The iPhone is one of the most expensive smartphones out there. By itself, Apple’s popular handset offers an experience different from other mobile phones. You can further personalise this experience through the use of accessories, which come in several types including:

Cases and bumpers

While the iPhone is protected by Gorilla Glass, it’s certainly not invulnerable. You can use a variety of protective coverings like hard plastic cases, cloth sleeves and leather cases. Since bumpers are made of rubber and moulded plastic, it is particularly helpful in addressing the iPhone 4’s antenna issue (which is notably absent from the iPhone 4S).

Cables and chargers

Accessories like chargers and cables (i.e. this connects your iPhone to a computer) break and people lose them as well. Original chargers provide the best performance, but third-party chargers are cheaper and more versatile since you can get variants that can be used in automobiles.

Screen protectors

iPhones are notorious for its susceptibility to fingerprints. More importantly, it needs to be protected from scratches, which may be inflicted even when the device is in your pocket. This is why screen protectors are important—it shields the iPhone’s multi-touch screen from inadvertent scrapes and cuts.

GelaSkins

You can personalise your iPhone with GelaSkins, laminated vinyl decals, which also protect portable devices like iPhones from scratches. Unlike the clear screen protectors, which are limited to shielding the multi-touch screen, GelaSkins cover the iPhone’s body, but does not affect docking accessories.

Vehicle accessories

Handling the iPhone while driving is dangerous; docking the device in a vehicle mount would allow you to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your mind on the road. This way, you can read GPS directions without having to reach around for the iPhone whenever you need to pick the device up.

Headsets

The stock iPhone headphones come with a remote and microphone for taking calls and music playback controls. If you want more bells and whistles like Bluetooth in your headset, then it’s time to look for other third-party options.

Audio equipment

There are a variety of audio peripherals for the iPhone. There are portable speakers, which are battery-powered/rechargeable; speaker docks that double as chargers for iPhones; and Bluetooth speaker systems for streaming music. You’ll also need different cable types (e.g. adapters and splitters) to connect your iPhone into these speakers.

Styli pens

Have you ever tried using your iPhone while wearing gloves? You can opt to use a stylus pen while doing so to make tapping, typing and scrolling easier. What’s more, a stylus pen’s soft-touch tip won’t scratch iPhone screens. Typing has become much more precise, thanks to stylus pens.

Device cleaners

The multi-touch screen is the only way to interface with an iPhone. Because of this, dirt, grease, grime and fingerprints are to be expected—thus the need for cleaning kits. Typically, these cleaning kits include a cleaning solution (placed in a small bottle or even wet wipes) and microfiber or antimicrobial cloth for wiping and/or drying.