Top 5 Must-Have EDC iPhone Tech Accessories for 2026

Lately, I’ve been leaning more and more into a sling-based EDC. As a techy husband and father of two, I constantly find myself needing more space than my pockets can hold, but not always wanting to bring an entire backpack. A cross-body sling (or fanny pack, as it was once called) has become the perfect middle ground. It forces you to be intentional about what you carry, while still giving you more flexibility than a standard pocket setup. I wanted to share some of my favorite and most standout tech accessories that I bring with me on most days—whether I’m bouncing between meetings, running errands, traveling, or just getting work done wherever I happen to be. This is my ideal everyday carry cross-body sling.

Be sure to check out our EDC video, where I mention more than just the items in this article.

Of course, we have to start with the sling itself. Over the past few months, I’ve used a dozen different slings, from small leather ones to larger folding ones to nylon ones, and everything in between. The UAG sling is a perfect middle ground of size, capacity, weight, and materials. It is rated to hold up to 1 liter, which keeps things minimal but surprisingly is able to store more than you think. Here are the key specs:

• 1-liter capacity
• Durable, water-resistant nylon construction
• Adjustable strap with secure buckle
• Dual zippered compartments
• Hidden AirTag pocket and built-in key clip

What I really like is how practical it feels day to day. It sits cross-body comfortably, doesn’t flop around when walking, and has just enough structure to protect everything without feeling too stiff. The main pocket is lined with microfiber to help protect items like your iPhone. While the other compartment has multiple pockets for different-sized and shaped items.

The UAG Sling is sold on Amazon for $49. It does not try to be more than it is, and you can tell it is extremely well built.

This is one of the most unique pieces in my sling and easily one of my favorites. I actually saw this item back at CES in January of 2025 and fell in love. It is an ultra-tiny SSD that is built for iPhone photography and videography. The Planck SSD plugs directly into the USB-C port, and your phone instantly gains external storage that works seamlessly with ProRes and Log recording.

This is what you get:

– Up to 2TB of storage
– Up to 1050 MB/s transfer speeds
– Supports ProRes and Log recording
– Ultra-compact and only 10g in weight

What makes it special isn’t just how tiny it is, but how fast and frictionless the experience feels. It works even with a case on, it’s recognized instantly, and it lets you record for hours without worrying about internal storage limits. The Planck SSD starts at $189 and works with any computer, phone, camera, or game console.

Nowadays, there are thousands of different MagSafe battery packs. They all charge your device at a certain speed, and the main differences are size and a built-in portable stand. But the Kuxiu B10 Magsafe pack has a feature that I have never seen before. It has double-sided MagSafe magnets. This allows you to magnetically attach the battery to your phone and also attach other MagSafe accessories to the other side of the battery. So simple but so genius! Here are the main specs to consider:

– 5,000mAh capacity
– Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W
– USB-C wired charging up to 20W
– Ultra-thin aluminum body
– Secondary MagSafe ring for additional accessories

The Kuxiu B10 is also only $38! I could not recommend this battery more.

This one was a pleasant surprise. I recently reviewed the M4 Snap-On and loved it. It is an ultra-compact, Bluetooth-enabled control for your iPhone that turns your iPhone into a legit handheld gaming device without committing to a bulky grip or full controller. It is also modular, so you can easily make it fit into any-sized EDC. If you’re looking for some top specs to consider, here are a few highlights:

– A modular snap-on MagSafe design
– Bluetooth connectivity
– Compatible with iPhone, iPad, Nintendo Switch, and more
– Includes an integrated kickstand
– Offers around 12 hours of battery life

Priced at just $49, this accessory is a fantastic addition to your tech collection. Whether you’re on a long flight or just out and about, it’s a handy companion. Plus, it comes in fun Game Boy-themed colors like atomic purple.

Additionally, the UAG sling bag features a secret pocket for AirTags. With the recent updates to AirTags, they are even more efficient at helping you keep track of your belongings. The enhanced features include a louder speaker, extended range, and compatibility with Apple Watch. You can currently snag a 4-pack of AirTags for just $69 on Amazon, a great deal compared to the original $99 price from Apple.

In conclusion, a sling bag offers a perfect balance of functionality and convenience. It allows you to carry essential items for your iPhone while encouraging thoughtful curation of your accessories. Each product mentioned in this article enhances the iPhone user experience, whether for photography, entertainment, gaming, or extending battery life. Watch the video above to see how all these items fit comfortably in the UAG sling!

What are your thoughts on these products? Would you consider adding them to your collection? Feel free to share your must-have items when leaving the house in the comments below.

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