iPhone 5 Cases, Apple Reveals New Costly Must Have Accessories

During a live San Francisco event on Wednesday, Apple finally revealed the highly-anticipated iPhone 5, which will be available Sept. 21. With all the buzz and excitement surrounding the actual iPhone 5 device thanks to all its new and advanced features, some Apple-lovers may forget that the purchase of the phone also requires a purchase of updated tools and accessories. And upon further inspection it looks like the need for updated cases, docking cables, earphones, adapters, etc. could get a bit costly.

Along with the iPhone 5, Apple introduced a new set of improved earphones they call EarPods, which are supposed to give-off better sound and fit more comfortably in the variety of most people's ears. Although the EarPods are set to cost $29 separately, a pair will be included with the purchase of an iPhone and the reinvented iPod Touch and iPod Nano.

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The big thing that Apple consumers must consider is the iPhone 5's new "Lightening" port (which is where the device gets charged). The feature is 80% smaller than all previous iPhones produced since 2003 - therefore, no old Apple docking unit or adapter cable will fit into this new product.

The "Lightening" port was a necessary move considering the iPhone 5's more slender look, but now consumers are almost forced to buy the required accessories in order to make the device work properly. A separate adapter that turns a dock port into the old 30-pin connector runs for $29, while an updated adapter cord costs $39. A USB cord that connects to the Lightening port runs for $19.

With a U.S.A contract as a Verizon, AT&T or Sprint carrier, the iPhone 5 prices are as follows: $199 for the 16GB model, $299 for the 32GB, and $399 for the 64GB model. Pre-order sales begin Friday, Sept. 14.

According to the mobile advertising company Velti PLC, Apple iPhone 5 consumers could spend around $400 if they decide to purchase a number of updated accessories, including: new screen protector ($15), case ($29), belt attachment ($45), speaker system ($250), adapter ($29), spare USB cord ($19), and car charger ($25). All these items are released and sold through Apple, so there's a chance that consumers can find cheaper products from outside sources (especially iPhone 5 cases - click here to see where you can find more info on the best case/coverproducts and deals).