If you wanted to, you could easily buy up a dozen iPhone accessories in one trip to the Apple store and have dozens more waiting for you to notice them next time around. And all of those accessories, of course, add up because few things in the Apple universe aren’t pricey. The problem with purchasing accessories without doing your research is that some of them are better than others — and worth the money — while a few aren’t just costly, but they can also pose risks to your phone and your security. Before you spend another dollar on a phone goodie, these are the three dangerous iPhone accessories that many tech experts would caution you not to buy.
“There are a lot of iPhone accessories on the market these days,” says David Lee, founder and CEO of Inyouths LED Mirrors. “Some of them are useful, and some of them are not so useful. But there are a few iPhone accessories that you should stay away from because they can be dangerous to your privacy and data or your phone’s battery. Let’s discuss the most dangerous iPhone accessories and why you should avoid using them.”
Sync and Charge Cable
According to Lee, one of the most dangerous iPhone accessories is the “sync and charge” cable. “These cables are made to transfer data between your computer and your iPhone, but they can also be used to hack into your phone,” Lee says. “That’s because these cables have a built-in chip that allows them to access your phone’s data. So if you use one of these cables, make sure you trust the person who gave it to you.”
Universal Chargers
“Another dangerous iPhone accessory is the ‘universal’ charger,” Lee says. “These chargers are designed to work with any type of phone, but they can damage your iPhone's battery. That's because these chargers don't have the correct voltage regulator, so they can overcharge your battery and cause it to swell up. This can damage your phone and cause it to catch fire. So if you're looking for a charger, make sure you get one specifically designed for the iPhone.”
Cases With Built-In Microphones
Finally, a few iPhone accessories can be dangerous to your privacy, Lee points out. “For example, some cases have a built-in microphone,” Lee says. “This means that your conversations can be recorded without you even knowing it. So if you're worried about someone listening in on your conversations, make sure you avoid these types of cases.”
Always look into an accessory before you bring it home to ensure it does exactly what you want — without compromising your phone or security.
