What iPhone accessories are actually worth buying in 2026?

[Seb51]

Just picked up a newer iPhone and started looking at accessories, and there's way more out there than I expected.

Firstly no more lightning. USB C so all old ones accessories for my IP13 are no use. Unless an adapter would work??

So new Cases, chargers, MagSafe stuff, screen protectors, mounts, etc.

Some of it looks useful, some of it feels like stuff you'd buy once and never touch again.

A few I've been looking at:

MagSafe Compatible iPhone Case with Screen Protector
MagSafe Wireless Charger Pad
Portable Magnetic iPhone Charger
iPhone Screen Protector Tempered Glass

From what I've read, MagSafe seems to be the main thing now. The magnets inside newer iPhones let accessories snap on properly, which makes charging and attachments easier

Main things I'm trying to figure out:

are MagSafe accessories actually worth it or just a gimmick?
do cheap cases protect well enough or is it worth spending more?
are portable chargers useful or just something you forget to carry?
do screen protectors actually make a difference long term?

Also curious if there's anything people bought and ended up never using.

Feels like it's easy to waste money on accessories that look good but don't add much

[GameChanger]

MagSafe is actually useful, not just marketing.

Being able to snap a charger or mount on without messing around with cables is nice.

Wouldn't go back now

[HiggsField29]

Cheap cases are fine unless you drop your phone a lot.

More expensive ones just feel nicer and last longer

[Emma92]

Portable charger is one of those things you don't use often but when you need it, it saves you.

Worth having just in case

[Scholar29]

Screen protectors are 100% worth it.

You don't notice them after a while and they stop scratches building up

[VidiTechnica]

That is one way of looking at it. You are not wrong.

Good thread this.

[Rory84]

I love the way you put that. There is usually something in the structure that tells you more than the surface does.

Happy to keep discussing this

[CosmicRay40]

Yep, agree with that. Every time without fail.

Legend