Skip the new iPhone release – here are the accessories you need to make your current phone feel like new

I’ve been a longtime fan of CASETiFY’s phone cases, and when the brand first launched its non-yellowing clear case a few years ago, I was one of the first to try it and rave about its prowess.

I’ve used this very case for the iPhone 14 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max and can firmly attest to its leading claim that it doesn’t turn yellow! Let’s take my current iPhone 16 Pro Max, for example. I tested this case on my device for over two months and it remained clear the entire time with no traces of color-turning at all — not even at the corners.

What I also love about this case is its truly protective design. Aside from its clear and crisp aesthetic, this case is a shielding beast. The Impact bumpers (which CASETiFY is known for) absorb shock and add a solid barrier between your phone and the elements. It also full protects your device from harsh falls and drops.

I’ve dropped my phone from my kitchen island onto the tiled floor a few times and the case simply bounced, leaving no scratches or cracks on the device or my screen.

The case itself did incur some minor scratches, but nothing that was noticeable enough to warrant replacing the case, altogether.

CASETiFY is also one of the few brands that offer complimentary customization, allowing you to add text in various colors and fonts to the back of your case.

If you’ve had your phone’s natural beauty covered under a solid case for a while, switching to a clear protective case will instantly give you that new phone feeling.

If you have a screen protector installed on your current iPhone, it’s likely been there a while — I’m talking years. While a solid screen protector, once crack- or scratch-free, is meant to be a “set it and forget” accessory, swapping it for another is a simple and cost-effective way to achieve that new phone feeling.

While there are tons of screen protectors on the market from well-known brands, you generally don’t have to spend much to get a quality pick.

I’ve tested tempered glass screen protectors from brands like CASETiFY, ZAGG, Spigen and more — and though they performed excellently, this $9 option from the Amazon-famous brand Ailun does the trick for a fraction of the price.

I ordered this screen protector set on a whim a couple of days before leaving for a trip, and to say it surprised me would be an understatement.

It has a thick, but still screen-like finish that blended seamlessly with the corners of my iPhone 16 Pro Max. Its claims of protecting against sweat, oil and fingerprints are also solid as my phone looks as new as it was when I first applied the screen protector over three months ago.

It also doesn’t hurt that it comes with three camera lens protectors, though, in my opinion, they’re not needed.

If you’re looking for an extremely affordable and fool-proof way of giving your phone a new feel, this screen protector set is one of my top recommendations.

With each new iPhone release, Apple usually makes some improvements to the device’s camera performance and capabilities, in comparison to the last.

If you want to get the perks of an upgraded camera, investing in this wide camera lens may be the most cost-effective way to do so without shelling out over $1,000 on a completely new device.

This particular lens gives you two times more field of view through your standard iPhone camera — no extra apps needed. Just attach the lens and start shooting your photos and videos.

While testing this lens, I’ve noticed that both videos and photos in low light appeared much brighter and clearer than they did when I used the standard ultra-wide feature built into the phone.

I’ve also tested the brand’s Macro Lens and the clarity I was able to achieve on close-up images of leaves and even water droplets was insane and almost professional-grade.

Interested in boosting your current phone’s camera capabilities to resemble newer models? This attachable lens will do the trick and then some.

While you could invest in a wallet case to give your phone a new look — that’s admittedly a bit of a commitment. So why not get an even better deal with this leather Mag Wallet that’s both rechargeable and trackable through Apple’s Find-My platform?

Apple unlocked a new world of accessories after it unveiled its MagSafe feature that’s been a part of the iconic smartphone range’s hardware since the release of the iPhone 12. The Mag wallet has since been one of the most popular accessories to support this new feature and Nomad has created one of the best and most thoughtfully designed options I’ve tested to date.

Available in two colors (black and rustic brown), this 100% leather Mag Wallet holds up to four standard credit cards and has a strong magnetic attachment to the phone — a vast contrast with the much weaker hold I’ve experienced with Mag wallets from other brands.

The true magic, however, comes in what’s inside. This Mag wallet has a built-in tracker that connects to the Find-My app on your iPhone. This way, you’ll always be aware of your wallet’s location. Think of it as an AirTag for your wallet (and phone).

When the battery’s running low, you’ll get a notification on the app that it needs to be charged. To do so, simply place the wallet on any charging pad or MagSafe charger and wait for the light to turn solid green.

This is one of those instant phone upgrades that you’ll actually use every single day.