While consumer tech accessories serve as a year-round bright spot for the industry, they traditionally play an even more pivotal role during the holiday selling season. Last year, smartphone wireless-charging mats alone saw dollar and unit sales more than double in Q4 vs. the prior-year period, according to The NPD Group.
Whether positioned as crucial add-on protection or as impulse buys during the consumer purchase journey, protective and power solutions for mobile devices will undoubtedly once again add healthy padding to those holiday margins.
Click through to see a selection of accessories expected to be best-sellers this holiday season.
The wireless charger can be used with Qi-compatible devices; it also comes with an optional stand for landscape or portrait viewing mode. Details include LED status indicator, slip-resistant design, a choice of black or white, and a $59.99 suggested retail. It’s currently shipping.
Designed for use with the Amazon Echo, this protective shell features a built-in lithium-ion battery that enables users to transport their smart speaker without needing to plug it in. It has an interior silicone pad and an external hard shell that protects the Echo from drops. Battery life is said to be eight to 10 hours. It’s currently shipping for a $49.99 suggested retail.
These ultra-thin iPhone cases are designed to be put through the wringer. In addition to IP68 total waterproofing, they boast MIL-SPEC drop-proof protection yet still maintain wireless charging compatibility. They also come with two screen protectors: one for everyday use and one for waterproofing. A magnetic mounting design enables them to pair with the company’s other smartphone accessories. Suggested retail is $89.99.
The ultra-thin portable battery — it has a profile of just 12.9mm — can reportedly recharge an iPhone X up to four times on a single charge, as well as provide temporary power to a USB-C laptop. Features include both USB-C and USB-A ports, dual device charging, two included cables and an anodized aluminum finish. Suggested retail is $99.95.
This multi-device charger provides USB-C Power Delivery and Adaptive Fast Charging technology within a single device, providing up to 18 watts of power. It’s able to accommodate all USB-powered devices, including USB-C laptops, and can reportedly quick-charge an iPhone X/8 or Samsung Galaxy 9/9+ from 0 to 50 percent in 30 minutes. Features include folding prongs, illuminated USB port and a $49.99 suggested retail.
Offered in eight colors, the soft silicone cases for Apple’s signature wireless ear buds feature IP67-rated waterproofing (to 1 meter) and a design that maintains access to the buds’ charging port. Suggested retail is $24.99. They’re currently available.
With designs for both the iPhones X and the Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+, the company’s first 10-foot drop-tested folio cases include covers that convert to viewing stands, as well as slots that hold up to three credit cards. Three colors are offered: Heather Black, Heartrate Red and Eclipse Blue. Leather versions are also offered in black or brown. Pricing ranges from $44.95 to $59.95.
The company’s Symmetry Series of clear iPhone cases are now offered in designs with Disney’s Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Mulan, and Snow White. The cases include raised beveled edges and dual-layer protection. Pricing ranges from $44.95 to $54.95.
This special edition of the company’s MIL-SPEC drop-tested cases include scratch-resistant skid pads, oversized buttons and wireless charging compatibility. Cases come in Hunter, Arctic and Midnight patterns, each with a $49.95 suggested retail.
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