What are the must-have accessories for the new iPhone 16 Pro Max?

Question

Finally moving on from my iPhone 12 Pro and I’m honestly just frustrated with the state of accessories right now. My current battery is basically a paperweight and the lightning port is so finicky I have to hold my breath while it charges—so I’m really looking forward to USB-C, but the transition is a headache. I’ve spent way too much time looking at MagSafe chargers and cases. I read that the ESR Stash Stand is good for protecting the camera (which is my main priority since those lenses look massive), but then I saw a bunch of Reddit threads saying the kickstand gets loose after a month. I also looked into the Anker MagGo stuff for fast charging, but there are so many different models it’s hard to tell which one actually hits the max speeds for the 16 Pro Max.

I need to figure out:

A screen protector that doesn't feel like plastic (and actually fits the new thinner borders).

A way to handle the size—I'm worried it's gonna feel like a brick in my pocket.

USB-C cables that aren't gonna fall apart in two weeks.

I’m trying to keep it somewhat reasonable budget-wise but I’d rather pay for quality once. Are the lens protectors actually worth it or do they just ruin the photo quality? What are the absolute must-have accessories for this thing?

yuvpsenqzq · Accepted Answer

Building on the earlier suggestion about the brick feeling, honestly, dont waste your money on those paper-thin cases. Everyone recommends them to keep the size down but they offer ZERO drop protection and this phone is basically a slab of glass. You want something with actual structural integrity but without the bulk of a massive tactical case.

Screen: Everyone hypes ESR but the black borders on their protectors can lowkey cut off a tiny sliver of the display. Get the Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Screen Protector iPhone 16 Pro Max. It feels exactly like the native glass and the alignment tool is foolproof so you wont get bubbles or dust.

Handling: Ngl PopSockets are kinda ugly and make the phone wobble on a table. If you want it to not feel like a brick, look at the Ohsnap Luxe Magnetic Phone Grip. Its super thin so it doesnt snag in your pocket but gives you way better leverage for one-handed use.

Cables: Idk why people are obsessed with bio-braided marketing lol. Just get the Satechi USB-C to USB-C Cable 100W Braided. The aluminum housing at the tips is way more durable than the plastic ones Anker uses on their mid-range lines.

Lens protectors: Seriously DONT. They create a weird air gap that ruins your night shots. Just get a case like the Spigen Tough Armor iPhone 16 Pro Max that has a massive lip around the camera bump. Reviews are usually paid anyway so trust real users on this one.

wdlmtlldlf · Answer

oh man this is exactly my thing because ive spent way too much money testing this stuff lol. first off ngl lens protectors are a total scam and they RUIN your photo quality with flares so just skip those. for the screen tho the ESR Armorite Screen Protector 2-Pack is the goat because it actually fits the new slim borders without that weird lip. for the brick feeling you gotta get a PopSockets MagSafe Round Grip or your pinky is gonna die. about the charging... you want the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad Qi2 15W because it hits the max speeds without the heat issues of the older gen stuff. for cables i swear by the Anker 765 USB-C to USB-C Cable 140W Nylon because the braiding is thick and wont fray. anyway bottom line is dont overthink the lens protection just get a good case.

ScriptedVoid · Answer

Bump - same question here