20 New iPhone Accessories for a Serious Upgrade

We’re all about keeping our phones well-dressed and paired with super cool accessories — which means we’re constantly on the hunt for the latest and greatest techwear and complementary gadgets. Hands-free remote control? Heck yes. Snap-on camera lens? We’ll take two, please. From innovative cases to phone-friendly projectors, here are 20 of the best accessories of the moment.

1. Distil Union Wally Case ($50): Travel light in confidence with this genius leather case. That little pull-tab there? It lets you discreetly tuck away your cards and cash from view while still keeping them close to home.

2. Smartphone Projector ($28): Say what?! A $28 cordless projector? For your PHONE?! Oh, dreams do come true.

3. R2D2 USB Car Charger ($50): You know we’re fans of R2D2 here at Brit HQ (we totally geeked out over his guest appearance at Re:Make 2014), so this animated car charger is definitely a winner for us.

4. StickR TrackR ($25): This nifty device will help you track down your phone, keys or other valuables with just a push of a button. It’s a must-have for all you forgetful peeps ;)

5. DODOcase Hardcover ($38): DODOcase never disappoints us. We would definitely stow our iPhones in this adorable case, no question.

6. Bhold Bheard Sound Pod ($55): This cutie amplifies your phone’s speakers — no electricity needed. One in every color, please!

7. SALT (Price TBD): Okay, this gadget is REALLY cool. SALT allows hands-free entry into your phone with a Bluetooth device shaped like a credit card. It also locks certain apps depending on your location, so you can be sure that no one will snoop around without permission. Check its Kickstarter campaign to learn more!

8. Bsteady Car Mount ($50): You can latch this cordless mount into your car vent to keep your phone accessible while you drive. No mo’ eyes off the road while searching for the perfect playlist!

9. Photojojo The Pocket Spotlight ($30): Never botch a sunset selfie again. The pocket spotlight plugs into your earphone jack to help balance light exposure when you’re snappin’ pics on the go.

10. Crossover For iPhone ($15): How neat is this design? Strap all your VIP cards to your phone with these flexible bands and never have to hunt down your credit card again.

11. Distil Union Snooze ($35): This simple iPhone dock lets you snooze your alarm the old-fashioned way, which we LOVE. So necessary.

12. Upwrite ($15): Have we mentioned that we love two-in-ones? Upwrite is a phone stylus that doubles as a phone stand. Three cheers for smart design.

13. Photojojo Fisheye Lens ($20): All you Instagram fanatics, this gadget is a game changer. The lens snaps on over your camera to give your photos a groovy look.

14. Impossible Instant Lab Photo Printer ($199): This. Is. Crazy. It transforms iPhone pics into polaroids instantly. Um, YES PLEASE. If you want to give it a whirl, rent it for just $10/day through Photojojo.

15. Your Nest Inspired iPhone 5/5s Stand ($17): With this genius and simple stand, you can prop up your phone for all your news-reading needs. Or, you know, your Netflix-streaming binges :)

16. Ban.do Back Me Up Mobile Charger ($30): Color blockin’ perfection. The prettiest mobile charger we’ve ever laid eyes on.

17. Digits Finger Pads for Gloves ($5): FINALLY! Removable finger pads that make any pair of gloves iPhone-friendly. Pop these babies into your fave pair this winter and text to your heart’s content.

18. Hisy-Bluetooth Camera Shutter Remote ($25): Score! Another awesome gadget to up your selfie game. This remote lets you take phone pics hands-free.

19. In1 Multi-Tool Utility Case ($45): We’re calling this the modern version of the age-old swiss army knife. No wonder it’s a bestseller in the B+C Shop!

20. Motrr Galileo Robotic Dock ($150): The Galileo is a remote-controlled iPhone dock that rotates on command, meaning you can snap panoramic shots and time-lapse videos handsfree. Super rad.

Which one of these nifty accessories are you eyeing? Sound off in the comments below!

Prime Day continues to impress us! Apple products like iPads, iPhones, AirPods, and more are almost never on sale for prices this low. This Prime Day, we’re seeing hundreds of dollars worth of savings, which is especially satisfying if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your current desk set-upor revamping your super old headphones. Scroll on for the 7 best deals on Apple products we’ve found, available for historic sale prices now.

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Apple Watch Series 9

$280, was $399

This powerful little sidekick is now $119 off for Prime Day! You can do practically everything you do on your iPhone with the Apple Watch, like talking, texting, navigation, and workout and sleep support. It easily syncs up with the rest of your Apple devices for a seamless experience. Plus, all of your activity will be super visible and bright, thanks to the Series 9's clear interface.

Amazon

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

$120, was $169

You can save nearly $50 on some brand-new AirPods this Prime Day. The 3rd generation model is snug-fitting, sweat and water resistant, and lightning fast when it comes to communicating with your devices. You get up to 6 hours of listening time with a single charge, which is ample time to listen to your new favorite album or audiobook on repeat!

Amazon

Apple iPad (10th Generation)

$450, was $499

If you like to get things done on the go, the iPad is a total lifesaver. It's way more compact than a laptop, but its small size is still perfectly suitable to see the screen clearly. You can snag it in storage sizes 64GB or 256GB and four different vibrant colors on Amazon right now! This pick is compatible with the Apple Pencil as well as the Magic Keyboard (both are $50 off for Prime Day) based on your usage needs.

Amazon

Apple AirTag

$24, was $29

The AirTag ensures you'll never lose track of your wallet, keys, or backpack ever again. It communicates with the Find My app on your Apple devices, so you can locate your items in a single press of a button! This model even has a built-in speaker than can ring out loud to help you track down what you've (seemingly) lost forever.

Amazon

Apple iPhone 12

$282, was $398

The classic iPhone really speaks for itself, but this $115 off Prime Day deal makes it even better. We all live on our phones, so whether it's for scrolling TikTok, messaging your long-distance pals, or playing games, this device does it all. You can shop from storage sizes 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB and 6 different colors on Amazon right now!

Amazon

Apple AirPods Max

$395, was $549

We're never far from a pair of headphones, and the AirPods Max are definitely the hottest style to rock right now. They deliver high-quality audio through the cushioned ear cups, and you can even toggle between several different noise-cancelling settings. These wear really light on the head and even offer some nice breathability, since the headband is made from a light mesh material. With a single charge, you get up to 20 hours of listening time – and at $154 off, that's a major score!

Amazon

Apple Magic Mouse

$80, was $99

If you've been searching for an excuse to upgrade your clunky computer mouse, this wireless Magic Mouse from Apple is gonna feel like a total treat. It's compatible with both Macs and iPads to help you get the job done. This mouse works silently, too, so you won't ever be distracted by noisy scrolling or clicking again. It even has an incredibly long battery life, operating at full power even if you haven't charged it in a couple weeks!

Amazon

Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation)

$380, was $499

A slightly smaller iPad model, the Mini ($119 off) is still as great as the OG. It features a super bright and impressively clear screen display, fast wifi capability, and tons of storage to handle all your notes, apps, and photos. This model is available in storage sizes 64GB and 256GB and 4 different colorways on Amazon now.

Shop our Amazon storefront to snag more amazing Prime Day deals on beauty, home, fashion, books, and more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

It's official: Blue Ivy looks totally grown up now — especially in her gorgeous gold gown at the Mufasa: The Lion Kingpremiere. It honestly feels like just yesterday that Beyoncé announced she was born, and now she's a star in her own right! She celebrated her Disney film debut with her family by her side on the red carpet (and everyone looking as gorgeous as ever).

While Jay-Z was one of the latest celebrities caught in the crosshairs of P. Diddy allegations, it didn't stop mom and dad from showing their unwavering support. The family put on a united front, smiling for the cameras and praising Blue's work on her latest Disney film, further proving that they're in this together. Here's everything we know!

Details about the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere

Beyoncé & Jay-Z Amazing Support Of Blue Ivy's Role In 'Mufasa'

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Blue Ivy stars in Mufasa: The Lion King as Kiara with Beyoncé voicing Nala again. The highly anticipated film will show Mufasa's origins from a young cub to the majestic king we've come to know, love, and mourn.

In this cute BTS clip, Beyoncé and Blue are initially shown in separate recording booths while the latter says, "Don't stare at me." It's a typical response all kids eventually give their parents, but it doesn't bother Beyoncé. She simply smiles and says, "I can't help it. You're just too beautiful girl." Still, she offers a bit of reassurance to Blue. "I'mma be right here closing my eyes."

Blue briefly talked about what it feels like to work on a movie by saying, "If I like told my younger self that I was in a movie, I'd like never believe myself."

The star couldn't help but tear up as she continued to watch Blue and said, "Give me a second. I'm still...just can't believe that's my baby." While sitting side by Blue, Beyoncé eventually turns to look at her to let her know she's "so proud of her." Even Rumi, Beyoncé and Jay-Z's youngest daughter, makes a quick appearance!

The Mufasa: The Lion King premiere occurred December 9 with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and grandma Tina Knowles standing by Blue Ivy's side. They looked stunning on the red carpet as they wore coordinating outfits. Although the ladies seemed to be present and excited, Jay-Z temporarily looked distracted while all of them were standing together (via PEOPLE).

If we had to guess, it may have something to do with the recent allegations connecting he and P. Diddy weighing on his mind. After the accusation went public, Jay-Z penned his own public statement and shared it to Roc Nations' social channels. The most heartbreaking aspect of it is realizing his children will be able to see everything.

"My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people," he wrote (via X). Only time will tell how everything pans out, but we hope this doesn't overshadow Blue Ivy's success, nor do we want to see people vilify her or her siblings for alleged misdeeds of Jay-Z.

At the end of the day, we're so proud of Blue for letting her light shine bright despite everything else!

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I’ve been living in blissful ice cream heaven for the past month. And though I could easily scamper on over to my neighborhood gelato spot or stock up on summer’s best frozen treats, I’ve been lazily crafting my own inside – courtesy of the Ninja Creami.

If you’ve been literally anywhere on the internet recently, you know that the Creami Craze has truly taken over. Everyone from food-fluencers to gym girlies have been basking in its glory – sharing recipes left and right for ice creams, sorbets, and even frozen cocktails. I admittedly thought the appliance was way too good to be true, and resumed my scrolling in favor of FoodTok and ‘fit checks for a while.

I didn’t realize the sheer magic this thing was capable of until I was thoughtfully gifted one to simply try out. Turns out, the influencers *aren’t* lying about its greatness. From my experience, here’s 5 surefire reasons why you need the Ninja Creami in your kitchen.

Reason 1: It's faster than fast.

The Creami gave me that instant gratification I crave from all cooking projects, no matter what I was making. The paddle tears through frozen-solid liquids in a matter of seconds, resulting in a dangerously thick, velvety ice cream consistency. I’m still in awe (and honestly, a tad confused) about how this thing works – because a blender could definitely *not* do what the Creami does. Perhaps it’s the mystery that keeps me going back.

Reason 2: It's hilariously easy to use.

Because all you have to do to form a fantastically frozen treat is freeze it first and press a few buttons. No, really, a literal monkey could operate the Ninja Creami. There were several times since I got the Creami that my ice cream hankering got so strong, I felt a borderline *astral* draw towards my nearest Sonic – but thankfully didn’t need to lift a finger. I remembered the dismally forgotten Creami bowl in the back of my freezer. From there, all it took was a few minutes to achieve better-than-Sonic-level ice cream. Boom.

Reason 3: It saved me a significant amount on my ice cream bill.

This means the demented dessert demon that arises within me every night once Sweet Treat O’ Clock hits was suppressed from spending money anywhere ice cream is sold. I was able to use ingredients I already had at home to batch out my Creami creations – averaging around 3 servings per bowl. A bang for your buck *and* delicious as can be? You simply cannot deny the deal.

Related: Best Ice Cream Maker

Here are the recipes I’ve made so far, with prices for each ingredient included. I’ve also noted the cost per serving, accounting for the average of 3 servings a bowl. A *steal* rather than a deal, methinks!

  • Chocolate Ice Cream: 2 cups Chocolate Fairlife ($4.19 for a bottle, so 2 cups costs ~$1.29) + 2 tbsp Chocolate Jell-o Mix ($1.39 for a pack, so 2 tbsp costs ~$0.70) = $0.66 per serving
  • Mint Cookie Chocolate Ice Cream: Chocolate Fairlife ($4.19 for a bottle, so 2 cups costs ~$1.29) + 4 Mint Oreo Thins ($4.59 a box, so 4 cookies costs ~$0.35) = $0.55 per serving
  • Lite Horchata Ice Cream: 2 cups Dream Horchata ($4.17 for a carton, so 2 cups costs ~$2.08) = $0.69 per serving
  • Lite Horchata Ice Cream with Cookie Dough: 2 cups Dream Horchata ($4.17 for a carton, so 2 cups costs ~$2.08) + 2 pieces Sweet Loren’s Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough ($6.59 for a dozen, so 2 pieces costs ~$1.08) = $1.05 per serving
  • Dole Whip Dupe:Frozen Pineapple Chunks (I used half a bag, so ~ $1.40) + 1 cup Almond Breeze ($2.39 for a quart, so 1 cup costs ~$0.60) = $0.67 per serving

Reason 4: Healthy dessert has *never* been easier.

Social media has given us an endless stream of easy, high-protein, low-calorie Ninja Creami recipes to try out, so there’s no excuse to *not* make yummy desserts that are actually good for your health. If you’re paradoxical in nature like me (love to eat healthy, but have a serious sweet tooth), it’s time to hop on the Creami bandwagon. The first and foremost reason being this Cosmic Brownie Protein Ice Cream that has 42 grams of protein for only 297 calories. Mind = blown.

Reason 5: It's so customizable.

Image generated via StableDiffusion

Whether your cravings fluctuate from chocolatey to fruity, there’s a Creami recipe out there for you. I found each batch to lend itself to customization with the easy-peasy Mix-In button on the appliance. I added Oreos and cookie dough to my creations, but have plans to experiment with my go-to candies, M&M’s and Reese’s.

What are your most favorite Ninja Creami recipes? Let us know @BritandCo!

Header image via Ninja

Ahhh…Paris Geller. Where does one even begin with the best Gilmore Girl whose name isn't actually Gilmore? The woman we all came to know and love. The purveyor of backhanded compliments, deadpan humor, the quickest wit one can imagine and an absolutely ungodly work ethic. The sole character of the series who I would 100% watch a spin-off of, and love every minute. Sure — she once said that everyone around her needed to be sterilized immediately. And that Rory’s boyfriend offers “nothing to women or the world in general.” And that she can “scare the stupid out of you. But the lazy runs deep.”

She may, in fact, be the only character whose absurdity warrants such unhinged comments, and I am so here for it. You may be reading this because you too believe that Paris Geller deserves way more praise than she receives. Or you hate her. Or perhaps you don’t even know who she is. Regardless, allow me to delight you with the many — shall I say — unique musings of my favorite Gilmore Girls character, and explain exactly why Paris was not only what the cult-classic show needed, but the feminist icon TV needed, too.

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So let’s start from the beginning. Paris Geller (played by Liza Weil) joined the GG crew in Season 1, right as Rory Gilmore (the show’s sort-of protagonist) walked into Chilton Academy, a private school where Paris was attending, for her first day. A far cry from Rory’s relatively timid and soft-spoken personality, Paris tore up the screen with her high-strung personality and immediate rivalry with Rory (Rory did not feel the same), who Paris viewed as the only candidate who could possibly challenge her spot at the top of the class standing. As the year progresses, the two become friends, which of course Paris still highly questioned.

The rest of their high school experience is plagued with repeated ups and downs, from Paris’s parents’ highly publicized divorce to their joint student government campaign and, most notably, Paris’s C-SPAN meltdown, courtesy of a Harvard rejection fueled by what she can only assume to be wide-spread knowledge that she lost her virginity. Despite losing the Valedictorian slot to Rory (which Paris comes to terms with after finding out Salutatorians tend to be more successful), Paris walks across the graduation stage and accepts her diploma from the school’s headmaster, to which she iconically quips, “no hard feelings.”

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Fast forward to Paris’s first year at Yale, a school she knew Rory was attending but had no intention of ever seeing again. Not to the surprise of Paris’s life coach, the two frenemies were placed together as suitemates, a pairing that ultimately served as a catalyst for lifelong friendship. Throughout college, Paris pursues pre-med and pre-law degrees, joins the Yale Daily News alongside Rory, dates an elderly professor (he passes away, leaving Paris to grieve), moves on with the editor of the Yale Daily News, Doyle McMaster, and potentially saves Rory from abandoning Yale forever by admitting to Lorelai that Rory is the only person who ever listened to her, challenged her and motivated her.

Paris then proceeds to become the editor of the Yale Daily News, a position in which her power-hungry tendencies took full-force, resulting in a forcible resignation, kick Rory out of their shared apartment, let Rory move back into their shared apartment (now with Doyle), be accepted to a slew of prestigious medical and law schools. She ultimately chose to attend med school and break up with Doyle, to which he refused, and tells Rory that they’re on their own but she can still do great things (Of course this doesn’t last, the two are meant to be best friends.)

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Somehow this doesn't even scratch the surface of the character of Paris. As you can tell, Paris is a fiercely loyal, protective woman who fights for herself to no end. She (literally) doesn’t care what other people think (so long as they’re not within her immediate circle) and never stops pursuing her dreams, no matter how many times she probably should have. She is the epitome of feminism in modern television — perhaps taken to an extreme — and serves as a necessary counterweight to Rory’s floundering sense of self.

So long as she keeps her need for perfectionism in check, Paris has one of those few personality types whose wild ambition and outspokenness is directly beneficial to her success, a success that she, and only she, can define. Sure, she has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, but when balanced by Rory’s soft-but-straightforward approach, Paris can quickly reset, reevaluate and move forward.

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That's the thing with Paris — she’s always moving forward. She doesn't get into Harvard? Tough. She takes a few days to wallow before considering her other options: Yale, Columbia and Princeton. She doesn’t know whether to choose med school or law school, so she takes stock of her bearings, reflects on her past dreams, and makes a clear, concise decision that she moves forward with.

Her brutally honest nature (both internally and externally) is exactly why Paris works. She’s generous when needed, comfortable with giving tough (and oftentimes tougher) love, is able to express vulnerability with the people she loves, doesn’t allow outside influences to affect her path and never let’s someone (especially a man) tell her she’s less than (*cough, cough*—Rory). For an early 2000s show, she showed women that there is power in education. There’s power in stepping away from a caretaker role. There’s power in expressing your opinion, no matter your age.

Image via WB

There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s inspired countless women over the years — after all, she’s inspired me! Even though she’s had her controversial moments, she’s always been a cheering voice for women, even if it’s behind her resting grimace. For these reasons, and so many more, I am hereby deeming Paris Geller the best of Gilmore Girls — the heroine, perhaps, and a feminist icon to all.

What's your take on Paris Geller? Let us know in the comments, and sign up for our email newsletter for more pop culture musings!

Header image via Netflix, Warner Bros

This post has been updated.

Gilmore Girlstakes up more of my brain space than I'd care to admit. The show is undeniably great. I mean, there's a reason it's become an absolute cultural phenomenon! The banter is witty and memorable, the Stars Hollow, Connecticut setting is warm and friendly, and the character dynamics feel natural and comforting. All of these elements combined create the perfect comfort show thatI personally rewatch again and again. However, despite having an overall positive opinion of the show, there is one bone I have to pick with it. This grievance makes my blood boil and keeps me tossing and turning at night.

While I can't pose my all-too-important question to the creators of the show, I will ask it to you, reader: Why in the world was Lane Kim's storyline such a travesty? Considering the show is not shy about uplifting and celebrating Rory (despite her many mistakes) it feels especially unfair how short of a stick Lane (played by Keiko Agena) truly got. Here are my unfiltered thoughts on the subject.

Lane deserved better after a life of seeking independence

Photo via WBLane Kim's Treatment On "Gilmore Girls" Is The Ultimate TV Tragedy

Throughout Lane's formative teenage years, she was forced to hide her true identity and interests in order to appease her mother. From hiding CDs in her floorboards and changing her clothes when she got to school, Lane was under a lot of pressure to keep her mom happy, while still trying to figure out who she was. Her mother even kicked her out after finding out about her "secret life," causing Lane to have to move into Rory's dorm. Rory, on the other hand, had a mother who supported her every dream and who she could be fully herself with.

I'm not sure why only one of these two besties got to live out their dreams, but if it did have to play out this way, it should have been Lane Kim. Given how difficult her upbringing was, couldn't the show have given her a win by having *her* be the one who gets to follow her dreams?

Lane's love life is lackluster

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Once again, the show propped up Rory and gave her not one, not two, but three love interests. Whether or not you love all three of them, we can all admit that each boyfriend was compatible with Rory in their own way, and helped her learn and grow. Lane, however, did not get this. Her first boyfriend, Dave, is great. He's kind and sweet and understanding of her family situation, but the show breaks them up because they can't handle being long-distance. (Technically, we know actor Adam Brody had to leave for The O.C. but where is the justice??!)

After Dave, it all goes downhill from there for poor Lane. She ends up with Zack, who isn't bad but isn't great. And, as soon as Lane is finally getting to pursue her passion by going on tour with her band, she finds out she and Zack are pregnant. Considering how long Lane dreamed of getting to be her authentic herself and openly express her interests, it feels cruel that this twist of fate took it away from her at this exact moment.

Lane made the best of her situation

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Despite Rory having almost every opportunity available to her, we find out in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life that she is making bad decisions (like, er, sleeping with an engaged man) and is struggling to find her way. Lane, on the other hand, has made the best out of the cards she's been dealt. She's still married to Zack, is taking care of her twins, and has even kept music in her life by joining a band. I can't help but think if Lane can forge ahead despite all of her unfortunate circumstances, how fantastic could her life have been if the writers had served her just a little bit more good fortune?

Lane could have served as the role model so many girls needed

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lane's experience mirrors many Asian-American girls' lives. She had a strict upbringing and struggled to strike a balance between fitting in with her American peers and forming her own identity, while still trying to manage her mother's expectations of who she should be. As an Asian-American, Lane's experiences mirrored many of my own, and, at a time when there was such little Asian representation, this was extremely impactful.

With the lack of representation at the time, it was even more important that Lane was dealt an ending that she and her viewers could be proud of. Instead of turning her into somewhat of a cautionary tale, her story could have been utilized to empower an audience of individuals who saw themselves in her. For that reason, Lane's treatment on Gilmore Girls will never quite sit right with me.

What do you think about Lane Kim's storyline on Gilmore Girls? Let us know in the comments and check out our guide to Where Is The Gilmore Girls Cast Now? to keep up with your favorite Stars Hollow residents (even if they're not in Stars Hollow anymore).

Lead image via Warner Bros

This post has been updated.