That lone Lightning or USB-C port on your iPhone or iPad is a bottleneck, plain and simple. These devices are literally computers, yet they have far fewer ports. What if you need more? Well, what are you waiting for—just add some.
Don’t worry, I’m not about to tell you to grab a Dremmel and a soldering iron. We don’t have to perform surgery on your iPhone or iPad to add more ports. Thanks to the wide world of Apple accessories, there are many easier options.
Start with a simple USB dongle
If you’re fully in the Apple ecosystem, you may already know too much about dongles from your MacBook. The iPhone and iPad can benefit just as much from a similar accessory. Sometimes, even the exact same products will work. These compact USB-C or Lightning dongles and hubs give you more connectivity options.
When shopping for a hub, there are a handful of ports you’ll want to prioritize. If you frequently work with media or photography, a microSD or full-size SD card slot will let you move files straight from your camera to your device. You should also look for a mix of extra USB-C and standard USB-A slots. The USB-A port is essential for peripherals like flash drives, external hard drives, mice, and keyboards.
Yes, a mouse and keyboard! iPads and even iPhones can be transformed into pseudo-desktop computers, especially with features like Stage Manager on the iPad. Of course, Bluetooth is always an option for mice and keyboards as well, but you should know that wired is possible if you prefer that.
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- Connection
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USB-C
- Ports
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1 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 1 microSD
- Power supply included
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No
This lightweight USB-C hub for the iPhone 16/15 enables high-quality video recording, including 4K ProRes, by connecting external SSDs/hard drives via its USB 3.2 port. It features a microSD slot for file transfer and a dedicated USB-C port for PD charging, allowing you to power your iPhone during shoots. With versatile ports, it simplifies professional video workflow on the go.
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- Connection
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USB-C
- Ports
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2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 1 HDMI, 1 SD Card, 1 TF 3.0
- USB-C Power Delivery
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85W Max Power Delivery
- Weight
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67g
- Dimensions
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5.17 x 1.46 x 0.47 inches
The Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub expands your laptop with HDMI, two USB-A ports, a USB-C PD port, a USB-C data port, and SD/TF card slots. It supports up to 85W power delivery for quick charging, all in a compact and sleek design.
Magnetic is a sleeker solution
While a dongle or a bigger hub may be fine with an iPad, you can get a little more sophisticated with your iPhone, especially if you have MagSafe. These magnetic hubs are essentially the same as other hubs, but they’re a neater option.
MagSafe USB hubs snap right onto the side of your iPhone and connect via a short, flexible USB-C cable. They can include all the same port options—microSD slots, USB-C, USB-A, and even HDMI or DisplayPort. A major benefit to this style of connection is that there is significantly less stress on your device’s lone port, as the main body of the accessory is supported by the device’s magnetic frame rather than being cantilevered from the port itself.
The iPhone (and iPad) is a modular device
Several Android manufacturers have attempted to make “modular” phones, but only Apple has successfully done it thanks to MagSafe. However, modularity isn’t only about magnets. You have the power to make your iPhone or iPad modular using any of these accessories.
It’s all about what fits your personal needs. Maybe it’s just a simple dongle for quickly backing up photos or connecting a presentation screen. A beefier hub for turning your device into a full-fledged workstation with multiple peripherals might sound more useful. And a magnetic hub for a convenient, secure, and durable connection when you’re using your iPhone on the go is always a nice choice. You have options.
A USB-C Hub Is One of the Best, Cheap Upgrades for Your Phone
Our phones were once limited by their power, but they now pack all the power of a larger PC. What they lack, more than ever, are ports. But that’s a problem a USB-C hub can solve, and it’s one of the simplest ways to upgrade your phone. USB-C hubs come in various forms. Most are wired dongles that plug into a USB-C port. Some phone-specific models hold your phone upright and are geared toward desktop modes like Samsung DeX. No matter which variety you select, they’re all good for the tasks on this list.