This article has been updated since it was published on December 26, 2023.
The Apple universe is constantly releasing newer and better advancements when it comes to devices and accessories. But how much “better” are those accessories, really, and are they actually worth the often hefty price tags that accompany them? Even if it has the Apple name, the product itself may not be one that tech experts say is worth the investment. These are the four iPhone accessories that are never worth your money, according to an Apple expert.
Apple MagSafe charger
“This Apple charger is small and suitable for traveling, but its metal exterior scratched too much after touching other things,” says Steven Walker, CEO of Spylix, which is committed to facilitating legal parental and employee monitoring services. “However, its metal surface gives a classy look, but it gives a very shabby look when it gets stretched. As an alternative, you can purchase a standard iPhone charger with long durability and facilitates fast charging.”
A multi-purpose carabiner + charger
Another waste of money, the Apple multi-purpose carabiner charger is made up of an aluminum carabiner, and the charger can also work as a bottle opener and keychain, which would be practical if its design wasn’t quite so bulky. “It's suitable for any emergency case to help hold the charger on your keychain, but it gives a weird look while carrying,” Walker says. “However, if one needs to charge their phone several times, they can carry a power bank, which may be more worthwhile than this multi-purpose carabiner charger.”
Clip-On Camera Lenses
Back in the day, your phone was just your phone. Then, slowly, your smartphone started gaining the traits of a smart camera, as well. Suddenly, your phone became capable of taking high-quality photos that can rival those taken by literal cameras. Because of these constant improvements — and Apple seems dedicated to consistently updating their phone cameras — there’s really little need to purchase clip-on camera lenses that take close-up shots or add special effects to photos (some of the best photo editing apps out there can do pretty much everything in that department).
Sausage iPad Stylus
“In its tube-steak design, the weirdly shaped charger makes it helpful to use in the winter while wearing gloves,” Walker says. “It is capable of taking through gloves. Along with this, developers also say that this is compatible and can be carried easily in the pocket, which we can also do with the standard iPad charger. It is not worth buying such a stylus. It is just a slight upgrade of the previous charger, including the high cost.”
As always, the worst and best accessories for you have everything to do with your needs and personal preferences. But if you’re looking to save money and downsize on tech gadgets, these are three that may not be worth the cost.
