Everything you need to work around Apple’s silly decision to ship an iPhone without a port that has been in continuous use for literally the past fifty years — or make the best of Apple’s new AirPods
Lightning to USB & 3.5mm Splitter
This simple yet essential accessory splits the single Lightning port on the iPhone into a 3.5mm headphone jack socket and a USB plug, allowing you to easily recharge your phone and listen to music on headphones at the same time. Unlike other adapters which provide a 3.5mm and Lightning port, this adapter ends in a full-size USB plug, removing the need for a separate Lightning to USB cable — everything you need is right here.
(Unfortunately, you can’t listen to music on traditional 3.5mm and new-fangled Lightning headphones at the same time with this splitter; send your hate mail to Apple!)
Shop for the Lightning to USB & 3.5mm Headphone Splitter now >
Incipio OX 2-in-1 Charging Case
This case does the impossible: it adds a 3.5mm headphone jack to your iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, reversing Apple’s ‘courageous’ decision while also adding considerable protection against drops and falls. Of course, you can still charge your iPhone normally as well, even while you’re listening to your headphones. Just like you could on the iPhone 6. Awesome.
Shop Incipio OX 2-in-1 Audio & Charging Case >
FlexiPouch Stick-On Smartphone Pocket
This clever accessory is the perfect way to store your Lightning to 3.5mm dongle. Just stick the pocket on the back of your iPhone or iPhone case, and you’ll get a convenient place to keep your adapter and your headphones together. It folds flat while out of use, and even with your headphones inside it’s still easy to stick your iPhone in your pocket. If you hate the thought of losing your dongle, then this is the best solution.
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Scosche StrikeDrive Lightning to AUX Audio Converter & Car Charger
This accessory has a long name but a simple purpose: let you easily connect your iPhone 7 to your car’s AUX audio port and charge at the same time. The implementation is great too, with a sleek design that looks modern thanks to its illuminated, easy-to-find USB port. Simply plug a Lightning to USB cable into your iPhone, connect the provided 3.5mm headphone cable to the adapter and the other end to your car stereo’s 3.5mm input. Job’s a good ‘un!
Shop for Scosche StrikeDrive Lightning to AUX & USB >
Belkin MFi RockStar Lightning Audio + Charge Adapter Cable
Prefer to listen to Lightning headphones, but want to charge your iPhone at the same time? The RockStar Adapter Cable lets you do just that; simple but incredibly effective.
Shop Belkin RockStar Adapter Cable >
Elago AirPods Strap
Okay, AirPods are actually pretty cool, but losing them is still quite a concern given their £159 price point. This simple strap ensures that they remain connected to each other at all times, even as they connect wirelessly to your iPhone. The microphone and controls are unaffected, and you’ll find that your AirPods are just as comfortable to wear too. Whether you’re worried about losing your AirPods or just looking like a dork on the Tube, these straps are just the ticket.
(Even though Apple are adding a ‘Find My AirPods’ app in the next version of iOS, you’ll find it impossible to locate AirPods that have run out of charge since you lost them, or were lost in a different location, making straps like these a solid investment.)
Shop for Elago AirPods strap in white >
If you’d prefer a slightly different interpretation, Spigen also have AirPods straps in white or black.
Shop for Spigen AirPods strap in white >
Shop for Spigen AirPods strap in black >
Spigen AirPods charging stand
Your AirPods will charge in their own cute carrying case, but how does that case recharge? The answer is a Lightning cable, but if you’d like a neater solution then this Spigen dock is perfect. Place your AirPods case on top, and it’ll charge right up. That makes it easy to grab your AirPods in the morning, and the presence of the stand will help you remember to actually charge them — nice.
Shop for Spigen S313 AirPods Stand >
Wrapping up
Thanks for checking out the article; be sure to let us know what you think of the accessories in the comments below. Did we miss a must-have accessory? Let us know that too!