Gifts for iPhone lovers: 2012 holiday guide

If the special someone(s) on your holiday gift list already have iPhones, and love them, and are looking to get even more out of them, you're all in luck. There's an embarrassment of great apps, accessories, and content that make the iPhone ever so much more functional, and more fun. Here are some of our favorites.

Sector 5 case by Element Case

The iPhone 5 is one of the best looking, best manufactured devices in the history of the 'verse, but anodized aluminum can scratch and chip. If you know someone who wants to protect their iPhone's edges, and give it an even more distinctive, hypercar-inspired look, then check out the Sector 5 case by Element Case. It's everything that was great about previous generation Element Cases, but lighter and even easier to put on.

If you want something that's less corners and more curves, check out the Draco 5 for iPhone 5.

Elevation Dock

Apple chose not to offer a docking station for the iPhone 5, but that's not a problem because Elevation has updated their stylish, solid aluminum dock for just exactly that device. If your special someone would love to dock their iPhone at their desk, beside their bed, or anywhere else, they'll love the Elevation Dock.

Apple TV

Apple builds AirPlay into every iPhone, and with AirPlay, you can beam many of the videos you're watching on the small screen, right onto your big screen HDTV. Yeah, that includes video games. It also includes anything you may have on your iPhone when you visit your friends or family and connect to their Apple TV. It's just the best way to share content from the small screen to the big one.

SGP GLAS.t screen protector

Most screen protectors cover the glass iPhone display with plastic that doesn't look or feel anywhere nearly as good. The SGP GLAS.t, while slightly thicker than plastic screen protectors, feels much more like the actual iPhone display. If you know someone who's concerned about scratching their screen, get them the SGP GLAS.t.

If you'd rather get them something that's a lot thinner but incredibly strong, check out the BodyGuardz HD Anti-glare ScreenGuardz.

iBOLT ProDock Alumina

Whether it's using Siri, using turn-by-turn navigation, listening to music, or just talking on the phone, the iBOLT ProDock Alumina can help your friends and family stay safe, sound, and out of legal trouble when taking their iPhone on the road.

Olloclip 3-in-one lens system

The Olloclip 3-in-on lens system is a great gift for any iPhone user, but photography enthusiasts will really appreciate it. This tiny little accessory is equipped with macro, wide-angle, and fisheye lenses that slip over the iPhone's built-in camera. This great little kit is small enough to carry in your pocket, yet makes the iPhone's camera a lot more versatile. If your photography-loving friend doesn't already own an Olloclip, I guarantee s/he has been dying to get one.

Fantastical

It's not easy to quickly, conveniently enter appointments with the default iPhone calendar app. It is with Fantastical. All someone has to do is type in what they're going to be doing, in plain, natural language, and fantastical figures it out. If you want to make your special someone's life easier, get them Fantastical.

iOS 6 Maps are slick, but for some people, in some places, it just doesn't work well enough to be relied on. If you want to give your friends or family an alternative turn-by-turn navigation app, give them NAVIGON.

$59.99 - Download Now

Camera+

Camera+ for iPhone updated for iOS 6 and iPhone 5, Camera+ for iPad now available

If you know someone who loves to take photos with their iPhone, they'll love to take their photos to the next level with Camera+. Going far beyond the built-in iPhone camera app, Camera+ gives more control, more features, and is a ton more fun.

$0.99 on sale - [Download Now](http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/camera?at=10l3Vy&ct=UUimUdUnU16751 /id329670577?mt=8&at=10l3Vy&ct=d_im)

Your favorite iPhone gifts?

Have you already picked out the perfect iPhone gift for your iPhone loving friends or family members? If so, what are you getting them? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!

Rene Ritchie
Contributor

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.