iPhone Accessories Flood Into Retail

By Lisa Johnston On Jul 16 2007 - 6:00am

Just as the iPhone exploded onto the market last month, accessories companies hurried to keep the pace. More than a dozen companies announced introductions into the new category, which were either immediately available for use with the iPhone, or are expected to hit shelves soon.

Along with cases, companies also rolled out headsets, chargers, cables and adapters (see sidebar on p. 60). Other companies announced that some of their already-existing products designed for the iPod can also be used with the iPhone.

Belkin introduced several cases, including an acrylic case, a slim-fit case and a sport armband. The acrylic case boasts thin, compact protection; full access to hard keys, ports and navigation screen; and a kickstand/belt clip that can be transformed for video viewing. The slim-fit case is constructed of leather and features a removable belt clip, a mesh base and a padded exterior. The sport armband is made of a breathable material and is machine washable. It offers an included pocket and full-screen protection and navigation access. All three retail for a suggested $29.99 and are scheduled to become available this month.

Contour Design announced the iSee for the iPhone, a crystal-clear case that offers accessibility to all connection and controls. The case/holster combination is designed to enable the iPhone to sit in forward, backward, horizontal or vertical positions, and small rubber feet stabilize it on flat. It is currently available for a $29.95 suggested retail.

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) jumped into the category with the introduction of its Jam Jacket and HipCase. The Jam Jacket is engineered with "lint-resistant" silicone and comes in four colors: frost, black, vibrant pink and cobalt blue. It features the same headset management system as the company's iPod Jam Jacket. Full access to all controls, connector, headphone jack, camera and screen is available.

The HipCase is a horizontal belt clip that features a Velco tab and cutout center notch. Corner notches are designed to ensure unobstructed access to the iPhone's headphone jack, regardless of which hip it's worn on or which way it's placed in the holster.

The Jam Jacket has a suggested retail of $24.99 and the HipCase has a suggested retail of $34.99. Both are currently available.

A variety of iPhone cases hit the market courtesy of Griffin Technology, including the Elan Holster. The Holster ($29.99 suggested retail) is constructed of full-grain leather with oval emboss pattern. It has a two-way directional belt clip and microfiber inner-case lining.

The Elan Snap-In ($24.99) is made of molded leather with snap-in construction and has a 90-degree swivel belt clip. It too has a microfiber inner-case lining.

The Elan Sleeve ($29.99) is a leather sleeve case with an adjustable, elastic gore armband with a hook and loop closure. It features a two-way directional belt clip and soft static-peel touchscreen protection.

The iClear ($24.99) is a clear, two-piece polycarbonate case and clip. It comes with a removable snap-on belt clip that converts to a stand for hands-free viewing when the iPhone is in landscape mode. It also has an adjustable, elastic gore armband with a hook and loop closure.

All of these cases come with a microfiber cleaning cloth.

Finally, the Streamline sport armband ($29.99) from Griffin is designed to be lightweight and ultra-slim. It has a clear, full-face screen protector and a reflective trim for nighttime safety. The band is machine washable.

The i70 holster leather case, from iLuv, is designed to enable access to the iPhone at all times, as well as allow users to charge and sync the iPhone without taking it out of the case. It comes with two cases in a pack and is available in three models: i70WBL (black and white), i70WOR (white and orange) and i70BBL (black and blue).

The i145 silicone case keeps the iPhone's screen clean with the included protective film. It allows users to take pictures, sync and charge without taking the case off your iPhone and has access to all ports and controls. The iLuv i145 ships with two cases in a pack (black and white).

The i146 leather case features a flip cover with a built-in magnet clasp. Access to all ports and controls is available, as well as a protective film to protect the iPhone. Other features include a detachable belt clip that can be used as a stand. The i146 will be available in black, black premium, brown, pink and cream white.

The i207 sport armband has a reflective border designed to offer visibility during the evening. The water-proof plastic cover protects the wide screen while maintaining full use of the touchscreen.

All are currently available. Pricing was not available at press time.

iSkin announced the Revo, a protective skin for the iPhone. It includes a silicone protector with an anti-microbial agent; a touch-compatible privacy film; and a ViSOR, an ultra-clear polycarbonate scratch resistant screen guard. It is scheduled to be available this month in five duotone designs for a $39.99.

Model 1940 from Otterbox is designed to accommodate both Apple iPhones, and it offers three layers of protection, according to the company. The touch interface is protected through a patnented touch-screen membrane, and the sleep/wake, volume and home button are protected and usable with via pass-through buttons. The sync/charge, headphone and silence functions are usuable through plugs. The case includes a swivel belt clip. Pricing and availability were not ready at press time.

Power Support introduced two cases for the iPhone. The Crystal Jacket ($30.00) can be snapped on to the iPhone while maintaining access to all of its functions. It comes with an optional holster that can rotate 180 degrees.

The Crystal film set ($16.00) comes with two films and covers the entire face of the iPhone while maintaining the LCD brightness, according to the company. It uses static cling plastic for adhesion and will reportedly not interfere with responsiveness or leave a sticky reidue when its removed. The film can be cleaned and reapplied.

A five-product line of leather cases was launched from Sena Cases. The Dockable ($52.00) is designed to hug every curve of the iPhone, with a magnetic closure for additional protection.

The MagnetFlipper ($52.00) design offers device port openings. The cover is engineered with a hinged bottom and magnetic fastening system at top, thus allowing the cover to be flipped out of the way.

The form-fitting LeatherSkin ($42.00) is constructed of "ultra-thin premium leather," said the company, which provides a soft layer of "skin" to gently protect the iPhone from scratches.

The Elega Pouch ($39.99 to $49.99 features a ratchet belt clip, extra padding and a velvet lining.

The UltraSlim Pouch is hailed by the company as the leanest case ever designed for any mobile device. It has a suggested retail of $29.99.

Speck rolled out a host of cases and skins for the iPhone, including the SkinTight rubberized skins. Full access to controls is available. The skins come in two-packs with clear and black or clear and pink. They have a $29.95 suggested retail.

The ToughSkin "ruggedized" iPhone case enables the iPhone screen to be placed inward for optimal screen protection. It is available in black and clear for $29.95.

The TechStyle Classic ($34.95) leather-grade case is form-fitting case and features fine stitching and a plaid interior. The iPhone screen can be placed inward for optimal protection. It is available in black and brown.

Finally, Speck's Holster-Pro case features fine stitching and a microfiber lining. Its design allows for full control access, and the screen can be faced inward. It is available in black for a $29.95 suggested retail.

All of the cases come with a swivel belt clip/stand for viewing.