Apple gadgets are big business, and if you’re a company that wants a piece of the pie (get it?), one of the best inroads is accessories. Every time Apple launches a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac, accessory makers get another chance to capture your attention and cash in. As you might have guessed, the Apple Watch is no exception, and even though you can’t buy one yet, you can already order a ton of add-ons that range from useful to absurd. These are the best of the… available.
Nomad Pod ($59.99)
Nomad
One of the main complaints about Apple’s first entry into the smartwatch market is that its battery life is unacceptably short. Apple says it’ll get 18 hours of mixed use, which it classifies as an “all-day” battery life, but that means it needs charging every night at the very least. Nomad’s Pod is like a big round battery back for the Apple Watch, promising to hold enough power for four full charges. The Pod begins shipping on June 15, and the company is only allowing 5,000 launch orders.
Actionproof Bumper ($20 earlybird, $29)
Actionproof
If you’re going to drop hundreds of dollars on a gadget it’s probably a good idea to have a bit of protection. The Bumper by Actionproof is exactly as the name suggests: It’s a rubber case that you slide your Apple Watch into, and it covers the sides completely while leaving the front and back unobstructed, along with a cutout for the Digital Crown. It’ll add a small amount of additional bulk to your watch, but that’s the price you pay to keep your expensive little gadget from harm.
The Cyclip ($TBD)
Cyclip
Apple is position the Apple Watch as an all-in-one fitness tracker, so it follows that cyclists are looking forward to tracking their rides and tallying their miles using it. The Cyclip is a handlebar adapter designed specifically for the Apple Watch, providing a platform your watch to rest while you hit the trail or road. Your watch is secured using clips that snap into place just like a watchband would, and the no-nonsense design should fit any handlebars you throw at it.
HiRise ($49.99)
Twelve South
If you don’t feel like tossing your Apple Watch on your bedside table while you snooze, the HiRise stand by Twelve South will secure it while it charges and keep it in plain view in case you get any midnight messages or notifications. The coolest thing about it is that it uses the Apple Watch charger that comes with the device, which means no worrying about sketchy third-party accessory compatibility.
Casetify watchband ($TBD)
Casetify
Didn’t like the look of any of those fancy watchbands Apple showed off during its Apple Watch event? What would you say to slapping a selfie on your band? Casetify will let you make your own with whatever images you want, and you can be sure nobody will ever see another one like it. Casetify is well-established thanks to its customizable phone cases, so it’s only logical that they’d try their expertise on the Apple Watch as well.
Reserve Strap ($249.99)
Reserve Strap
Another add-on to address the unfortunate battery life issue, the Reserve Strap is like a wearable backup battery in the form of a watchband. It clips in just like the official bands, but has a power reservoir that can give your watch a little extra juice when needed. The makers of the Reserve Strap note on the product page that they’re still “refining the design” of the Reserve Strap, which means you probably shouldn’t get too excited about it yet. That being said, it’ll be an amazing accessory if it lives up to its promise.
Epik Apple Watch kit ($TBD)
Epik
If you’re overprotective with your Apple devices, you’ll probably want something a little more industrial-grade for your wrist. The Epik Apple Watch kit is everything you’ll need to transform your Apple smartwatch from easy going to extreme. A rugged aluminum external bumper and flexible strap are designed to take whatever you can dish out, while the touchscreen and heart rate monitor remain unhindered.
Photo via Casetify