Essential USB-C Gadgets Every iPhone Owner Must Discover!

With the iPhone’s official transition to USB-C technology and the discontinuation of Lightning connections, users of recent models of the beloved smartphone have been thrilled to delve into a broader array of accessories and related gadgetry. Something as simple as a USB-C cable allows an iPhone 15 or newer to charge your Apple Watch, AirPods, or even another newer iPhone, though at a slower pace.

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If you’re searching for the most crucial gear to pair with your iPhone, your initial focus should be several cables and charging heads—one for your nightstand, another for home use, and one for travel—ensuring your device remains powered up. Naturally, if you desire something a bit more stimulating, you can explore a variety of gadget categories you should have as a comprehensive iPhone user. For example, you can acquire devices that enhance your iPhone’s audio and display functionality as well as maximize your ability to use your device for entertainment.

To assist you in beginning this journey, here are a few gadget recommendations you should contemplate acquiring for use with your iPhone. Keep in mind that since this is a compilation of items with USB-C compatibility, the selection is limited to the iPhone 15 range or newer.

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Although not particularly thrilling on the excitement scale for iPhone gadgets, having a means to swiftly recharge your smartphone while on the move is essential in today’s world. Charger heads and cables are perfect when you’re near a power outlet, but what if you’re at a concert or exploring nature?

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This is where a portable charger becomes invaluable. The INIU Portable Charger—priced at only $22 on Amazon—is remarkably slim and lightweight. You can comfortably hold it in one hand alongside your iPhone while it’s connected. In addition to a USB-C port usable for both input and output, it features two additional USB-A ports, enabling you to charge multiple devices simultaneously.

If you prefer something more compact, consider the Anker Nano Powerbank, typically listed for $30 on Amazon, now available for $24. This device includes a standard USB-C port for charging the powerbank and other USB-C gadgets, and it boasts a built-in collapsible USB-C connector that connects directly to an iPhone without a cord. As it attaches directly to the iPhone, it’s significantly more portable and user-friendly as a mobile device battery extender compared to other powerbanks.

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As an iPhone user, you might already be utilizing Apple’s iCloud service to securely back up your photos, videos, contacts, and other data online. Every Apple user starts with 5 GB of complimentary iCloud storage; for additional space, a subscription to iCloud+ is necessary.

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Alternatively, you may use a thumb drive to move files from your iPhone to another device to quickly clear some space if deleting or offloading iPhone applications doesn’t provide enough relief. With newer iPhones now supporting USB-C, you can invest in a thumb drive such as the SanDisk USB Type-C Flash Drive—prices ranging from $12 to $110 on Amazon depending on the capacity and transfer speed selected. It can swiftly plug into your iPhone, facilitating the quick transfer of any media that occupies space on your mobile device and allowing for more photo and video capture while on the go. With both USB-C and USB-A ports, this flash drive enables the transferring of saved files from your iPhone to another USB-C smartphone, tablet, or a computer.

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For those who are avid high-resolution photographers or videographers needing more than 1 TB of external storage, consider the higher-priced SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD. The 2 TB model is usually priced at $200 on Amazon but currently marked down to $135 at this time. Ensure you utilize it with a USB 3 cable for quicker data transfer beyond the USB 2’s 480 Mbps data rate cap. You might also splurge on the Apple Thunderbolt 5 Pro cable—available for $69 on Amazon, it offers up to 120 Gbps data transfer speed—or opt for a more affordable USB 3 cable from a third-party manufacturer.

You can transform your iPhone into a portable gaming console utilizing a mobile gaming controller such as the Backbone One. Once your mobile device is positioned within the center of the two controller halves, you can initiate compatible gaming applications and engage in gameplay in landscape mode. You can synchronize both the iPhone and the Backbone with various gaming platforms—including Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS Remote Play, Steam Link, the App Store on your iPhone, and Apple Arcade—thus accessing all of your games via the Backbone app.

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TheBackbone One features a USB-C connection for your iPhone, along with an additional USB port to charge your controller while you play. It’s arguably the most sought-after mobile gaming controller on Amazon so far, with a fairly substantial cost of $99. Should you wish to discover more budget-friendly options, take a look at our compilation of less expensive gaming controllers — some of which include a USB-C port and should work with the iPhone 15 or later.

For those using their iPhone for creating content and sharing videos on social media channels like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, you may want to consider a wireless lapel microphone to improve the audio quality of your recordings. The GoorDik USB-C Lavalier Microphone — currently available for $26 on Amazon — is quite user-friendly with your iPhone. Simply connect the receiver to the iPhone’s USB-C port and switch on the microphone transmitter, which should instantly connect to your device and be ready for use.

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This microphone comes with a swiveling clip that enables you to adjust the device to your liking and boasts a transmission range of up to 65 feet. Additionally, it offers a battery life of up to 12 hours, providing ample time to capture multiple takes. Although it doesn’t specifically amplify your audio during usage, its noise-canceling abilities allow for clearer voice recordings, especially in noisy environments. Besides content creation, this lapel microphone can also be utilized for outdoor livestreams or making phone calls or participating in online meetings in bustling settings.

If your iPhone serves as your primary source of entertainment for watching videos, you might appreciate the ability to view your mobile screen on a larger display. Instead of mirroring your iPhone screen to a compatible smart TV through AirPlay, you could opt for a portable monitor like the Arzopa S1 Table. This enables you to view videos on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram or even those saved to your iPhone’s gallery on a significantly enlarged scale while on-the-go.

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The monitor is slim and lightweight, making it effortless to transport. To connect the Arzopa portable display with your iPhone, a USB-C to HDMI adapter is required. The S1 Table, which is currently priced at $76 (retail $110) on Amazon, comes with all necessary cables. However, you also have the flexibility to utilize one of these third-party iPhone USB-C adapters if you prefer a shorter option.

It’s crucial to understand that when you directly connect your iPhone to the monitor using the provided USB-C cable, the monitor will draw power from your iPhone. To ensure you have sufficient battery, connect the second USB-C cable to a power bank or wall outlet.

Unlike the other gadgets featured in this compilation, a Bluetooth speaker does not necessarily require a direct USB-C connection to your iPhone for functionality. Nonetheless, it remains an accessory every iPhone user should invest in — alongside wireless earbuds — to enhance their enjoyment of music and other audio on their mobile device.

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One of the best-selling and highly reviewed Bluetooth speakers on Amazon is the JBL Go 3. There are numerous features to admire about this product. It is a compact gadget, making it quite portable and convenient. Its waterproof and dustproof design means you can take it virtually anywhere, such as on hikes, to the beach, or even in the shower. The sound quality is impressive, and it boasts a battery life of up to five hours during playback. It is also available in a variety of colors and is reasonably priced at $35 as of now.

Another comparable option to consider is this 3-in-1 Bluetooth speaker, phone stand, and power bank from Jteman, which is offered on Amazon for $30. This is highly convenient if you use your iPhone to follow video recipes or workout instructions. You can also engage in FaceTime hands-free. Being lightweight and compact makes it an ideal accessory for travel as well. Should the need arise, you can also utilize it to charge your iPhone.

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