Skip the Unboxing

Holiday 2026

New iPhone?
What to buy first

A new iPhone comes with a USB-C cable and nothing else. Pick your new model and we'll show only what fits it: the right case and protector, which charger it can actually use at full speed, and what you can skip.

Updated 15 November 2026 ยท from Apple's specifications

How this page makes money. Some links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links never change a verdict, nothing here is a paid placement, and we don't list Amazon prices because they change by the hour. Repair prices and trade-in values are Apple's own.

Pick your new iPhone.

1. A case

The cheapest protection there is. Buy it before the phone arrives.

Look for: your exact model on the listing, a raised edge around the screen and cameras, and MagSafe magnets so chargers and wallets snap on.

Cases on Amazon

2. A screen protector

Usually sold in packs of two or three, for much less than a screen repair.

Look for: tempered glass with an alignment frame.

Screen protectors on Amazon

3. A power adapter

Not in the box. If you already have a USB-C adapter of 20W or more, skip this.

Look for: USB-C, 20W or more; a 30W+ one also charges an iPad or runs a 25W magnetic charger.

Anker Nano 30W USB-C charger

4. A magnetic charger

Charges at up to 25W.

Look for: Qi2.2 or 25W MagSafe.

Apple MagSafe Charger (25W) Anker Prime 3-in-1

5. An AirTag for your keys or bag

Shows up in the Find My app on your iPhone, next to the phone itself.

AirTag on Amazon

Buying on Amazon? Prime members get free, fast delivery on millions of items, handy for holiday gifts. Not a member? See Amazon's current Prime offer (affiliate link: we may earn a referral fee if you join). Student or 18 to 24? Prime for Young Adults costs less.

What you can skip

And AppleCare+?

Apple sells AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss monthly or yearly. Whether it's worth it depends on how often you break phones: see the break-even math.

Moving from an old iPhone? See what to do with it.

Your old iPhone

Questions

Does a new iPhone come with a charger?

No. It comes with a USB-C cable only. Any USB-C power adapter of 20W or more fast-charges it.

Which iPhones charge at 25W wirelessly?

The iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo, among others, with a Qi2.2 or Apple's newest MagSafe charger. The iPhone Air charges at up to 20W and the iPhone 17e at 15W.

Fix or upgrade, by model

Keep reading