I have an iPhone and a MacBook — and over the past couple of years, I’ve probably tried about fifty different accessories for them. I threw out half, gave away a third, but the remaining ones truly stuck and I use them every day. Today I’ve gathered ten such items — from a dirt-cheap camera lens protector to an external SSD for ProRes recording. Everything is from AliExpress, everything has been personally tested, and everything deserves your attention.
Everything that actually lives on my desk and in my backpack, rather than gathering dust in a drawer
iPhone Camera Protection — I Put One on Every New Phone
For a hundred rubles — peace of mind that the lens won’t get scratched by keys in your pocket
The first thing I do with a new iPhone is apply a camera lens protector. Not because I’m paranoid, but because I once saw the result firsthand: I placed my phone on a granite countertop, heard a characteristic sound, and ended up with a scratch right in the center of the lens. The glass is thin, installs in a minute, and doesn’t affect photo quality — I tested it on iPhone 15 Pro, zero difference in shots.
The material is tempered glass with an oleophobic coating, so fingerprints don’t stick. Compatible with various iPhone models, including the Pro Max series. At 100 rubles — it’s literally a consumable. I buy two at a time to have a spare for replacement.
Price: 100 rubles
Camera Glass for iPhone — Bought One for Myself and the Whole Family
Applied it in October on iPhone 14 Pro — still not a single chip
If the previous option is the budget minimum, then this camera protective glass is a whole different level. Here you get a solid frame covering the entire camera module, protecting not just the lenses but also the space between them. That’s usually where dust and small debris accumulate, which then ruins macro shots. I applied one last October — the glass is still in place, not a single chip.
It installs perfectly thanks to alignment guides — it’s hard to miss. Compatible with most cases, the rim doesn’t protrude. The oleophobic coating really works: your finger glides smoothly, no greasy marks.
Price: 500 rubles
Semi-Transparent iPhone Case That Doesn’t Yellow
Fits iPhone 15 perfectly — my daughter already begged for one too
Clear silicone cases are the bane of every iPhone user. They yellow within a month, and after two months they look like they came from the trash. This takes a different approach: a semi-transparent matte case with a rigid back panel and soft bumper edges. The iPhone’s color shows through, but not so much that every fingerprint jumps out. I’ve been using it since March — it still looks brand new.
All cutouts are precise, buttons click firmly, and the rim sits 1.5 mm above the screen and camera. Options are available for iPhone 13 through 17 series. At 150 rubles, it’s a consumable you don’t mind replacing every six months. That said, I haven’t had to replace mine yet.
Price: 150 rubles
MagSafe Charger with Stand — Replaced My Alarm Clock
Sits on the nightstand — iPhone turns into a bedside clock
I used to just lay my iPhone on the nightstand and reach for it in the morning like a blind mole. Now my smartphone sits on a magnetic MagSafe dock station, and the phone turns into a full-fledged bedside alarm clock thanks to StandBy mode. Large clock, weather, notifications — everything is visible without glasses. The magnet holds firmly, and the tilt angle is adjustable.
The design is foldable — toss it in your backpack for a trip, and it takes up no space. It charges the iPhone via Qi standard, with standard power for MagSafe-compatible chargers. USB-C cable included.
Price: 1,180 rubles
Anker Soundcore K20i — Got Them Instead of AirPods and Don’t Regret It
LDAC, Hi-Res Audio and 36 hours of battery life — for just over a thousand rubles
The main thing here is not to confuse price with quality. The Anker Soundcore K20i earbuds cost just over a thousand rubles, but inside they pack LDAC codec and Hi-Res Audio certification. They’re a semi-in-ear design: they sit comfortably, and your ears don’t get tired even after a couple of hours straight. They work with iPhone via Bluetooth without issues, with AAC codec support.
36 hours of battery life with the case — that’s roughly a week of use without charging if you listen 4-5 hours a day. Bass is solid, mids are clean — more than enough for podcasts and music on the go. Obviously, they’re not a replacement for AirPods Pro in terms of noise cancellation.
