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So, you lastly have an iPhone with a USB-C port. Now it is time to check out all of the enjoyable equipment that rework your smartphone into one thing extra. Not all USB-C devices are cables and chargers; in actual fact, among the most surprisingly helpful equipment are those you most likely did not even know existed earlier than utilizing these ports. You can now flip your iPhone right into a mini gaming console, for instance, or retailer all of your recordsdata and images on an exterior SSD.
In 2022, the EU handed laws requiring all smartphones bought in its member nations to undertake USB-C charging by the top of 2024. Apple had no selection however to conform and commenced releasing iPhones with this common port. That additionally implies that future iPhones will probably keep on with USB-C, giving customers much more accent choices. So, let’s spherical up some USB-C equipment that are not simply cool devices — they’re genuinely sensible and may improve the best way you employ your iPhone day-after-day.
Portable monitor
Looking to broaden your new iPhone 15 or 16 past its handheld limits? Consider a USB-C show like this KYY 15.6-inch Portable Monitor, obtainable for $69.99 on Amazon. This slim, travel-friendly display connects to your iPhone with a single USB-C cable, no apps or adapters required. Just plug it in and convert your telephone right into a mini workstation, streaming heart, or presentation device. With a full HD show, large viewing angles, and HDR assist, you should utilize it to look at Netflix or edit your iPhone images with even nearer consideration to element.
Perfect for vacationers, this monitor weighs lower than 2 kilos and folds up neatly in its sensible magnetic cowl, which additionally doubles as a stand. Both energy and video connections are provided, and it even has two USB-C ports, so don’t be concerned in the event you want some flexibility and extra energy. The built-in audio system supply an honest audio enhance for informal use, however in the event you’re an audiophile, you may pair them together with your favourite headphones.
External SSD
Back in 2022, we reviewed the perfect exterior exhausting drives of that yr, however in the event you’re nonetheless on the lookout for quick, high-capacity storage to your iPhone, the Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD can also be price trying out. This SSD, obtainable on Amazon for $279.99, makes use of a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, delivering studying speeds as much as 1,050 MB/s and writing speeds as much as 1,000 MB/s. You can rapidly retailer giant recordsdata and even edit them straight from the drive — no switch required. On high of that, this SSD is fairly powerful and is ideal for while you’re on the transfer. It has an IP65 ranking, which means its rubber shell can resist mud, water splashes, and drops from as much as 10 toes. It’s ideally suited for individuals who work on the go or just get pleasure from out of doors adventures.
The Samsung T7 pairs properly with the iPhone 15 or 16 by way of USB-C, and it is immediately acknowledged for media switch and even ProRes 4K recording at 60fps. The pre-formatted exFAT filesystem is appropriate with iOS. If you are capturing movies or backing up giant recordsdata, or in the event you simply hate working out of storage, the T7 is a superb answer.
Clip-on microphone
If you wish to improve your iPhone’s audio recreation, attempt the Sennheiser XS, obtainable via a number of worldwide retailers. You can use this little microphone to shoot interviews, podcasts, and even YouTube and TikTok movies to make your voice sound skilled with out utilizing sophisticated audio setups. The omnidirectional pickup sample captures your voice clearly whereas holding background noise to a minimal. It’s nice for contemporary content material creators or skilled journalists who want to remain cell.
This gadget pairs properly with the iPhone 15 and 16. Just join it to your smartphone with the USB-C cable, and also you’re good to go. The mic additionally pairs properly with all in style recording and enhancing iPhone apps, so you should utilize it to stroll and speak, or document in your house studio. The XS Lavalier USB-C is a plug-and-play mic that does not require any technical know-how or audio fiddling to realize the sound you want (very similar to the Rode XCM-50, which we reviewed in 2023).
USB-C Gaming Controller
Looking to stage up your gaming expertise in your iPhone 15 or 16? The Backbone One (2nd Gen USB-C), obtainable for $99.99 via the model’s web site, will make a glossy and highly effective companion, as we decided after we reviewed the Backbone One Xbox Edition in 2025. Just plug it into the USB-C port, and also you’re immediately in console mode. There aren’t any separate apps to put in or Bluetooth pairings to arrange. Your telephone will match on this controller snuggly with or with out a case due to its magnetic adapters and refined construct. Plus, you may cost your iPhone whereas gaming due to the passthrough USB-C port.
With this controller, you may select between a PlayStation or Xbox-inspired look. The inner format stays the identical it doesn’t matter what, however you may spring for both the white DualSense fashion or the basic inexperienced Xbox glow. The design is not nearly seems, both. The Backbone One is made to be comfy for multi-hour gaming periods. It gives portability, seamless plug-and-play, and a mini command heart proper in your pocket.
USB-C Hub
Imagine turning your iPhone into an immediate inventive studio, media hub, or productiveness powerhouse. This is now doable with the Anker 8-in-1 USB-C Hub, a glossy little gadget that is obtainable for $32.99 via Amazon. Just plug this gadget into your iPhone’s USB-C port, and you will have entry to USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, SD and microSD playing cards, and even passthrough charging. Yes, you may cost your iPhone utilizing this Hub, even when you’re transferring recordsdata or watching a 4K video.
One of the explanations this hub helps you’re employed smarter on the go is that it is surprisingly light-weight. It’s solely about 130 grams, and it is compact sufficient to maintain in a journey pouch and even your pocket. It delivers stable 10Gbps information switch speeds, a clean 4K HDMI output, and as much as 85 watts of pass-through energy. If you are utilizing your iPhone for greater than making telephone calls, this cool USB-C mini gadget permits you to flip it right into a mini pc, which you’ll be able to broaden to your liking by connecting different gadgets.