Welcome to Lux-Case and our guide on how to choose the right Apple Watch accessories for you, your needs, your preferences and your budget. In this guide, we'll try to answer all the questions and concerns you may have, both when it comes to which brands to choose and how to assess which suppliers are reliable. 

Because Apple doesn't just make iPhones - they also make smartwatches, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, headphones, keyboards, computer mice and even VR goggles, and there are accessories for them all.

Choose accessories that match your products

First things first: make sure the Apple accessories you're interested in actually match and are compatible with the type of Apple product you actually have, whether it's an iPhone, MacBook or iPad.

It may seem obvious, but why is it important?

Well, for the simple reason that not all Apple accessories are compatible with all Apple products, which can sometimes cause confusion. For example, let's look at the traditional iPhone charger, which uses the company's own patented Lightning connector. For example, if you have the latest iPhone 16 and decide to order a Lightning cable to charge it at work or in the car, you're in for an annoying surprise - the iPhone 16 series doesn't use the Lightning port on their chargers, they use USB-C.

Another scenario could be the following: you want to charge your iPhone X wirelessly using the very clever MagSafe feature, so you decide to order one online. Only when you get your new charger do you realise that MagSafe only became a compatible technology with the iPhone 12 and that you now have to return it.

There are several other examples of similar compatibility issues, so always make sure to check before you buy.

Take a look at this: MagSafe charger with dual ring mount.

Always buy from trusted places

Speaking of returns: before you buy something in a store or order something online, make sure the seller (and manufacturer of the product) is reputable. Of course, this is easier said than done, as a website with great products and excellent customer service may not always look like that, and vice versa.

Based on our long experience in the industry, here are a few tips you can use before you buy:

1. Use your common sense: If something is too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Check the website: Aside from the product page you probably landed on via a search engine advert or social media, what does the website look like? Is there any information about the company? What other products do they sell?
3. Read the small print: Any reputable and reliable seller will have a page on their website where you can read their privacy policy, their shipping practices, and how they handle returns and refunds.

Once you've done these things, there's another smart way to check the reputation of both the products and the sellers.

Our selection: AirPods cases in a variety of colours.

Check reviews before buying

Reading reviews is good advice when it comes to both suppliers and manufacturers - and if there's one thing the internet has given people the opportunity to do, it's to voice their opinion on things.

Often you will be able to read reviews of specific products on the website itself, but otherwise there are review aggregators where you can read what other customers have said about a specific product or the company you are considering buying from.

And remember to share your voice too - especially if you found others' reviews helpful before you made your decision. It can also be easier to write a review when you've had a bad experience, so remember to write one if you've had a good experience too.

Our selection: AirPods Pro cases with different levels of protection.

The difference between original and non-original Apple accessories

If you buy a case for your iPhone, is it made by Apple? If you buy a cleaning kit for your AirPods, is it made by Apple? If you order a new set of straps for your Apple Watch, are they original?

These are good questions and there is no clear-cut answer. The fact is, you can buy accessories for all your Apple devices directly from Apple or you can buy them from third-party manufacturers. So what's the difference?

Original Apple accessories

An original Apple accessory is designed and manufactured by the company itself and sold either through them or one of their approved suppliers. This means you can be sure that the accessory has the same level of quality and care as the device it's either protecting or enhancing, which is why genuine accessories are an obvious choice for some.

The only real downside is the price. Genuine Apple accessories, like their devices, are more expensive than others. When it comes to their smartphones, smartwatches, tablets or laptops, they more than make up for the price in performance - but what level of performance can a phone case, for example, provide that justifies the price? That's the decision you have to make.

Non-original Apple accessories

A non-genuine Apple accessory, that is, one produced by a third-party manufacturer, is not an original Apple product, but is nonetheless designed to provide protection, form and function to your device.

There are many different advantages and disadvantages to these products, but the biggest advantage of course is that they are typically cheaper. Does this mean that they manage to be cheaper while providing the same level of quality as an original Apple accessory? No, but it also doesn't mean that just because they're cheaper, they're also of poor quality. Several third-party brands (such as Otterbox) have managed to establish themselves as incredibly high-quality manufacturers that many consumers prefer more than anything else.

What are the best Apple accessories?

Unfortunately, the only real answer to this question is subject matter. The short answer is that the best accessory for your Apple device is the one you like best and that fits your preferences and budget. Whether that's an original FineWoven AirTag keychain holder from Apple or a third-party manufactured silicone cover for your Apple TV remote is something that only you can decide.

However, we hope we've answered some of your questions in this guide and hopefully helped you figure out not only what to buy, but also what to consider before you buy it.

Our selection: AirPods Max cases and other headphone accessories.

FAQ

What type of Apple accessories should I choose?

It depends on your needs, your budget and your desires. An accessory for your Apple device, whatever it is, should either enhance your use of the device or customise its appearance to make it feel more personal. In other words, you don't actually need an Apple accessory - but you might want one.

Can I only use original Apple accessories?

No, accessories from third-party manufacturers work just as well. Some people like to use genuine Apple accessories because they associate the brand with reliability and they can assess the quality of the products even before they buy.

How much do Apple accessories cost?

It depends on what kind of product it is and what quality it has. As a rule of thumb, genuine Apple accessories are more expensive than third-party products, but some third-party products can be just as expensive, depending on the quality.