Cases

If you regularly need to carry a MacBook (or similar-sized laptop) along with an iPad, you need a backpack or messenger bag or briefcase that can handle them all. The Venturo Backpack Sling ($119.95) from Moshi is a hybrid backpack and briefcase that can accommodate a tablet, laptop, and a lot more. 

In this special back-to-school episode, the iPhone Life team shares tips and gear recommendations for students and parents and gives you the scoop on Apple's free Beats headphones for students who buy MacBooks or iPads. Also listen in to hear the latest iPhone 8 and Apple Watch rumors as Apple's fall announcement approaches.

There's a quote, often attributed to Albert Einstein, that "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." That seems to be the theory behind the LuxBox Case ZERO case ($25) from Wonderful Things Factory. It's as protective an iPhone 7case as most folks need, without the bulk and extraneous accents that plague many other cases.

If you're not already a parent, don't let this article discourage you. Parenting is one of the most amazing and rewarding things that can happen to a person. But it's also a lot of work, and at just about every stage of your kid's childhood, you'll need the best kid-friendly iPhone case you can find to protect your device from increased dangers and risk of damage. If you have a baby, then there's the ever-present threat of your baby spitting up on your iPhone or dropping it. If you have a toddler (which I do), then there's the danger of your teething child chewing on your iPhone, throwing it in a fit of toddler-tantrum, or experimentally placing your iPhone in the potty. And it's not like the risk of damage to your iPhone goes away as your child get older. Young kids and early teens are notorious for being a little on the careless side; and until they discover the joys of paying for expensive computing devices for themselves, they typically won't have the same level of respect and reverence for said devices that you as a parent and provider will have. So as a mom or dad, having the best kid-friendly, life-proof protective iPhone case is a wise decision. Fortunately, there's no shortage of great protective case options to meet everyone's tastes and preferences (there's even an Etch-a-Sketch iPhone case out there), whether you have the iPhone 7, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, or iPod Touch. So without further ado, here are the best child-proof cases for the iPhone 7, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, and iPod Touch that moms and dads will love.

Another day, another case; Or so it seems. As in other iOS-related accessory categories, iPhone and iPad cases are so numerous and varied that it is a considerable challenge for companies to strongly differentiate their products in the marketplace. That's why when a really unique design comes along, it's worth taking notice. One such case is the Palmo for iPhone or iPad (starting at $26.99). Let's take a look at what makes it unique.

The new 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros from Apple are incredible. Especially once iOS 11 comes out, you’re going to want to be ready. Make your iPad Pro truly yours with our favorite picks for the best iPad accessories. Whether you need an iPad Pro keyboard, case, or other complementary tech, we’ve got you covered. Not a fan of Apple’s iPad Pro Smart keyboard? Check out the Logitech iPad Keyboard featured below. Don’t want an Apple Pencil? How about a Wacom stylus for your iPad Pro instead? Apple accessories aren’t the only accessories for your new iPad Pro. Here’s all the best iPad Pro accessories we have to offer you right now.

Years ago, I reviewed and raved about the beautiful, functional leather belt clip holsters from Blacksmith Labs. In fact, I called them "heirloom quality." The only problem with that phrase is that iPhones have gotten bigger, so the old cases can't be used with today's iPhones. Fortunately, the folks at Blacksmith Labs have built larger iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus cases and I had the opportunity to try Leather Belt Clip Holster (starting at $119.95) with a modern iPhone. 

Who says luxury has to cost a fortune? The Leather Folio Wallet case ($49.95) from Nomad uses Horween tanned leather (from the USA) and it gets more attractive as it develops a nice patina over time. It feels comfortable and luxurious and will make you want to reach for your phone whenever it rings.

Most of us wear watches they way we purchased them. Perhaps we swap out a band now and then. Some even come with a variety of band colors or styles. But if we own a good watch, such as a Citizen, an Omega, a Rolex, or a Movado, we wear the watch as purchased because of its overall design. Why pay all that money to cover up the cool watch you spent all that money on? The Apple Watch is different; but should it be? Although the Apple Watch is, in most cases, less expensive than the watch brands listed above, the market seems to want us to protect our Apple Watch from scratches and dings  with a rugged watch case or watch screen protector more so than its expensive brethern.

Someone tell Casetify to send me a whole collection of these lovely cases. Pairing the beautiful designs Casetify is known for with multi-color grips for drop protection makes for a case that’s a gem to look at and use. I was sent a case for the iPhone 7 Plus; it has a yellow grip with watercolor-like flowers on the back. But you can visit Casetify iPhone 7 Cases Collection ($40) to see a whole array of designs. The latest in the Casetify line are these multi-colored grip cases, which come in mint green, lemon yellow, cotton candy pink & sky blue. I’ve been using my Casetify case for about a week now. I love it because it’s the type of case I can see myself using for a long time. I try out a lot cases, so finding one that I want to keep using well past review time is a fairly rare occurrence that I revel in.

Before I headed out on a four-month trip to the island of Hawaii this past October, I put a lot of research and thought into what kind of rugged iPhone 7 accessories I would bring. I wanted to ensure the safety of my iPhone 7, as I knew it would be a valuable tool in documenting the trip. The most obvious accessory was a protective waterproof iPhone 7 case. And while my rugged iPhone 7 case ultimately did the job, there were some close calls with water, rocks, sand, heat, and yes, even a volcano. Now, if my iPhone had fallen into a volcano, I seriously doubt any case would have saved me from that loss. However, having been through this adventure with my iPhone 7, I came back to the mainland with a better understanding of what rugged iPhone gear I could have gone a little more “hard-core” with, as well as some ideas about what I could have brought with me but didn’t. Here are the top seven rugged iPhone accessories I will bring on my next adventure, from an outdoor Bluetooth waterproof speaker and portable solar panels to an iPhone camera lens kit and Bluetooth shutter remote.

When a new iPhone hits the market, it can take a while for its supply of cases to catch up with demand. Not so with the iPhone SE, which has the exact same external dimensions as the older iPhone 5/5S series. Although any iPhone 5s case will work as an iPhone SE case, there are also many excellent new iPhone SE case options made especially for Apple's most recent addition to its lineup. We've featured something for all tastes here, with cases that are fashionable and functional, stylish and durable. 

The Soho Case (starting at $34.99) from Gear4 is a minimalist yet protective iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus case. In fact, Gear4 offers several such iPhone 7 cases that all feature protection with a minimal design. Some are completely clear, which lets you show off your beautiful iPhone in whatever color you own.

I am always on the lookout for unique cases, and the Sport Cases ($19.90) from Sensocase are certainly unique. They are designed in France and feature an artistic style similar to that of LeRoy Nieman. Cases featuring almost any sport or activity you can think of are available, and the cases are sold for iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 7, and 7 Plus. I would like to see the iPhone SE supported as well. 

Are you yearning for something to complement your active lifestyle? Something a bit different than the usual iPad carrying bag, case, or sling? Maybe an iPad carrying bag that still gives freedom of movement without becoming a bulky nuisance? In this review, I check out the Grab-It Pack Ultra Gadget Holster ($39.95) and Tablet Pack ($45.95) for either the iPad or iPad Mini. Let's take a look.

My family has three different iPhones with the same form factor, namely the iPhone SE, the iPhone 5s, and the iPhone 5. All have a different color, so we should be able to tell them apart, but we can't if they are in the same case. That's where the Impact CLEAR Case for iPhone SE, 5, and 5s ($34.95) from Tech21 comes in. The same clear protective case could be used with all of those iPhones and still we could tell them apart thanks to the clear view the case offers. It's not 100 percent transparent... there's a bit of a muted finish that dulls the look, but nothing dramatic and you might find it desirable.

Tantrum Cases is an officially licensed Star Wars accessory maker, specializing in Star Wars iPhone cases. And what a special case it makes! The company offers a variety of designs for its Star Wars iPhone Cases ($129) and the hard part is choosing which one you want! After all, the company offers a variety of fun choices, like BB-8, the Millenium Falcon, Stormtroopers, the Rebel Alliance, and more.

Usually when you pick out an iPhone case, you have to choose between a thin, attractive case or a bulky, protective case. So I was surprised to see the Hitcase Shield ($89.99). The Hitcase Shield is quite thin, and machined from aluminum. It really doesn't add much thickness to the iPhone; and yet, not only is it quite protective, but it's also waterproof. The company even managed to make the Touch ID feature work despite the waterproof protection.

The latest cases from X-Doria look like they belong in the Museum of Modern Art. Two of the case styles in particular caught my eye, namely the Revel and Rumble Cases ($29.99).