The Best Apple Related Accessories at CES 2018

This year's Consumer Electronics Show felt a little more muted than past shows, with fewer new and exciting products coming out. Much of that may be due to the fact that there was a lot of focus on Alexa and Google Assistant, two platforms that aren't applicable to a lot of Apple users.

Though CES 2018 may not have been quite as interesting as past events, there were still quite a few Apple-related products shown off that we're looking forward to seeing in 2018. Below, we've rounded up some of the most interesting accessories and devices relevant to those who own iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple devices.

Philips Hue Outdoor Bulbs and Hue Entertainment

Philips is planning to expand its line of popular HomeKit-compatible Hue light bulbs with new outdoor bulbs that can be used on porches, yards, balconies, and other outdoor areas. Pricing hasn't yet been announced, but these will be a welcome addition to the Hue lineup.

Philips Hue goes outdoor in 2018 3
Philips is also introducing a new "Hue Entertainment" feature that will allow Hue lights to react to games, movies, music, and more through a series of partnerships with other companies. One of the first partnerships is with Razer.

razerhue
Later this year, Philips will update its iOS app with a revamped design and it will introduce a new "Hue Sync" Mac app for creating and customizing light scripts for games, movies, and music.

Nanoleaf Remote and Square Panels

Nanoleaf, another company that does HomeKit-enabled lighting, announced a new $49 Nanoleaf Remote for controlling its Nanoleaf Light Panels and other HomeKit-compatible products. Some MacRumors readers aren't a fan of the design, but it is undeniably unique with its dodecahedron shape, and it also offers more preset options than other remotes. You can activate 12 HomeKit scenes with the Nanoleaf Remote by flipping it around, and it can also be used for dimming.

nanoleafremote2
Nanoleaf is also going to be introducing new square light panels in the future, though a pricing and release date aren't available. The square panels are a major update to the existing triangle panels. They're touch sensitive so you can turn them on and off or activate another color preset with just a tap or a swipe, and there will also be built-in motion sensing to tweak the lights when you walk by.

nanoleaf square panels

HomeKit-Enabled Kohler Faucet and Moen Shower System

Kohler and Moen took HomeKit to an interesting new place at CES with the announcement of HomeKit-enabled faucets and shower systems.

Kohler's Sensate faucet will let you use Siri voice commands to turn the water on or off or dispense set amounts of liquid, while the DTV+ shower system will let homeowners create and automate personalized shower experiences with different presets for sound, water, steam, and lighting, which can be activated by voice.

kohler sensate faucet
Moen's "U by Moen" shower system will let you use voice commands to start your shower and activated pre-set temperature choices.

u by moen 1
Voice-enabled shower systems aren't cheap, with Moen charging $1,160 for the "U." Pricing for the Kohler system hasn't been announced, but the current non-HomeKit-enabled Sensate faucet is priced at $523 while the DTV+ shower system is priced at $794.

Belkin HomeKit for Wemo and Wireless Charging Docks

At CES, Belkin finally debuted HomeKit integration for its Wemo devices, allowing smart plugs, light switches, and dimmers to be used with HomeKit. HomeKit integration is limited right now, but the good news is that future Belkin Wemo products will likely support it.

wemobridge
Adding HomeKit to your Wemo setup will require the new Wemo Bridge, priced at $40.

Belkin's other major announcement was a whole slew of new wireless chargers for the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. There are chargers in bright colors, upright chargers, and chargers that go in the car.

belkinchargingstand

Osmo Mobile 2

If you capture video on your iPhone, the Osmo Mobile 2 from DJI is worth checking out. It's way cheaper than the original version at around $160, has simpler controls, and longer battery life.

dji osmo mobile 2
It works by using a three-axis gimbal to cancel out movement in three directions for stable footage even when you have shaky hands.

HyperDrive 8-in-1 USB-C Hub

Hyper's new 8-in-1 USB-C Hub may be a Kickstarter project, but Hyper has a proven track record for delivering solid products. The HyperDrive USB-C Hub is designed for USB-C MacBook models with a 4K HDMI port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a microSD slot, an SD card slot, three USB-A 3.1 ports and one USB-C power delivery port.

hyperdrive2
It also includes a built-in 7.5W wireless charger and convertible stand for wirelessly charging the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus.

Hyper's Kickstarter campaign for the USB-C Hub will start on January 15.

Incase IconConnected PowerSleeve for MacBook Pro

Incase's new IconConnected Power Sleeve combines protection with power for Apple's 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models. It takes a standard Incase Icon sleeve and then adds a 14,000 mAh battery with a USB-C port that can be used for charging purposes.

incase1
There's also a USB-A port built into the Power Sleeve so you can charge your other devices, too. Incase plans to offer 13 and 15-inch versions of the Power Sleeve, which will be available for $199.95 when it launches in the third quarter of 2018.

We highlighted tons of other Apple-related products at the Consumer Electronics Show this year, so make sure to check out our CES hub to see all of our CES 2018 coverage. What was your favorite product at the show? Let us know in the comments.

Top Rated Comments

BlargKing Avatar
81 months ago
Smart faucets. We've hit a new low.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Stevez67 Avatar
81 months ago
A collection of the most non-essential and useless tech garbage I've seen lately.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iabacus Avatar
81 months ago
Color me unimpressed
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
elmateo487 Avatar
81 months ago
('https://www.macrumors.com/2018/01/11/the-best-apple-related-accessories-at-ces-2018/')
It takes a standard Incase Icon sleeve and then adds a $14,000 mAh battery with a USB-C port that can be used for charging purposes.
Wowzers thats an expensive battery for only 1 mAh of power
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
glindon Avatar
81 months ago
Seems like HomeKit has been a real let down. From between being overpriced and thoroughly underwhelming to downright ridiculous such as a kitchen faucet. A real smart kitchen faucet would already know that I want water from it and turn on without telling it. It would realize I soaped my hands and provide hot water. It would fill my water glass with cold water and stop when it filled the glass and if I only want 2/3 cup that’s the only time I should have to speak to it.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SeattleMoose Avatar
81 months ago
When it comes to voice commands for physical utilities like turning water off/on, it is just introducing failure modes into something that is 99.9% reliable. No thanks. If it ain't broke....
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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