Your iPhone is a premium device, but not every accessory marketed for it is worth the price. Some, as you’ll soon see, are pure gimmicks that prey on fears and misinformation.
6Antimicrobial Screen Protectors
The idea of a screen protector that fights bacteria sounds great—after all, your phone goes everywhere with you. However, antimicrobial screen protectors don’t work the way most people think. They use silver ion coatings that slow bacterial growth over time, but that doesn’t mean your screen stays germ-free.
If you’re concerned about germs, a quick wipe with a disinfectant or microfiber cloth is far more effective than any built-in antimicrobial layer. No fancy coating can match the simple act of regularly cleaning your screen.
There’s also the issue of durability. The antimicrobial layer wears off with daily use, leaving you with just a regular screen protector—one you probably paid extra for. Instead, a good tempered glass protector will help against scratches and cracks without unnecessary gimmicks.
How I Protect My Phone From Drops and Scratches
Keeping your phone in pristine condition isn’t all that hard.
5Anti-Radiation Stickers and Cases
Anti-radiation stickers and cases claim to block harmful smartphone emissions, but these products play on fear rather than facts. Smartphones, including iPhones, meet strict standards that keep radiofrequency emissions within safe limits. There’s no credible scientific evidence that everyday phone use poses a health risk.
Worse, if these stickers or cases actually blocked radiation, they could interfere with your phone’s signal, forcing it to work harder to stay connected. This could actually increase radiation output instead of reducing it.
If you’re worried about exposure, a more practical (and free) solution is to use speakerphone or wired earbuds for long calls. But, the reality is that fears about smartphone radiation are largely unfounded, making anti-radiation accessories a waste of money.
4Wallet Cases
Wallet cases combine your iPhone and essential cards in one place, but they’re often bulky, impractical, and more trouble than they’re worth.
A common complaint is their design, which can be awkward for some users. Wallet cases add significant bulk to your phone, making it uncomfortable to hold and difficult to fit in a pocket. Many also use magnetic clasps that can get in the way when answering calls or taking photos.
Security is another concern. If a wallet case gets lost or stolen, you’re not just losing your phone—you’re also losing your ID, credit cards, and cash. This turns a minor inconvenience into a major problem, especially if you’re locked out of important accounts.
Despite their size, most wallet cases don’t offer the same protection as a dedicated phone case. Some leave the phone’s edges exposed, and the extra weight can make drops even riskier. A proper case paired with a separate slim wallet provides better security and usability without the downsides. verify tocheck these three things before buying a new phone case.
3UV-C Phone Sanitizers
UV-C phone sanitizers promise a high-tech way to keep your device germ-free, but they aren’t nearly as effective as they claim. While UV-C light is used in hospitals and labs for sterilization, its effectiveness depends on direct exposure. Any dust, smudges, or phone case edges can block the light, leaving behind untouched areas where bacteria can thrive.
More importantly, UV-C doesn’t remove dirt, grease, or fingerprints. Even if it kills some bacteria, your phone remains covered in grime. A simple wipe with an alcohol-based disinfectant is a much faster, more effective, and cheaper solution.
While UV-C light has valid medical applications, using it to sanitize a smartphone is overkill.The recommended way to clean your phoneis with a microfiber cloth and disinfectant.
2Third-Party Bluetooth Trackers
Bluetooth trackers are great for tracking your belongings, but not all are reliable. Apple’s AirTag and Tile’s official products offer solid tracking, but many third-party Bluetooth trackers suffer from weak signals, poor battery life, and unreliable connectivity.
Unlike AirTags, which tap into Apple’s vast Find My network, most off-brand alternatives rely on much smaller tracking networks—or just a direct Bluetooth connection to your phone. If your item is out of range, your tracker is essentially useless.
Another concern is security. AirTags and Tile trackers have built-in protections to prevent unauthorized tracking, but many third-party versions lack these safeguards. This can put your data at risk and make these trackers easier to misuse.
If you need a reliable tracking solution, stick with a well-established brand. Cheaper alternatives may seem like a bargain, but they often end up being unreliable, insecure, and ultimately a waste of money.
1"Premium" Screen Cleaning Kits
A smudge-free screen makes your iPhone look and feel better, but spending money on a “premium” screen cleaning kit is unnecessary. These kits typically include a fancy bottle of cleaning solution, a microfiber cloth, and sometimes a tiny brush—none of which justify their inflated price.
Most cleaning solutions are just mild soap and water or diluted alcohol packaged in sleek branding. Some even contain harsh chemicals that can damage your screen’s oleophobic coating, making it more prone to smudges over time.
Microfiber cloths—the only truly useful part of these kits—can be bought separately for a fraction of the price. Instead of an overpriced kit, a small spray bottle with water and a drop of dish soap will clean your screen just as effectively.
The next time you reach for a smartphone accessory, stop and ask yourself one question: will this really make a difference in how I use my phone? Chances are the answer is no and you can save yourself some money.
