Time was you’d have owned lots of gadgets for different tasks. Your iPhone has replaced most of them. These accessories bring them back, turning your iPhone into a different kind of device, for more mindful, precise, focused use.
Bookcase ($49.99/£38.99)
This gadget wants to help bring mindfulness and comfort to long-form reading on your iPhone. Your device snaps into place via MagSafe, and a combination of tech wizardry and an app lets Bookcase automatically launch your favorite reader while turning on do not disturb. If only the grips had page-turn buttons. Maybe in version two.
ShiftCam ProGrip (from $149.99/£149.99)
New iPhones have Camera Control – but it can be awkward to use. The ProGrip is better, with a comfortable, secure hold that makes your iPhone feel like a DSLR. It also works in landscape and portrait, can charge your phone during long shoots, and is compatible with ShiftCam lenses for when you really get into turning your iPhone into a camera.
GameSir G8 Galileo ($79.99/£79.99)
The App Store is packed with games, some of which are now AAA titles you’d find on high-end consoles. The thing is, a slippy touchscreen is a terrible way to play them. This controller turns your iPhone into a handheld games machine, complete with a full range of physical controls and a comfy, ergonomic grip for long gaming sessions.
Clicks keyboard (from $139/£109)
The other accessories in this round-up turn your iPhone into a different device. This one turns it into a different kind of phone, namely an old-school BlackBerry with physical keyboard buttons. Ideal if you never got used to typing on glass – or for when you don’t want a virtual keyboard covering half of the screen.
Scott Yu-Jan x Overwerk retro clock dock ($/£varies)
Inspired by legendary designer Dieter Rams – a huge influence on former Apple design head Jony Ive – Scott Yu-Jan and Overwerk collaborated to create an iPhone dock that resembles the classic Braun DN 40 alarm clock. The snag? You’ll need to 3D print it yourself – or brave Etsy to order one from a slew of folks capitalizing on Yu-Jan’s goodwill.
Watch Scott Yu-Jan x Overwerk retro clock video
Bonus entry: tinyPod ($79.99)
We can’t end without mentioning tinyPod. Rather than transform your iPhone, it brings new life to an old Apple Watch (Series 4–9, SE1/2 or Ultra), by turning it into a miniature classic iPod. The scroll wheel lets you navigate apps with ease, and the cut-out on the back means you can still magnetically charge this oddball mix of old and new.