After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

Case manufacturer of the year: Otterbox 

Despite a myriad of popular household names, Otterbox was a runaway winner for our case manufacturer of the year awards. When you’re spending a pretty penny on your iPhone, you want the best protection possible. Otterbox cases come in all shapes and sizes but are defined by their rugged, chunky aesthetic and protection to Max. Otterbox will no doubt have cases for the iPhone 15 and is the name to look out for in September. 

Honorable mentions:
Spigen | Speck

Nominees:
Otterbox | Spigen | Speck | CASETiFY | InCase | Nomad | Mous | Moshi | Caudabe | Pitaka | Waterfield Design 

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

 Best Mac accessory: CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt dock  

In the age of connectivity, the dock is king. Building a workstation requires the ultimate in power and precision, and none delivers more than the CalDigit TS4. With 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 3 USB-C ports, 5 USB-A ports, audio, power, ethernet, card readers, and more, there is no better desktop companion. 

Honorable Mentions:
Twelve South Curve Flex

Nominees:
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt dock | Twelve South Curve Flex | Lululook 360 Rotating Folding laptop stand | HyperX DuoCast microphone 

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

Best smart home device: HomePod 2  

When you think of smart home devices, you often think of smart locks, lights, and cameras. But the action all starts with a good base, and there’s none better than the HomePod 2, Apple’s stunning smart speaker for 2023. It’s even better than the original HomePod, which is by far and away the best voice-controlled smart speaker in its price range. With exciting new smart home features, the HomePod 2 is a must-have for any serious Apple-powered smart home.

Honorable mentions:
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 

Nominees:
HomePod 2 | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Ecobee SmartThermostat | Philips Hue Iris | Aqara Smart Doorbell G4 | Nanoleaf 4D | Ultion Nuki Plus | Wiz Luminaire Portable lamp

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

 Best monitor for Mac: Apple Studio Display

All of the entries on this list were valiant, but there was only going to be one winner when it came to the best monitor for Mac — the Apple Studio Display. Despite a bumpy launch and some webcam hiccups, the 5K beast from the West Coast is the ultimate macOS viewing experience, except for maybe the looming Vision headset. It has a price tag to match, but if you’re really serious about pixels, there’s only one winner here. Our honorable mention is the Philips 27B, for when 4K is pixels a-plenty. 

Honorable Mentions:
Philips 27B1U7903 4K

Nominees:
Apple Studio Display | Philips 27B1U7903 4K | Benq PD3220U | Porsche Agon PD32M | Dough Spectrum 4K Glossy 

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

 Best audio device: AirPods Pro 2  

The HomePod 2 came in with a shout of winning another award here, but the AirPods Pro 2 prevailed. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 boast amazing sound quality and awesome noise cancellation. But where they really excel is in their synchronicity with all your Apple devices. Get seamless pairing, fast device switching, Find My, and more all built into your existing Apple ecosystem. I absolutely love mine and would never be parted from them. 

Honorable mentions:
HomePod 2 | Sonos Era 300

Nominees:
AirPods Pro 2 | HomePod 2 | Sonos Era 300 | Beats Studio Buds Plus | 1More Sonoflow | Nothing Ear 2 | Wiim Pro

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

Best home office accessory: Herman Miller x Logitech Vantum Chair 

The Herman Miller and Logitech collab has delivered an understated gaming chair that will look at home in any office, unless of course, you go for the red option, which is definitely not understated. The Vantum excels whether you want to get up close to the action, or you’re relaxing to enjoy a movie. It’s adjustable in nearly every conceivable manner, and breathable too. 

Honorable mentions:
Anker 737

Nominees:
Herman Miller x Logitech Vantum Chair | Anker 737 MagGo Charger | Journey Rapid Trio 3-in-1 Wireless charging station | Alti Wireless Charging Desk Mat | Ugreen DigiNest Pro Charging Station 

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

Best new Mac game: No Man's Sky  

No Man’s Sky was once the laughing stock of the gaming industry, the butt of every joke, and a title that became synonymous with launching an unfinished game that overpromised and underdelivered. Now, the game is complete, established, and even better, available on Mac. It includes the entire seven-year catalog of content and has been built from the ground up to utilize Metal and Apple silicon. Warning, playing this game could literally see you lose years of your life in the blink of an eye. 

Honorable Mentions:
Resident Evil Village

Nominees:
No Man's Sky | Resident Evil Village | Return to Monkey Island | Football Manager 2023| Tunic |Psychonauts 2 | Vampire Survivors | Cult of the Lamb

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

Best Apple software launch of the year: Continuity Camera

Being able to use your iPhone as a kind of extremely high-quality webcam was always going to go down well, and Continuity Camera does just that. It not only improves image quality for your video calls and recordings on Mac, but also unlocks some great new features, like Center Stage, Portrait Mode, and Desk View for multi-cam setups. Given that most webcams on Mac hardware tend to be a little bit low res and rubbish, this made sure that everyone with an iPhone had the means to make their camera look, and function, much better.

Honorable Mentions:
Final Cut for iPad

Nominees:
Continuity Camera | Final Cut Pro for iPad | Freeform | Apple Music Classical | Logic for iPad

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

Best Apple device of the year: 15-inch MacBook Air

It’s the MacBook that no-one knew they wanted, with it’s slim frame and large display. We gave the MacBook Air with 15-inch screen five stars in our review, and if you ever get to use one, you’ll soon see why. It’s a lovely machine that balances size and portability, giving you a bit of extra space for your work while still being super easy to slip into a bag. It’s not too much more expensive than the normal, 13-inch version either, so it’s no great surprise that it netted best Apple device of the year with our audience.

Honorable Mentions:
iPhone 14 Pro | 16-inch MacBook Pro

Nominees:
15-inch MacBook Air | iPhone 14 Pro | 16-inch MacBook Pro | AirPods Pro 2 | Mac Mini M2 | HomePod 2 

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

Best app for Apple devices : Things 3 

It was a very close run thing between Things 3 and Parallels Desktop 18, but the do-it-all management app just stole it. Things 3 lets you organize your entire life across multiple Apple devices, helping you to keep track of everything you’re doing, you’ve done, and all you wish to do. There’s a reason Things 3 won an Apple Design Award, and our own plaudits: “The developers of Things have finally found the perfect balance of easy use and robust features.”

Honorable Mentions:
Parallels Desktop 18 | Apollo

Nominees:
Things 3 | Parallels Desktop 18 | Apollo | CrossOver 22 | MacWhisper | Petey

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

Best iPad accessory:  Apple Magic Keyboard Folio (10th gen) 

The Magic Keyboard elevates the iPad from a simple tablet to a powerful laptop alternative. It’s been a stalwart iPad Pro accessory for years, so we were overjoyed when Apple unveiled the new Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad 10. Apple’s entry-level iPad deserves a great Magic Keyboard and got one in October. With its full-size keys and epic trackpad, this is the ultimate iPad companion. 

Honorable Mention:
Logitech Crayon (2023) 

Nominees:
Apple Magic Keyboard Folio (10th gen) | Logitech Crayon (2023)  | Satechi Aluminum Stand and Hub for iPad Pro | Benks Infinity Pro Magnetic iPad stand | CharJenPro MAGFLÖTT for iPad Pro  | NovaPlus Pencil A8 Duo

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

Best entertainment service: Apple TV Plus

A surprise winner here (perhaps?), Apple TV+ pipped Netflix to be voted the best entertainment and streaming service among iMore readers. That might well be thanks to its excellent integration across all of Apple’s devices, or the fact that it comes free with a lot of different Apple purchases. However, consistent high-quality releases of shows like Severance, Ted Lasso, Hijack, and more have seen the show take off. There’s a lot of high-quality content, but it remains one of the very best-value services on the market.

Honorable Mentions:
Netflix | Disney Plus

Nominees:
Apple TV+ | Netflix | Disney Plus | Max (formerly HBO Max) | Apple Arcade | Xbox Game Pass | Nvidia GeForce Now

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

Most Wanted: Apple Vision Pro

What else what it going to be. Rest assured, we’re just as excited as you for the massive release of Apple’s latest new product, and we can’t wait to get a Vision Pro headset wrapped around our noggins. It looks like it's going to be more a productivity machine, with lots of attention paid to the way that the headset is going to work in a workspace setting. That’s not going to stop us from spending hours and hours with it watching everything on Apple TV+ that we can lay our greedy little digital hands on. Or is that eyes? It does, after all, use your eyes to select options.

Honorable Mentions:
iMac Pro | Apple Car

Nominees:
Apple Vision Pro | iMac Pro | Apple Car | Apple Home Hub | AirPods Max 2 | Apple AR glasses

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

Best keyboard for Mac: Logitech MX Keys Mini   

A household name in peripherals, it’s no surprise that Logitech scooped first place and an honorable mention amongst our keyboard winners. The MX Keys mini is small but mighty, boasting very cool features such as keys for dictation, emojis, and mic control. Not to mention it boasts 5 months of use on a full charge without backlighting, or 10 days with the glow switched on. Our honorable mention is its mechanical cousin for those who love tactile keyboards.

Honorable Mentions:
Logitech Mx Mechanical Mini | Keychron Q1 V2

Nominees:
Logitech MX Keys Mini | Logitech Mx Mechanical Mini | Keychron Q1 V2 | Keychron Q1 Pro | NuPhy Halo 75 | Wombat Pine Professional | NuPhy Field 75 

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

Best new iPhone game : Diablo Immortal  

Set between the events of Diablo II: Lord of Destruction, and Diablo III, this epic iPhone RPG has netted a well-deserved 4.6 App Store rating from an eye-watering 211.6k reviews. With flexibility and character customization, great combat, and an immersive world to explore, Diablo Immortal is the only iPhone game MMORPG fans should be considering. 

Honorable Mentions:
TMNT Shredders Revenge | Marvel Snap

Nominees:
Diablo Immortal | TMNT Shredders Revenge | Marvel Snap | Ultimate Sackboy | Vampire Survivors | Ten Dates

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

After collecting the votes of more than 1,000 iMore readers, we're today sharing the winners of the iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023. And the next winner is...

Best iPhone accessory: Anker 3-in-1 Cube

If Pinhead’s Hellraiser puzzle box was an iPhone charger, it’d probably look something like Anker’s wonderful 3-in-1 Cube. As compact as a Rubix Cube but with space to charge an iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch, its secret slide out charging compartments and magnetic stand functionality make it an easy winner for this category.

Honorable Mentions:
Anker 737 MagGo Charger | Journey Rapid Trio 3-in-1

Nominees:
Anker 3-in-1 Cube | Anker 737 MagGo Charger | Journey Rapid Trio 3-in-1 | Belkin Boost Charge Pro wireless car charger | Ampere Jetpack | Gamevice Flex | Shargeek Retro 67 GaN charger

Click here for the full list of iMore Readers' Choice Awards 2023 winners

You voted, we listened: Welcome to the iMore Readers’ Choice Awards 2023, where you, our amazing readership, have picked the Apple devices, apps, and accessories you want to see crowned as this year's best.

Over 1,000 iMore readers took part in this year’s voting process, ranking products, brands, software, and services across 16 categories, covering everything from smart home gear to unreleased ‘Most Wanted’ devices from Apple’s upcoming and rumored slate of launches.

We’ve now collected all the data and have our winners. If you’re looking for the best of the best Apple gear, apps, software, and third-party accessories for 2023, you’ve found it, as selected by your fellow Apple fans.

So, without further ado, here are the iMore Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 winners!

Best iPhone accessory: Anker 3-in-1 Cube

If Pinhead’s Hellraiser puzzle box was an iPhone charger, it’d probably look something like Anker’s wonderful 3-in-1 Cube. As compact as a Rubix Cube but with space to charge an iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch, its secret slide-out charging compartments and magnetic stand functionality make it an easy winner for this category.

Honorable Mentions:
Anker 737 MagGo Charger | Journey Rapid Trio 3-in-1

Nominees:
Anker 3-in-1 Cube | Anker 737 MagGo Charger | Journey Rapid Trio 3-in-1 | Belkin Boost Charge Pro wireless car charger | Ampere Jetpack | Gamevice Flex | Shargeek Retro 67 GaN charger

Best iPad accessory: Apple Magic Keyboard Folio (10th gen)

The Magic Keyboard elevates the iPad from a simple tablet to a powerful laptop alternative. It’s been a stalwart iPad Pro accessory for years, so we were overjoyed when Apple unveiled the new Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad 10. Apple’s entry-level iPad deserves a great Magic Keyboard and got one in October. With its full-size keys and epic trackpad, this is the ultimate iPad companion. 

Honorable Mention:
Logitech Crayon (2023) 

Nominees:
Apple Magic Keyboard Folio (10th gen) | Logitech Crayon (2023)  | Satechi Aluminum Stand and Hub for iPad Pro | Benks Infinity Pro Magnetic iPad stand | CharJenPro MAGFLÖTT for iPad Pro  | NovaPlus Pencil A8 Duo

Best new iPhone game: Diablo Immortal

Set between the events of Diablo II: Lord of Destruction and Diablo III, this epic iPhone RPG has netted a well-deserved 4.6 App Store rating from an eye-watering 211.6k reviews. With flexibility and character customization, great combat, and an immersive world to explore, Diablo Immortal is the only iPhone game MMORPG fans should be considering.

Honorable Mentions:
Shredders Revenge | Marvel Snap

Nominees:
Diablo Immortal | TMNT Shredders Revenge | Marvel Snap | Ultimate Sackboy | Vampire Survivors | Ten Dates 

Best app for Apple devices: Things 3

It was a very close run thing between Things 3 and Parallels Desktop 18, but the do-it-all management app just stole it. Things 3 lets you organize your entire life across multiple Apple devices, helping you to keep track of everything you’re doing, you’ve done, and all you wish to do. There’s a reason Things 3 won an Apple Design Award, and our own plaudits: “The developers of Things have finally found the perfect balance of easy use and robust features.”

Honorable Mentions:
Parallels Desktop 18 | Apollo

Nominees:
Things 3 | Parallels Desktop 18 | Apollo | CrossOver 22 | MacWhisper | Petey

Best Mac accessory: CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt dock

In the age of connectivity, the dock is king. Building a workstation requires the ultimate in power and precision, and none delivers more than the CalDigit TS4. With 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 3 USB-C ports, 5 USB-A ports, audio, power, ethernet, card readers, and more, there is no better desktop companion. 

Honorable Mentions:
Twelve South Curve Flex

Nominees:
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt dock | Twelve South Curve Flex | Lululook 360 Rotating Folding laptop stand | HyperX DuoCast microphone 

Best keyboard for Mac: Logitech MX Keys Mini

Logitech (or Logi) is a household name in peripherals, so it’s no surprise that the company scooped first place and an honorable mention among our keyboard winners. The MX Keys mini is small but mighty, boasting very cool features such as keys for dictation, emojis, and mic control. Not to mention it offers 5 months of use on a full charge without backlighting, or 10 days with the glow switched on. Our honorable mention is its mechanical cousin for those who love tactile keyboards. 

Honorable Mentions:
Logitech Mx Mechanical Mini | Keychron Q1 V2

Nominees:
Logitech MX Keys Mini | Logitech Mx Mechanical Mini | Keychron Q1 V2 | Keychron Q1 Pro | NuPhy Halo 75 | Wombat Pine Professional | NuPhy Field 75 

Best new Mac game: No Man's Sky

No Man’s Sky was once the laughing stock of the gaming industry, the butt of every joke, and a title that became synonymous with launching an unfinished game that overpromised and underdelivered. Now, the game is complete, established, and even better, available on Mac. It includes the entire seven-year catalog of content and has been built from the ground up to utilize Metal and Apple silicon. Warning, playing this game could consume years of your life.

Honorable Mentions:
Resident Evil Village

Nominees:
No Man's Sky | Resident Evil Village | Return to Monkey Island | Football Manager 2023 | Tunic | Psychonauts 2 | Vampire Survivors | Cult of the Lamb |

Best monitor for Mac: Apple Studio Display

All of the entries on this list were valiant, but there was only going to be one winner when it came to the best monitor for Mac — the Apple Studio Display. Despite a bumpy launch and some webcam hiccups, the 5K beast from the West Coast is the ultimate macOS viewing experience (except for maybe the looming Vision headset). It has a price tag to match, but if you’re really serious about pixels, there’s only one winner here. Our honorable mention is the Philips 27B, for when 4K is pixels a-plenty. 

Honorable Mentions:
Philips 27B1U7903 4K

Nominees:
Apple Studio Display | Philips 27B1U7903 4K | Benq PD3220U | Porsche Agon PD32M | Dough Spectrum 4K Glossy 

Case manufacturer of the year: Otterbox

Despite a myriad of popular household names, Otterbox was a runaway winner for our case manufacturer of the year awards. When you’re spending a pretty penny on your iPhone, you want the best protection possible. Otterbox cases come in all shapes and sizes, but are defined by their rugged, chunky aesthetic and protection to the Max. Otterbox will no doubt have cases for the iPhone 15, and is the name to look out for in September. 

Honorable Mentions:
Spigen | Speck

Nominees:
Otterbox | Spigen | Speck | CASETiFY | InCase | Nomad | Mous | Moshi | Caudabe | Pitaka | Waterfield Design 

Best smart home device: HomePod 2

When you think of smart home devices, you often think of smart locks, lights, and cameras. But the action all starts with a good base, and there’s none better than the HomePod 2, Apple’s stunning smart speaker for 2023. It’s even better than the original HomePod, which is by far and away the best voice-controlled smart speaker in its price range. With exciting new smart home features, the HomePod 2 is a must-have for any serious Apple-powered smart home, as is its younger sibling the HomePod mini.

Honorable Mentions:
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

Nominees:
HomePod 2 | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Ecobee SmartThermostat | Philips Hue Iris | Aqara Smart Doorbell G4 | Nanoleaf 4D | Ultion Nuki Plus | Wiz Luminaire Portable lamp

Best audio device: AirPods Pro 2

The HomePod 2 came in with a shout of winning another award here, but the AirPods Pro 2 prevailed. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 boast amazing sound quality and awesome noise cancellation. But where they really excel is in their synchronicity with all your Apple devices. Get seamless pairing, fast device switching, Find My, and more all built into your existing Apple ecosystem. 

Honorable Mentions:
HomePod 2 | Sonos Era 300

Nominees:
AirPods Pro 2 | HomePod 2 | Sonos Era 300 | Beats Studio Buds Plus | 1More Sonoflow | Nothing Ear 2 | Wiim Pro

Best home office accessory: Herman Miller x Logitech Vantum Chair

The Herman Miller and Logitech collab has delivered an understated gaming chair that will look at home in any office, unless of course, you go for the red option, which is definitely not understated. The Vantum excels whether you want to get up close to the action, or you’re relaxing to enjoy a movie. It’s adjustable in nearly every conceivable manner, and breathable too. 

Honorable Mentions:
Anker 737

Nominees:
Herman Miller x Logitech Vantum Chair | Anker 737 MagGo Charger | Journey Rapid Trio 3-in-1 Wireless charging station | Alti Wireless Charging Desk Mat | Ugreen DigiNest Pro Charging Station 

Best entertainment service: Apple TV Plus

A surprise winner here (perhaps?), Apple TV+ pipped Netflix to be voted the best entertainment and streaming service among iMore readers. That might well be thanks to its excellent integration across all of Apple’s devices, or the fact that it comes free with a lot of different Apple purchases. However, consistent high-quality releases of shows like Severance, Ted Lasso, Hijack, and more have seen the show take off. There’s a lot of high-quality content, but it remains one of the very best-value services on the market.

Honorable Mentions:
Netflix | Disney Plus

Nominees:
Apple TV+ | Netflix | Disney Plus | Max (formerly HBO Max) | Apple Arcade | Xbox Game Pass | Nvidia GeForce Now

Best Apple device of the year: 15-inch MacBook Air

It’s the MacBook that no one knew they wanted, with its slim frame and large display. We gave the MacBook Air with 15-inch screen five stars in our review, and if you ever get to use one, you’ll soon see why. It’s a lovely machine that balances size and portability, giving you a bit of extra space for your work while still being super easy to slip into a bag. It’s not too much more expensive than the normal, 13-inch version either, so it’s no great surprise that it netted the best Apple device of the year with our audience.

Honorable Mentions:
iPhone 14 Pro | 16-inch MacBook Pro

Nominees:
15-inch MacBook Air | iPhone 14 Pro | 16-inch MacBook Pro | AirPods Pro 2 | Mac Mini M2 | HomePod 2 

Best Apple software launch of the year: Continuity Camera

Being able to use your iPhone as a kind of extremely high-quality webcam was always going to go down well, and Continuity Camera does just that. It not only improves image quality for your video calls and recordings on Mac, but also unlocks some great new features, like Center Stage, Portrait Mode, and Desk View for multi-cam setups. Given that most webcams on Mac hardware tend to be a little bit low res and rubbish, this made sure that everyone with an iPhone had the means to make their camera look, and function, much better.

Honorable Mentions:
Final Cut for iPad

Nominees:
Continuity Camera | Final Cut Pro for iPad | Freeform | Apple Music Classical | Logic for iPad

Most Wanted: Apple Vision Pro

What else was it going to be? Rest assured, we’re just as excited as you for the massive release of Apple’s latest new product, and we can’t wait to get a Vision Pro headset wrapped around our noggins. It looks like it's going to be more of a productivity machine, with lots of attention paid to the way that the headset is going to work in a workspace setting. That’s not going to stop us from spending hours and hours with it watching everything on Apple TV+ that we can lay our greedy little digital hands on. Or is that eyes? It does, after all, use your eyes to select options.

Honorable Mentions:
iMac Pro | Apple Car

Nominees:
Apple Vision Pro | iMac Pro | Apple Car | Apple Home Hub | AirPods Max 2 | Apple AR glasses

Congratulations to all our winners

So there you have it, congratulations to all of the winners in the iMore Readers' Choice Awards for 2023, and congratulations to the winner of our $500 gift card, awarded to a random participant in the survey. Don't fret though, we'll be back next year with more great products and another exciting prize. 

There's still time to take part in the iMore Readers’ Choice Awards 2023, and to have your chance at winning a $500 Apple Gift Card!

We've had a fantastic response to our reader's survey so far, asking you to share your thoughts on what the best products, devices and apps are in the world of Apple tech. So we've decided to extend the deadline just a little to give time for any final responses to come in. You'll still be in with a chance to win that grand prize of a $500 gift card, too.

Extending until August 14, 2023, we’re asking you to fill out the iMore Reader’s Choice Awards 2023 survey below, giving you the chance to pick your most-loved Apple apps, devices and accessories from our shortlist. Everyone eligible to take part will then be entered into a prize draw for that $500 Gift Card — just in time to pick up an iPhone 15 or Vision Pro headset!

***Take the iMore Readers Choice Awards 2023 survey and enter the prize draw here!***

Once all the votes are tallied, we’ll be announcing the award winners later this month on iMore.com and our social feeds, and we’ll get in touch with the lucky winner of our grand prize.

So whether it’s a vote for the iPhone 14, your favorite case manufacturer or the gaming app you just can’t pull yourself away from… get voting, and good luck!

Terms and Conditions:

The competition opens at 12:00am (ET) / 17:00pm (BST) on 10 07 2023 and closes at 11:59pm (ET) / 04:59am (BST) on 14 08 2023. Late or incomplete entries will be disqualified. Open to all territories worldwide (excluding residents of Rhode Island, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. military installations in foreign countries, or any other U.S. territory where prohibited or restricted by law) 18 years and over, except employees of Future PLC and its group of companies (“Future”). Entries limited to one per household regardless of the form of entry. Entries must be typed in English (not handwritten, faxed or scanned) and original answers to the survey must be provided to constitute a valid form of entry. Use of automated devices or methods of submission are not valid forms of entry. There will be 1 winner in total entitled to an Apple Store gift card worth $500USD (or local currency equivalent, after the conversion rate applicable on the day of the winner notification). The winner will be randomly drawn from all valid entries received and shall be notified by Future by email within 28 days of the closing date and will be required to supply details of a delivery address. If a winner has not responded after 28 days, an alternative winner will be drawn. Future will deliver the prize. Future reserves the right to substitute any product with an alternative product of equivalent value. The prize is non-transferable and non-refundable. There is no cash alternative. No purchase required. Void where prohibited. Any person winning $600USD or more worth of prizes in a calendar year will receive an IRS form 1099 after the end of the calendar year in which the prizes were awarded, and copy of such form will be filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The value of the prize may be taxable as income and each prize winner is solely responsible for any taxes, including, but not limited to all applicable federal, state, and local taxes that become due with respect to the value of the prize. By taking part in this competition, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions, the competition rules at: www.futureplc.com/competition-rules/ and collection of personal data in accordance with Future’s privacy policy at: https://www.futureplc.com/privacy-policy/. Any personal details collected will only be used to send the prize and not for any marketing purposes unless you have opted in to receive them.

Welcome to the iMore Readers’ Choice Awards 2023, and your chance to win a $500 Apple Gift Card!

iMore.com has always been a celebration of all things Apple. Whether that’s the latest iPhones, a hot new app from a third-party developer or a cool accessory that takes your Mac’s productivity potential to new heights, it’s a joy and a privilege to be part of such a creative and exciting ecosystem.

So we’ve been thinking, why not take that celebration to the next level, and actually award and crown our favorite Apple-related items each year. And why not go one step further, and get you, our core and loyal readership, to take part too? Our editors have been working hard to draw up the shortlists for each category, and now we’re handing it over to you to vote on and pick our winners. And by taking part, one lucking participant will be in with a chance of winning a $500 Apple Gift Card (or the equivalent amount in your local currency!).

So what do you need to do? Until August 6, 2023, we’re asking you to fill out the iMore Reader’s Choice Awards 2023 survey, giving you the chance to pick your most-loved Apple apps, devices, accessories from our shortlist. Everyone eligible to take part will then be entered into a prize draw for that $500 Gift Card — just in time to pick up an iPhone 15 or Vision Pro headset!

***Take the iMore Readers Choice Awards 2023 survey and enter the prize draw here!***

Once all the votes are tallied, we’ll be announcing the award winners in August on iMore.com and our social feeds, and we’ll get in touch with the lucky winner of our grand prize.

So whether it’s a vote for the iPhone 14, your favorite case manufacturer or the gaming app you just can’t pull yourself away from… get voting, and good luck!

Terms and Conditions:

The competition opens at 12:00am (ET) / 17:00pm (BST) on 10 07 2023 and closes at 11:59pm (ET) / 04:59am (BST) on 31 07 2023. Late or incomplete entries will be disqualified. Open to all territories worldwide (excluding residents of Rhode Island, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. military installations in foreign countries, or any other U.S. territory where prohibited or restricted by law) 18 years and over, except employees of Future PLC and its group of companies (“Future”). Entries limited to one per household regardless of the form of entry. Entries must be typed in English (not handwritten, faxed or scanned) and original answers to the survey must be provided to constitute a valid form of entry. Use of automated devices or methods of submission are not valid forms of entry. There will be 1 winner in total entitled to an Apple Store gift card worth $500USD (or local currency equivalent, after the conversion rate applicable on the day of the winner notification). The winner will be randomly drawn from all valid entries received and shall be notified by Future by email within 28 days of the closing date and will be required to supply details of a delivery address. If a winner has not responded after 28 days, an alternative winner will be drawn. Future will deliver the prize. Future reserves the right to substitute any product with an alternative product of equivalent value. The prize is non-transferable and non-refundable. There is no cash alternative. No purchase required. Void where prohibited. Any person winning $600USD or more worth of prizes in a calendar year will receive an IRS form 1099 after the end of the calendar year in which the prizes were awarded, and copy of such form will be filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The value of the prize may be taxable as income and each prize winner is solely responsible for any taxes, including, but not limited to all applicable federal, state, and local taxes that become due with respect to the value of the prize. By taking part in this competition, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions, the competition rules at: www.futureplc.com/competition-rules/ and collection of personal data in accordance with Future’s privacy policy at: https://www.futureplc.com/privacy-policy/. Any personal details collected will only be used to send the prize and not for any marketing purposes unless you have opted in to receive them.

Thank you so much for taking the time to fill out our survey. We're sorry but you don't meet the criteria to take part at this time. 

We sincerely appreciate your time and commitment to iMore and hope to see you back in the future.

We wanted to share our appreciation for the time you've taken to complete our audience survey. Your opinions and insights are valuable to us, as they help us to to shape iMore and what we offer to Apple fans across the globe.

All the data and information you've shared will be kept strictly confidential.

iMore.com has always been a celebration of all things Apple. Whether that’s the latest iPhones, a hot new app from a third-party developer or a cool accessory that takes your Mac’s productivity potential to new heights, it’s a joy and a privilege to be part of such a creative and exciting ecosystem.

So we’ve been thinking, why not take that celebration to the next level, and actually award and crown our favorite Apple-related items each year. And why not go one step further, and get you, our core and loyal readership, to take part too.

Without further ado then, I’m happy to announce that we’re bringing back the iMore Readers’ Choice Awards!

It’s been years since iMore has crowned our favorite devices, apps and accessories, and we want to make sure you’ll be as involved as possible. While our editors are working hard to draw up the shortlists for each category, we’d love your input too on what you think deserves recognition.

So over the next few weeks, we’re giving you the chance to get in touch and let us know your most-loved Apple apps, devices, accessories and more, for a chance to get them shortlisted in our lists.

After that, it’ll be over to you, our readers, to vote on the products picked (more on that to come later!), before we announce our winners.

Have your say!

So, how can you get in touch with us? Well, there are a ton of ways!

First, there’s our ever-ready iMore forums. Just reply to this post in the forum where we’ll be keeping a close eye on your responses. Also, our forums now help fuel our back-in-action commenting section — any comment you make on the forum will appear on our articles, too.

Secondly, there’s Twitter. You can find us at @imore, and if you use the hashtag #iMoreAwards23 we’ll be able to sift through and find the posts directly related to the Awards conversation.

Thirdly, there’s Facebook. Drop us a message there and we’ll be sure to see it.

Finally, you can email me directly! Just pop ‘iMore Awards’ in the headline and I’ll be sure to get back to you. I’m on Twitter too if that’s easier.

Here are the categories we’re currently discussing entrants for (this list is subject to change before the voting stage starts):

• Best Apple device of the year
• Best Apple software launch of the year
• iMore Readers’ Most Wanted (e.g, unannounced or rumored devices)
• Case manufacturer of the year
• Best iPhone accessory
• Best iPad accessory
• Best Mac accessory
• Best keyboard
• Best monitor
• Best smart home device
• Best audio device
• Best iPhone app
• Best iPad app
• Best Mac app
• Best mobile game
• Best Mac game
• Best entertainment service
• Best home-office gear

We’re primarily looking for items that have launched in the past year — but we’ll be open to considering older devices or software that have had a big, game-changing update recently too.

That’s it for now! We’ll be opening voting up in a few weeks time, and we’ll have more details on dates and contenders soon. In the meantime, get in touch to make sure your most loved corners of the Apple ecosystem get the kudos they deserve!

We love unboxing, testing, benchmarking, and reviewing the latest and greatest Apple gear at iMore, as well as the various gadgets and software that help you make the most of your iPhones, iPads, Mac computers and more. 

We take our responsibility to provide informed and accurate recommendations and reviews seriously. And to make sure we deliver on our commitment to provide reliable advice, we've built an evaluation system and associated set of review standards that all of our writers and editors follow.

Our ability to adhere to these strict standards is enabled and supported by our parent company Future PLC, one of the world's largest technology publishers, which means we have the resources and people power to take the time we need to provide advice and recommendations you can trust and rely on.

Visit our About Us page to learn more about iMore and our editorial staff.

Our reviews guarantee

iMore’s promise to you:

• We do not take payment for product reviews, ever. Our reviews always have, and always will be, based on our independent testing, free of outside influence.
• We chose products for review based on what we believe our audience is most interested in.
• Our thoughts and commentary  in reviews is purely our own – no advertisers or partner brands have any say on our scoring.
• If a product isn't up to scratch, we'll tell you exactly why. We won't sugar coat problems, or mislead you. Bad reviews are just as valuable as good ones.
• We test products in the same real-world environments you would use them, and ensure each reviewer has been given ample time to thoroughly test a product before typing down their thoughts. We'll leave no stone unturned, no feature untouched.
• If you think we're not living up to this promise, please email the editor in chief and we'll aim to put it right.

We have strict processes in place to dictate how we evaluate products, and they vary based on the type of product or service. For example, a Mac requires more time and resources than an iPhone case. Two guiding principles remain true in all our reviews and recommendations: We take the time we need to get it right, no matter how long that may be; and we would never recommend a product we wouldn’t purchase and use ourselves.

Our star rating system

iMore rates the products and services we evaluate using a simple star scale, with one being the lowest rating, and five being the highest, and half marks awarded for those edge cases in between. These ratings combine objective data and performance with the subjective context of the product in its wider ecosystem, as well as the experience of the writers:

⭐ = Avoid this product
We don’t recommend spending your money.

⭐⭐ = Mediocre
We don’t recommend a purchase, but some redeeming factor kept this product from receiving one star. In some instances, a reader may consider a purchase.

⭐⭐⭐ = Average
There are reasons to avoid this product, but a reader may find enough value to justify the investment.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ = Good
Buyer's should be aware of potential concerns, but the product or service has enough redeeming qualities to earn a recommendation.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = Superb
We recommended this product without reservations. You won't regret spending your money on a five-star iMore pick.

We also use half-star ratings to provide even more detail in our ratings, and such scores mean the products fall somewhere between the clear designations listed above.

Review awards

Products or services that win our coveted Best award are the cream of the crop, the products we'd buy ourselves and recommend to friends and family. If it bears the iMore Best badge, your money will be well spent. However, even when a product or service earns itself a Best badge, we make sure to specify any potential shortcomings or areas of concern for users.

iMore's Recommended award means the product is worthy of your consideration. It's a product we endorse and feel confident recommending to our readers. Recommended award winners may not be best in class, but they're reliable and deliver on their promise of quality. If it has a Recommended badge, we wouldn't hesitate to purchase it ourselves or suggest a friend consider it. Even if a product earns a Recommended badge from iMore, we always make sure to spotlight potential concerns.

Our reviewers: Specialist expertise

iMore’s seasoned team was hand-selected to ensure we maintain the quality our site was built on from day one with a wide range of expertise. We’re more than a decade old, and we’re one of the most respected Apple sites on the web for good reason. 

Writing about Apple’s products and ecosystem every day, and reviewing and evaluating anything and everything that encompasses, is a privilege and a challenge, and our editorial staff know that and treat it as such. Being an iMore writer isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle.

Many writers and editors review products for iMore, but these staffers lead the charge.

Gerald Lynch is the Editor-in-Chief of iMore, keeping careful watch over the site's editorial output and commercial campaigns, ensuring iMore delivers the in-depth, accurate and timely Apple content its readership deservedly expects. You'll never see him without his iPad Pro, and he loves gaming sessions with his buddies via Apple Arcade on his iPhone 14 Pro, but don't expect him to play with you at home unless your Apple TV is hooked up to a 4K HDR screen and a 7.1 surround system.

Bryan Wolfe is iMore’s Mac jack of all trades. If Bryan’s not reviewing a new Mac laptop or computer, you can bet he wishes he was. He’s also our go-to writer for software-related evaluations and recommendations.

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design.

Rebecca Spear is our point person for all things gaming. Rebecca not only reviews games and related gear, she coordinates nearly all gaming coverage on iMore. You'll never find her without her Nintendo Switch and iPhone nearby.

We also can't forget our trusted stable of freelance contributors who also regularly test and review products on iMore:

• Karen Freeman (accessories)
• Chris Close (HomeKit)
• Nicolette Roux (fitness tech)
• Jaclyn Kilani (accessories)

Again, you can find more details about the people on iMore on our About Us page.

Contact us

If you think we're not living up to our promise, we want to know about it. You can email our content director Jeremy Kaplan directly, who reads each and every message our readers send.

The iMore team of Apple enthusiasts and experts shows you how to get the most out of your tech life by using Apple products and the apps, services, and devices they connect with to their fullest. 

iMore is THE destination for everything iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, MacBook and Apple Watch. With in-depth buyers guides, detailed help guides, expert product recommendations, and timely tips, the iMore staff seeks to provide all the guidance likeminded Apple lovers could possibly need. 

Born in 2008 of a merger between trusted Apple sites The iPhone Blog and Phone different, iMore is a mainstay in the Apple community for good reason. Every single iMore writer and editor takes their job seriously, and we prioritize accuracy and editorial independence in everything we do, never receiving compensation for coverage and never pulling punches.

Meet the iMore team

Our top contributors

Executive team

How we test

We love unboxing, testing, benchmarking, and reviewing the latest and greatest Apple gear at iMore, as well as the various gadgets and software that help you make the most of your iPhones, iPads, Mac computers and more. 

We take our responsibility to provide informed and accurate recommendations and reviews seriously. And to make sure we deliver on our commitment to provide reliable advice, we've built an evaluation system and associated set of review standards that all of our writers and editors follow.

iMore’s promise to you:

• We do not take payment for product reviews, ever. Our reviews always have, and always will be, based on our independent testing, free of outside influence.
• We chose products for review based on what we believe our audience is most interested in.
• Our thoughts and commentary  in reviews is purely our own – no advertisers or partner brands have any say on our scoring.
• If a product isn't up to scratch, we'll tell you exactly why. We won't sugar coat problems, or mislead you. Bad reviews are just as valuable as good ones.
• We test products in the same real-world environments you would use them, and ensure each reviewer has been given ample time to thoroughly test a product before typing down their thoughts. We'll leave no stone unturned, no feature untouched.
• If you think we're not living up to this promise, please email the editor in chief and we'll aim to put it right.

Our five-star scoring system

iMore rates the products and services we evaluate using a simple star scale, with one being the lowest rating, and five being the highest, and half marks awarded for those edge cases in between. These ratings combine objective data and performance with the subjective context of the product in its wider ecosystem, as well as the experience of the writers.

Find out more on how we test, review and rate

Ethics and standards

iMore is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organization (IPSO) which regulates the UK's magazine and newspaper industry. We abide by the Editors' Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. 

If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint please contact Jeremy Kaplan, our Content Director. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors' Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk.

Licensing, reprints, and permission

For reprints and logo licensing, email us at licensing@futurenet.com.

About Future PLC

iMore is part of Future PLC, which also includes the Android Central and Windows Central communities. Each year, this network of sites reaches more than 500 million consumers, with more than five million subscribers and followers, and we see 500,000 user engagements each month.

iMore privacy policy

iMore.com is part of Future PLC. We are both fiercely committed to protecting your privacy. Please have a look at our in-depth privacy policy for details on how we ensure readers' privacy remains a priority.

First introduced in 2011, Zoom offers a unified communications platform that provides video meetings, voice, webinars, and chat across multiple platforms, including desktops, phones, mobile devices, and conference room systems. While it's primarily for enterprise use, Zoom offers traditional PBX features that enable employees to talk and interact remotely. In other words, work from home!

Most users are first introduced to Zoom by receiving an invitation to join a video conferencing call. The feature offers real-time messaging and content sharing.

• Joining a Zoom Cloud Meeting
• Creating a Zoom Cloud Meetings Account

Joining a Zoom Cloud Meeting

You can join a Zoom meeting across multiple platforms, including iOS and iPadOS, and through the Zoom website.

To join through the Zoom app:

1. Download the Zoom Cloud Meetings app from the App Store.
2. Tap the Zoom Cloud Meetings app on your mobile device Home screen.
3. Choose Join a Meeting on the default Start a Meeting page in the app.
4. Enter the Message-ID you received from the event organizer.

5. Add your name under Join with a personal link name box.
6. When applicable, toogle off Don't Connect To Audio.
7. When applicable, toggle off Turn Off My Video.
8. Tap Join Meeting to join the meeting.

To join a meeting through the Zoom website:

1. Visit the Zoom join page through a web browser.
2. Enter Meeting ID or Personal Link Name under Join a Meeting.
3. Click Join.

Creating a Zoom Cloud Meetings Account

To host a Zoom Cloud Meeting, you must first create a free Zoom account. You can do this through the Zoom Cloud Meeting app or website.

To create a free account through the Zoom Cloud Meetings Account:

1. Tap the Zoom Cloud Meetings app on your mobile device Home screen.
2. Choose Sign Up on the default Start a Meeting page in the app.
3. Add your email address.

4. Add your first and last name.
5. Agree to the Terms of Service.
6. Tap Sign Up.

7. Tap OK on the message confirming your account.
8. Choose Activate in the email received by Zoom to activate your account.
9. Add an password to your Zoom account.
10. Confirm password.

At this point, you can invite other people to join Zoom or skip the step. It's up to you.

Starting a Zoom Cloud Meeting

You can start a Zoom meeting across multiple platforms, including iOS and iPadOS, and through the Zoom website. All steps assume you're logged into your Zoom Cloud account.

To start a meeting through the Zoom app:

1. Tap the Zoom Cloud Meetings app on your mobile device Home screen.
2. Choose the Meet & Chat tab.
3. Select New Meeting.
4. Tap Start a Meeting.

5. Choose Call using Internet Audio to hear others, otherwise choose Cancel.
6. Select Participants.
7. Tap Invite.
8. Choose a way to invite a participant. Options include email, message, invite, or copy URL.
9. Follow sending options for the way you selected above.
10. Repeat Steps 6-9 to invite further participants.

11. Tap End when ending your meeting.

To start a meeting through the web:

1. Tap Host a Meeting at the type right on the logged-in Zoom website.
2. Select With Video Off, With VIdeo On, or Screen Share Only.

3. Follow the prompts, which require installing the free Zoom app on your computer.

Limits and final thoughts

A basic Zoom plan offers 40-minute time limits on meetings with three or more participants. Otherwise, hosts need to purchase a premium plan. Zoom provides a great way to connect with employees remotely. You can also use it with family and friends. If you have any questions about Zoom, let us know in the comments below.

Things get old and you replace 'em: that's just how the world works, but sometimes you have a hard time letting go of that one piece of tech...

Maybe it's an older iPhone that's still kickin' and you can't bring yourself to throw it out. Maybe it's a dented and damaged iPad from years back.

Regardless of what it is, we want to know, so we're asking in the iMore forums: What's the oldest iOS product you still use daily?!

Join the discussion in the iMore forums!

Hop on into the iMore forums and join the discussion today!

Xbox vs. Playstation. iPhone vs. Android... There are these polarizing little pieces of tech that have the world divided in one way or another, but at the top of that list is the Windows vs. Mac (or iMac Pro right about now...) debate, and it's been raging for years.

Now we're asking the big question and want to know your thoughts: Are you switching from Windows? Maybe to an iMac Pro? Why or why not? Is there a particular Mac or Apple product that's stolen your Windows-loving heart?

We're wondering why you'd ever switch from Windows, so hop on into the iMore forums and join the discussion today about whether or not you'd go from Windows to iMac Pro!

The iPhone SE was a phone that made a lot of people happy — whether it be for its size, it's classic design, or it's less expensive price tag.

For some people, it's all about the size with iPhone SE.

While others say that even though they picked up the iPhone 8, they'd still be interested in a new iPhone SE. Even if it's in a new, iPhone X-style design.

Would you pick up an iPhone SE 2? What do you think?

Hop on into the iMore forums today and share your opinion, the rumors you've heard, and everything you know/want/desire about the iPhone SE 2!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

The new iPhones brought a ton of new features to the table, but one literally lets you charge your iPhone directly on the table without any pesky plugs or wires AKA the new wireless charging mats.

Some people say that the option is super nice, but that it depends on if the speed of the mat while charging an iPhone is still up-to-snuff and not sluggish:

While others plan on picking up several different types of charging mats for the home, their office, and when they're on the go!

But what about you?!

Hop on into the iMore forums today and join the discussion over whether wireless charging has your heart singing, or if you'd just prefer to simply plug on in as usual.

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

The Apple Event on September 12 was pretty awesome, especially considering how many new gadgets and updates were unveiled!

But with all the new gear, the new features, and the new EVERYTHING, there are probably a bajillion-and-a-half questions floating about in everyone's head... So who's there to answer them?

******Cue dramatic trumpet*******

THE iMORE TEAM IS, THAT'S WHO!

Join us in the iMore forums and let us know your top questions about the iPhone X and Apple Watch series 3, Apple TV 4K, and everything else that was announced on Tuesday!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

Editor's Note: This is a full product review created by a member of the iMore community. If you'd like to participate in this program, please reach out to our Community Manager or read this forum thread for more information.

Let me just start by saying this: RhinoShield is freaking awesome!

It has an amazing selection of cases, and if you're the type of person who likes to have some personality or customization with your case selection, then look no further than RhinoShield's Custom PlayProof case collection!

The brand caters to everything ranging from cool abstract animal designs to quirky art and everything in between. Whatever style you're looking for, RhinoShield no doubt has something for everyone.

Pros

• So many fun and cool designs to choose from
• Reasonably priced at $29.99
• Provides excellent protection
• Very satisfying button clicks

Cons

• Maybe too many options: you'll go broke wanting to collect them all!
• You won't be able to put your phone down it feels so good now

Just like the SolidSuit case that I reviewed, the PlayProof is an amazingly well-built case that feels incredibly sturdy, yet also very light at the same time. It's such a pleasure to hold in the hand and use day to day. With some cases, I just want to rip them off only hours after putting them on, but that's not the case (ha!) with the PlayProof.

The only downside with the PlayProof compared to the SolidSuit is the cutout for the mute switch is slightly smaller, so you are definitely going to need your nails to use it. Again, the buttons click with a very satisfying tactile feel.

Luckily this time I didn't have to test its sturdiness with a drop, but I'm confident it'll perform just like the SolidSuit.

The PlayProof is another stellar case from RhinoShield (I mean, I'm really impressed with these guys!) and with the custom options, you have a wide array of really cool cases to choose from to add to your collection.

See at Amazon

Editor's Note: Welcome to our first ever Community Review here on iMore! This is a full product review created by a member of the iMore community, and we're thrilled to share it with you! If you'd like to participate in this program, please reach out to our Community Manager or read the forum thread for more information.

Cases, cases, cases, I love cases, down in my pocket. In the past, I have reviewed minimalist-style cases, luxurious wood-laden cases, protective cases straight out of Fort Knox, and now, I am trying out a fit-life, active-style convertible case designed by tech21, and no, your eyes aren't deceiving you… I said "convertible".

The tech21 Evo Wallet Active Edition case is a 2-in-1 case, which incorporates a removable front cover which can be used to stuff all sorts of things in to free up your pocket space, or wallet, when you hit the trail or go for a nice run.

Sound great? Let's dive a little bit deeper and see what this case is all about.

Pros

• Solid construction and durability
• The pouch built into the cover is well-designed and convenient
• Great for stow-and-go activities and fitness scenes
• Backed by tech21's one-year warranty if the phone case becomes faulty or defective

Cons

• Not for everybody; price or design
• Expensive! If you want it, try to catch it on sale
• Long-term durability of the pouch/cover may be an issue down the road
• Screen doesn't shut off when the cover is closed

The Look

After opening the package that came in the mail (which is always like Christmas for tech enthusiasts like me), I was happy to see that the packaging was easy to open, which was nice after I nearly destroyed a package recently while trying to get a case out of it.

The presentation is definitely top-notch with this case. The packaging has a small nylon pull tab on the side that allows the case to slide out like a little drawer on a nightstand. My initial observations were positive. The texture and fine-woven material that creates the cover has a lot of appeal and definitely adds to the "Active" description of the case model. It looks like something you can tote around during outdoor activities, throw in a bag, or generally just appreciate being able to carry in some cargo shorts and not have to worry about it.

The construction is solid all the way around, and it comes in three different colors: pink, black, and smoke gray. The two biggest selling points for this case are mobility and protection - emphasis on mobility. I have reviewed a few protective style cases lately, and the Evo Wallet was more than ample in the security department. The mobility aspect is definitely apparent and appreciated.

If you're someone who likes to carry as little as possible and not have to worry about where to set your phone down during more dangerous activities for phones, like a brisk jog, getting tossed in a gym bag, or lugging it around in your backpack while you go hiking, then this case may be just what you're looking for.

Overall, I think the aesthetics are catchy and definitely fit the build. Another cool feature on the Evo Wallet is that the cover can be removed. That's right ladies and gentlemen, the case is convertible. You can carry it around with the cover on it, and then at your leisure, replace the insert that has the flap attached and you can turn it into a normal phone case. I actually think the case looks a bit more stylish this way and is much more well-suited for daily use.

Much to my disappointment, the cover does not turn the screen off when you close it, so you will need to keep an eye on that. I also need to add that it's not as easy to convert the case as the instructions would lead you to believe. It works well in theory, but in practice, this case gave me a fit trying to change between the two modes.

The Feel

The entire case feels solid, which helps reassure you that it was worth the hefty price tag associated with this case (currently $64.95 on tech21s website — I was able to find them a little cheaper on Amazon, but prices and availability were hit and miss).

The woven material on the cover feels nice, but I would recommend being careful with how you stow the case. I didn't run into any issues personally, but it seems like the woven fibers could fray over time, or potentially get snagged. The cover material is very stretchy, which was by design. The front cover pouch is designed to be loaded up with car keys, ear buds, and anything else that you can manage to squeeze into it. I didn't stuff it with car keys, but it was nice ditching my wallet and toting around just my phone with my driver's license and debit card in it. (PSA: Not that this isn't obvious, but if you put your house key, drivers license, and credit card into the phone case — if someone steals it, it all walks off at once.)

There are no problems with the functionality of the pouch, but I do have concerns about overstretching it, or how it will hold up over time. Also, the spine on the phone — the side with the volume rocker on it — is kind of slick, which makes it difficult to grab from that side, or hold onto securely. This is especially important for prospective left-handed owners.

Also, the slick material doesn't provide the consistency or ease of access that I like for the volume buttons. The volume buttons are covered and not easy to find or use while the cover is closed. I don't want to sound overly negative, but these are important considerations when the phone case is as expensive as this one, and is designed for more fit-wear type conditions. I don't have any doubts about the physical security of the device, but it may take a few days to get used to before you decide to take it on a 5k.

Protection

The overall look off the device is definitely on par with "Active" wear, especially with the fancy 3D woven fiber cover installed. The case bumpers have a nice feel to them. According to tech21, the case is made out of "FlexShock" material, which it claims is an ultra efficient impact-absorbing material that can provide greater protection than its competitors with a 30% reduction in thickness and 60% lighter. FlexShock is three layers thick and provides 3-meters/9.9-foot drop protection — 10ft really seems to be the magic number for many of these newer protective cases, so is definitely on par with the standard.

Having used the case and trusted it to protect my iPhone 7 Plus, I can certainly say that I feel safe having it strapped into this case. One thing I'd like to add that I'm not crazy about is trying to take the phone out of the case. I didn't include a picture of what happened to my fingernail when I was trying to pry the phone out of the case, but I'll say I bent the heck out of it. It's great that the case is so tight and secure, until you're trying to pry it loose.

You definitely don't have to worry about the phone falling out on accident, but you need to be careful with your fingers. I don't recommend using any sort of object to extract the phone with.

Conclusion

I don't recommend this case for everybody. The case definitely hits a lot of high points for potential active users, as the name of the case implies. I actually think that it's very well suited for physical fitness and training activities. However, for day-to-day use or for the average phone user, I think there may be other cases that might better serve you, and your wallet.

The Evo Wallet Active Edition is the first case that I've ever tried that is specifically geared towards active wear and use, and I think that it does a good job carving out a place for itself in your backpack or gym bag. However, I don't think it checks enough boxes to qualify recommending it for daily driver status. I will admit, it's great being able to tote your car key/house key, debit card, and driver's license around in, but it may not match well if you're wearing a suit and tie. One added bump to the feasibility of the case is that the cover is removable, which actually takes the phone up a notch for me.

The case does look really nice, especially with the solid/clear blended design to spice things up a bit, but the conversion process to flip it back and forth wasn't worth it for me. Maybe the conversion mechanics will get better with time, but straight out of the box it was rather frustrating.

Recommendation

If you're into working out and rigorous indoor/outdoor training, it's great. If you're not, there are other lesser-priced Evo cases.

What do you think?

Do you have a review you'd want to share? Then hop on into the iMore forums and write one up — we'll be sure to check it out!

See at Amazon

It's no surprise that there have been more phones made with smaller and smaller bezels, showing a trend that a thicker border is on the way out.

The new Galaxy S8 stretched edge to edge, making people raise an eyebrow at what Apple might have up their sleeve with the launch of the iPhone 8… but what do you think?

Some people say that after going from a phone with a light bezel to an iPhone 7 Plus, things feels a bit "dated"...

While others say that even though a bigger bezel is outdated, it's not nessisarily a bad thing for security and durability...

Hop on into the iMore forums today and let us know if you're team no-bezel or team bezel and why!

[Join the discussion on the iMore forum!](https://forums.imore.com/general-apple-news-discussion/391896-do-you-think-smartphones-large-bezels-look-outdated-2.html{.cta .large}

In the last couple of weeks, there have been plenty of reported incidences of people getting burned by a glitter case: if you don't know what a glitter case is, it's an iPhone case filled with a liquid solution that's typically mixed with colored glitter, rhinestones, beads, etc.

While these cases are beautiful to look at and make good accessories for your iPhone, people have started reporting that the unknown liquid used in the cases has started to leak and cause pretty severe, graphic chemical burns on people's bare skin.

Companies have started making recalls, but we have to ask: have you been affected at all?

We're chatting glitter cases and unsafe iPhone accessories in the iMore forums and would love to have you join us — so hop on in, share your opinion, and join the discussion today!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

With the introduction of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus' headphone jack-less design, people who didn't normally buy Bluetooth headphones didn't really have much of a choice.

Fast-forward a few months, and it seems like everyone has a pair of wireless headphones now, but what about you? We're chatting about whether or not the way of the wire has wained by the wayside!

While some people say they use both...

… Others are ready for the Bluetooth longhaul!

Hop on into the iMore forums, take the poll and join the discussion today about whether or not you're still rocking headphones with wires or if you've already gone the wireless route!

When Apple's Airpods first launched, people were pumped to say the least 💪🏼, but some also complained that they were having a tough time finding a set for themselves.

Fast forward a number of months later and people still seem to be stuck and attached to wires while they could be rocking out wirelessly: So what gives?

Do you think there's been a shortage of Airpods lately, or did you pick up your pair without any problems?

Some people have mentioned that there has been a bit of a delay and they would rather just order online and wait...

While others say they've been able to find them at their local Verizon stores and Walmarts...

But what do you think?

Hop on into the iMore forums today and join the discussion to let us know if finding your AirPods has been more difficult than a super duper hard page in Where's Waldo, or if you picked up a pair in an instant!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

We've recently had to say goodbye to a couple of iPod models (RIP Nano, we hardly knew ye), but that doesn't mean that there aren't some people who still fall head-over-heels for their iPod every time they plug their headphones in!

So we have to ask: are you one of those people who still rocks an iPod in 2017?

Hop on into the iMore forums and join the discussion today over whether or not you think the iPod has a place in 2017!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

It's not news that there have been phones released recently that have little to no bezel incorporated into their design, but does that mean if the new iPhone has a larger bezel, it's, well, lame?

Some people say that the concept of a larger bezel isn't necessarily dated, just kind of odd...

While others say that it would for sure look dated, especially compared to some of the newest phones available out there...

But what do you think?

Hop on into the iMore forums today and [join the discussion]https://forums.imore.com/general-apple-news-discussion/391896-do-you-think-smartphones-large-bezels-look-outdated.html#post2969414(https://forums.imore.com/general-apple-news-discussion/391896-do-you-think-smartphones-large-bezels-look-outdated.html#post2969414) about whether a thicc bezel is best or if thinner might actually look sleeker!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

In the last number of years, it seems like more and more people have shied away from their traditional laptop for browsing on the couch or surfing on the toilet and have instead been drawn to their iPads to do almost anything their MacBook can (with a number of exceptions, of course).

Are you one of those people who had shifted from MacBook to iPad? If so, why or why not? We're chatting in the iMore forums to see why some people would pick an iPad Pro over a MacBook Pro!

Some people say that their iPad Pro has actually become their primary computer of sorts...

While others say an iPad simply won't cut it for the programs that they want to use...

But what do you think?

Hop on into the iMore forums today and join our discussion! We're always chatting about all things Apple, iPad, MacBook, iPhone, current Apple news, weird Apple rumors, and so, so, SO much more!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

A former Google executive says Android photography is far behind the iPhone, but what do you think? Join us in the iMore forums and share your opinion on which device's camera reigns supreme!

… But what do you think?

We're chatting all things photography — from Android to iPhone and everything in between! — in the iMore forums today and would love to hear your opinion!

So would you only ever shoot your images with an iPhone, or would you dare branch out and try an Android phone to take your perfect mobile pictures? Let us know what you think!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

Everyone has that one piece of tech that they can't really let go of, regardless of how truly ancient it is.

With all the stellar gadgets and gizmos that Apple has put out in the last few years, we have to wonder: is there an older techy toy in your arsenal that you can't seem to part with?

Hop on into the iMore forums and join the discussion today and let us know what ancient tech holds a special place in your heart!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

The iPod Nano and Shuffle had a great run, and they'll always have a special place in our hearts.

While it's true that we still love the iPod, some people have been quick to abandon it in the tremendous, multi-tasking shadow that is the iPhone, but we have to ask: do you still love your iPod?

It's no surprise that some people have said bye-bye to their iPods long before Apple discontinued the iPod Shuffle and Nano...

While others are keen to keep on using their iPod, whatever version, as long as it's still working properly and pumpin' out killer tunes...

But what do you think?

Shuffle on into the iMore forums today and join the iPod discussion! We're always chatting about all things Apple, iPhone, iPod, and much, much more!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

When you get a new iPhone or a brand new, shiny MacBook, it's not hard to peep which different, beautiful cases are available for the latest model.

It's also not hard to start hoarding Apple Watch bands and silicone cases as your addiction grows, which raises the question: Are you addicted to collecting a specific accessory for a particular Apple product?

We're chatting in the iMore forums to see who loves collecting what – and why!

But what do you think?

Hop on into the iMore forums and join the discussion today! Let us know if you're obsessed with Apple Watch bands, snap-on iPhone cases, MacBook keyboard decals, or whatever!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

The Braven Stryde 360 is Braven's latest Bluetooth speaker offering from its "Active" series, which combines water resistance, excellent sound, and a price tag that's more than easy to swallow.

Here's my full review!

Audio quality

When I first unbox a Bluetooth speaker, I don't take stock of how it looks, the controls, or any other superfluous features. I immediately connect it to my phone and play my go-to test songs (generally any of my favorite songs of the moment that have wide dynamic ranges — this month it's One Good Piece Of Me by Big Wreck.

I was quite pleasantly surprised by how the Stryde 360 performed. It pumps out a rich, warm low end, thanks to its two passive radiators, which are located on each end of the speaker. Speakers of this size that favor bass generally overdo it and muddy up the rest of the mix, but the Stryde 360 provides a more-than-present midrange and high end, with crisp, clean treble. Many similar Bluetooth speakers also tend to become distorted at high volumes, but not this one (unless you pump your phone to max volume and the speaker to max volume, which is just silly if you want it to last longer than a day). If you like your music loud or need it loud for an outdoor party or what have you, the Stryde 360 will clearly pump out the jams without issue.

The big test, however, came in the shower. This is a water-resistant speaker; of course I'm going to use it in the shower. I have no tub, just a walk-in shower that's enclosed on all sides but the door. I've used other bass-favoring Bluetooth speakers, like the UE Wonderboom, which is a great speaker, but terrible for an enclosed shower — the bass muddies up everything. The Braven Stryde 360 performs exceptionally well in the shower. I stand it on an end, and since it has speakers on two sides, the mids and highs bounce off the shower walls, while the bass pumps out of the top and bottom, providing a great mix that's perfect for singing along.

Design

In a word: brilliant. The Stryde 360 is a sexy Bluetooth speaker looks at home on your desk, in the backyard, or by the pool. It comes in silver with green accents (the version I have) or a darker gray with red accents. Its cylindrical shape makes it perfect for toting along in your backpack's water bottle pocket, and it'll even fit in cup holders (like the ones that come on some pool floaties).

The rubber playback controls blend fairly seamlessly into the hard plastic body, and the ends have a ring of durable rubber so that you can stand your Stryde 360 up if your prefer. On the opposite side from the playback controls are two feet for standing and the very well-protected microUSB charging port, USB-A port, and 3.5mm auxiliary port. The rubber cover is even a little difficult to open, but I'd rather that than water damage.

All in all, it's a great-looking speaker that's clearly made for life, wherever it happens.

Features

For $100, you certainly get a lot with the Stryde 360. Playback control right on the speaker is a big thing for me, especially on one that I use in the shower (believe it or not, I have a couple Bluetooth speakers with only a power button — UGH). I hate having to constantly step out of the shower to change the song, drying my hands each time. Just hold down the volume up or volume down button to skip to the next track or previous track, respectively.

Voice control is another huge feature (though not uncommon to Bluetooth speakers), allowing you to use Google Assistant or Siri through the speaker itself. Take notes, change songs, make phone calls, whatever.

Battery life

Put it this way: I received the review unit over two weeks ago, charged it up the day I got it, and haven't had to charge it since. I use it in the shower almost every day, as does my wife. So yeah, battery life's pretty good.

The 2500mAh battery should power a party jam for the entire party and well into the night.

Should you buy it? Absolutely

For $100, you get more in the Braven Stryde 360 than you do in most other competitors around the same price or even higher. It sounds great, it looks slick, it has awesome features, and it's versatile to a fault (as far as something that plays music can be, anyway).

If you're looking for an excellent Bluetooth speaker that you can take with you anywhere, then I'd choose the Braven Stryde 360.

See at Amazon

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus came out a couple of years ago, and in the last little while, upgrades and updates have made other older iPhones obsolete, bringing people to ask the question: Is the iPhone 6 Plus even worth using anymore?

I'm under the strong impression that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!", but what do you think? We're chatting about the iPhone through the years in the iMore forums and would love to hear your opinion!

Some people claim that the iPhone 6 Plus is still great, citing that others are still attached and loyal to their iPhone 5s...

While others say that their iPhone 6 Plus still has an "outstanding battery life", despite it's age...

But what do you think?

Hop on into the iMore forums and join the discussion today to let us know if you think the iPhone 6 Plus is worth hanging onto – or if it's time for an upgrade (got your eye on the iPhone 8? Let us know!).

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

Sometimes, life happens and you crack your iPhone screen — and sometimes after you crack your iPhone screen, you get it replaced from the help of a kinda sketchy third party.

You know, one of those shops that's always advertising SUPER CHEAP iPHONE SCREEN REPLACEMENTS NOW!!!!!!!!! with neon signs and a bajillion flashing lights.

Regardless of however or wherever you go to to get your screen fixed, some people are wondering if getting it replaced will hurt their chances of turning in and upgrading their iPhone in the future.

But what do you think?

We're chatting everything iPhone, Apple, and (i)more in the iMore forums and would love to have you chime in! Hop on into the discussion today and let us know if you think Apple can tell if a screen has been replaced on an iPhone!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

Owning a smartwatch can be beneficial for you in a billion different ways, but some people like variety in their wearable accessories, so it's no surprise that some have collections of sorts.

Are you one of those people who has a couple of different smartwatches to choose from? Or do you have one reliable piece that's your go-to for everything?

Some people claim that they have around 4 different smartwatches in their collection...

While others have the original Apple Watch and are happy to be stickin' to it!

But what about you?

Hop on into the iMore forums and join the discussion today to let us know how many smartwatches you have, which ones you intend to pick up in the future, and which ones you'd avoid like the plague!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

When the Apple Watch Series 2 was announced last year, people were pumped about new waterproof features, the new rose gold and other color options, and even the new Disney faces!

Now there's a chance that the Apple Watch Series 3 is on the horizon, which begs the question: are you saving up for one?

Some people say that if the Apple Watch Series 3 doesn't knock their socks off, they'll go for the Nike+ this year...

While others say that they'd really have to be blown away to pick up a third watch in 3 years...

But what do you think?

Hop on into the iMore forums and join the discussion today to let us know if you'll be picking up an Apple Watch Series 3 once it launches!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

Whenever a new iPhone is launched, there are always flaws that are found and pointed out by curious and concerned consumers.

A few years ago it was the bending of the iPhone 6, but when the iPhone 7 Plus launched last year, there was some speculation about the antenna – specifically, how it might not be the best of the best…

Some people say they've seen a bit of a difference between their iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 6 Plus...

While others say they only notice a difference in the number of bars they would normally get...

But what do you think?

Hop on into the iMore forums and join the discussion today! We love to hear from different Apple-lovers and their opinions on different tech, updates, gadgets, and more!

See you in the forums!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

One of the most challenging things to decide on as someone who likes to keep up-to-date with their tech is whether one gadget is better than another – which is just the conundrum we're discussing in the iMore forums.

Is it worth it to sell a barely-used Surface Pro 4 to pick up an iPad Pro 10.5? What do you think?

Hop on into the iMore forums and join our discussion today! We're always chatting about all-things Apple, tech, and phone related, and would love to have your input within the iMore community.

See you there!

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!