It looks like the iPhone 8 has lost the popularity contest. Amidst news of people trading in their 8s and China slashing prices, your friend who pre-ordered their handset is probably finding it hard to be a proud owner of the 8. Whatever you do, don’t rub it in by saying they should have known the X was going to overshadow the 8. That kind of behavior isn’t in the spirit of the season.
Do you know what is? Using this little setback in the 8’s history as inspiration for your gifts this year. From wireless earbuds and chargers to iPhones skins and battery packs, there’s a gift that could improve the iPhone 8 just below. Take a look to find a fool-proof present and earn the title of best gift-giver ever!
1. Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program
Okay, this one might rub salt in their wounds, but it goes beyond thumbing your nose at your friend. It can help protect their current device while prepping them for the next upgrade. It involves a monthly subscription, so it is one of the most expensive options on the list, but it comes with a lot of benefits.
Acting much like financing, it spreads out the cost of a new iPhone over 24 months. The monthly price includes Apple Care+, an insurance provided by the Cupertino-based company that covers accidental damage like broken screens. It also lets them upgrade to a new generation within a year of signing up for the program, so it saves any regretful iPhone 8 users from the typical contract length with a carrier.
2. Wireless earbuds
They’re stuck with wireless earbuds whether they want them or not, thanks to Apple removing the headphone jack from all new designs, but they don’t have to stick with Apple’s own AirPods. You can wrap up a pair that offers better sound quality in a more ergonomic design than what’s available with Apple’s hardware.
Since wireless headphone tech has been around for a while now, your options are extensive. There’s something for everyone, from the production aficionado who needs clear audio waves to the fitness buff who needs something that can keep up with their calisthenics. Do your research by checking out a list like this one to land on a pair that fits your loved one’s style and your budget.
3. iPhone 8 skins
Like the iPhone 7’s Jet Black finish before it, the iPhone 8 (and indeed, any generation sharing the new glass body) has trouble with cosmetic damages. Though Apple claims the glass can stand up to drops and other concussive impacts, it can’t handle the modest damage caused by the sharp edge of a key or the grease left behind by a finger.
As a magnet for smudges and scratches, their new 8 would benefit greatly from a vinyl-based iPhone skin. This material is thin enough that it won’t disrupt the ultra-thin handset, and it’s strong enough that it protects the phone from grime and scratches while it covers up past damages. As a material, vinyl is also easy to personalize so you can create a totally unique design in time for the holidays. Go check out these new custom skins for inspiration before you design a personalized iPhone 8 skin for your loved one.
4. Wireless charging pad
Along with the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X, the 8 is one of the very first Apple handsets capable of wireless charging. The only way the person on their list will be able to take advantage of this new design feature is if they have a wireless charging pad in their home or at the office.
Early reports suggest wireless charging is still in its infancy for Apple, so it’s not as fast as it could be.
5. An external battery
They won’t always be around their wireless charging pad, as it requires a chord that plugs into a wall jack. Of course, it will also just so happen when their battery’s at a critically low point and they’re expected to check-in soon. To save everyone the frustration, invest in an external battery pack.
While there are many battery packs that rely on cords to share its juice, you can find some that offer a wireless charging option in addition to the typical USB ports. Find one that has both so the person on your list can take advantage of the pack whether they remember to bring a cable or not.
If your friend was let down by the iPhone 8’s poor performance, make it your mission this holiday to change the way they think about their handset. Get them any one of these fun yet practical gifts so they can feel good about their phone again. The fact that you’ll go down as a great gift-giver is just a bonus!
You know what surprised me? Cases from casetify! This is not just an accessory, it’s a real find: it looks cool and the phone is 100%. You can choose any design, from minimalism to bright prints, or even upload your own. And it’s not just about style, they save: my phone fell several times, and there were no problems. It’s also cool that they make them from recycled materials, so it’s also a step towards ecology.