metal frame in iPhone 12 for the flowing display. Interestingly, the concept highlights a very Android Phone-like vertical camera array on the back, comprising a quad-camera setup The 6.4-inch Full-Edge Display of the phone is basically the highlight of this concept. There is no notch but a 13-inch under-display camera makes its debut, and the physical buttons on the side have been embedded into the overflowing display on both sides.

Seems like the iPhone 13 is set to disrupt connectivity as we know it, being one of the first consumer-grade phones to have direct satellite connectivity. The news comes as a rumor from renowned analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo. While it’s common to make predictions only to have them fall slightly short, Kuo’s analyses and ‘leaks’ have an incredibly high success rate… and the veteran analyst just dropped a big bomb-shell a few hours ago – that the latest iPhone might have the ability to make satellite calls.

Could you imagine the iPhone 13 as a flip phone?! This iPhone Flip concept by Technizo Concept brings back the 90s mania of the flip phones in the form of an iPhone! It will be amped with a QHD + flexible ProMotion OLED display. This foldable iPhone 13 concept has got all my votes!

PS Design’s conceptual iPhone 13 sports a secondary rear display too, although it’s capable of doing a lot more than just letting you click better selfies. A better way to describe PS Design’s iPhone 13 concept is to compare the rear display to Apple’s closest product – the Apple Watch. The 3-inch always-on rear display practically mirrors the watch’s capabilities, allowing you to see the time, notifications, and a wide variety of other data on it. The display on the rear uses Apple’s low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology to provide its always-on feature, and the fact that it sits right beside the main camera setup (and that it’s larger than the Mi 11 Ultra’s display), means the front of the phone can ditch the notch entirely, creating a beautifully bezel-less iPhone that leaves little to be desired.

Apple’s mixed reality headset has been in the works for quite some time now, and a couple of months ago it became apparent that the lightweight VR headset will be coming in 2022, with the Apple Glasses to follow soon after. On the flip side, the iPhone 13 is destined to arrive this fall, and like all times it is already the topic of interest in the tech circles. While iPhone 13 and the Apple VR headset cannot be launched in the same given timeframe – still it doesn’t deter imaginative designers from mustering up how the two products will look together. ConceptsiPhone has created a render of the two upcoming devices by Apple and mashed them together in a video dubbed iPhone 13 VR for creative writer’s delight. The VR headset is open to any imagination possible, and the folks over at ConceptsiPhone have taken that opportunity to show the world how the mixed reality headset will be like. It looks plush (after all it’s Apple) and is in sync with the design principles Apple has put in place for the headset – comfort and lightweight aesthetics. The strap looks reassuring as far as ergonomics go while the padding around the viewable area ensures utmost comfort.

The Apple version of a folding phone could take design cues from the Galaxy Z Fold 2 if they decide to make it an all-out flagship-grade version, or go for a subtle Razr-like form factor if they desire to cater to a niche set of buyers. If we go by the patent filed by Apple, the display will have a crease-less foldable panel (like Galaxy Z Fold 2) and a folding mechanism similar to Motorola Razr – folding like a handy mirror. The early renders of the iPhone 13 are not exactly promising (for either of the versions) but we can count on Apple’s tendency to be thorough in its design testing and the result will be ready to shock and awe. Personally, I find the Moto Razr-inspired fold a more unique design with the folded screen seemingly a throwback to the iPod Nano that was a part of their game-changing arsenal.

This may be a leap but could we imagine the iPhone 13 as a compact little smartphone? The iPhone One concept by Alexandrov’s Studio is a square-shaped iPhone that’ll fit perfectly into the palm of your hand! Amped with a 5 camera system, this unique iPhone concept is meant to be ‘one-handed’. You’ll only need one of your hands to operate it, leaving the other one relatively free! The iPhone concept is pretty cute and compact!

Filip Koroy (@everythingapplepro) envisions the first iPhone with ProMotion! The iPhone 12 Pro models were expected to be launched with the ProMotion feature, but in the end, Apple opted for a better battery life. In Koroy’s concept of the iPhone 13 Pro, he visualizes the introduction of the ProMotion in 2021! What do you think? Will we be seeing the first iPhone with ProMotion anytime soon?


The iPhone Pixel 6 Pro Max is the lovechild of Apple and Google! The Pixel’s camera was borrowed, while the iconic Apple logo was retained. The Iphone’s rounded edges were chosen over the Pixel 6’s squarish flat edges. This collaboration is sure to receive some mixed reviews…I mean my emotions regarding it are quite mixed as well! This may not be the next iPhone, but maybe we could see it somewhere down the years?!

The new Apple iPhone 13 may ‘connect directly to satellites’, allowing you to get cellular coverage even in remote areas

Steve Jobs was famous for disrupting industries. He started with computers, then music, then cellphones, and finally revolutionized the digital marketplace with the app store… Cook continued that legacy by further disrupting watches, and then conveniently reimagining payments, through the newly launched Apple Card. Seems like the iPhone 13 is set to disrupt connectivity as we know it, being one of the first consumer-grade phones to have direct satellite connectivity.

The news comes as a rumor from renowned analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo. While it’s common to make predictions only to have them fall slightly short, Kuo’s analyses and ‘leaks’ have an incredibly high success rate… and the veteran analyst just dropped a big bomb-shell a few hours ago – that the latest iPhone might have the ability to make satellite calls.

In a note to investors, Kuo made claims that the new iPhone would be able to connect directly with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites thanks to a customized Qualcomm X60 baseband chip. Low Earth Orbit satellites recently gained popularity, thanks to Elon Musk’s efforts with his Starlink project – an initiative to flood the lower atmosphere with satellites that would provide internet to all corners of the globe. Operating at a level much closer to earth than traditional satellites, LEOs tend to avoid some of the more common pitfalls of satellite internet, like high latency, and frequent blackouts. Starlink is one of many companies launching these LEO satellites into space, and Kuo hints that the Qualcomm X60 chip in the iPhone 13 may just support some form of satellite connectivity. In layman’s terms, this would translate to better 5G coverage in areas that may not have the 5G towers or infrastructure… or even 3G or 4G connectivity for that matter. Sounds interesting, although my doubt remains… how much more expensive would this connectivity-feature be?

Featured Image via MacRumors

This outlandish iPhone 13 concept gives a look at what we wish the next big Apple design could be





iPhone 13 is slated for launch next month. The sad reality is that much of what we expect to see in iPhone 13 is already released through rumors; we can’t help but wish for Apple to do something groundbreaking and shock us! For example, what if Apple could do this!

This concept, courtesy of ConceptsiPhones’ YouTube channel, is a very futuristic idea that, if you have followed Apple’s intent of delivering products, would never see the light of day. But then, creative liberty promotes the thinkers to conceive the impossible and leave the masses bewildered. That is exactly what this new iPhone 13 concept delivers.

The iPhone 13 conceptual design showcases a curved display that wraps around the screen on all four edges. The phone body looks pretty much iPhone 11-ish and compromises the metal frame in iPhone 12 for the flowing display. Interestingly, the concept highlights a very Android Phone-like vertical camera array on the back, comprising a quad camera setup.

The 6.4-inch Full-Edge Display of the phone is basically the highlight of this concept. There is no notch but a 13-inch under-display camera makes its debut, and the physical buttons on the side have been embedded into the overflowing display on both sides. On the left of the conceptual iPhone 13 are the volume rocker and virtual power button, while on the right you get shortcuts to interact with the phone more seamlessly.

iPhone 13, though, is rumored to launch with a triple camera configuration, which at this point feels more realistic in Apple’s favor.
The 6.4-inch Full-Edge Display of the phone is the highlight of this concept. There is no notch, but a 13-inch under-display camera makes its debut, and the physical buttons on the side have been embedded into the overflowing display on both sides. On the left of this concept are the volume rocker and virtual power button, while on the right, you get shortcuts to interact with the phone more seamlessly.

As cool and futuristic as this concept iPhone 13 may look, Apple will not announce anything on these lines in the fall event next month. However, from the features mentioned in the idea, we will see the integration of A15 Bionic chipset and the debut of iOS 15. Other than this, the concept is far-fetched and only pleasing for the eye and little to the analytical mind. After all, how would one comfortably hold this phone?

When the iPhone 13 launches next month, it is expected to arrive in four variants like its predecessor with faster 5G and a design more or less like the iPhone 12. The big difference in appearance is expected to be a sleeker notch, as the in-display fingerprint sensor will also be missing. In addition, the Pro models are expected to be upgraded to 120Hz ProMotion displays while the camera array will remain identically to the iPhone 12 lineup with the LiDAR scanner is likely to make way into all four models! As with every Apple event, September can’t get here fast enough!

Designer: ConceptsiPhone