Best iPhone 5 Cases And Accessories: Top 5 Complements To Apple’s Latest Smartphone [PHOTOS]

In September, Apple played host to one of the biggest smartphone launches in history. Apple fanatics and tech critics were waiting for the iPhone 5 since its predecessor, the iPhone 4S, was released in October 2011, and the long-awaited device finally hit shelves earlier this year. Apples’ sixth-generation iPhone represented the first major redesign since the Cupertino, Calif.-based company began selling smartphones in 2007, boasting a thinner and sleeker body.

Most importantly, a new product from Apple means new accessories. With major retailers like Amazon.com and independent manufactures offering dozens of options, it could be tough to narrow down the best accessories. For those out there who have just received an iPhone 5 as a holiday gift, here are some must-have premium accessories to start with.

Xtreme Mac Microshield Stand. Xtreme Mac offers a $28 Microshield Stand that provides hands-free viewing and a hard-shell case. The case is a bit thicker on the pack to protect the device from bumps and scratches, but it’s still fairly light. Xtreme Mac’s kickstand case comes in a variety of colors such as gray, turquoise, red or pink. It also features custom cutouts for each of the iPhone 5’s buttons and ports, and the kickstand snaps open from the case’s lower back. The kickstand functions in both portrait mode and landscape mode, and it manages to keep the phone upright despite the position.

Pad & Quill Little Pocket Book. At $60 this is a bit on the pricey side, but for those seeking a quality wallet-case combination it could be worth the investment. While many wallet cases are merely just a leather flap cover for a phone with a few pockets, the Pad & Quill Pocket Book offers adequate space for both cards and cash. One pocket even has a window space to display an ID card, and it comes with a thin wooden frame to keep the iPhone 5 securely in place.

Spigen Stylus Pen Kuel H14 Series. While a stylus isn’t a necessary accessory for a device like the iPhone 5, Spigen’s offering is both lightweight and comfortable. It’s just a tad smaller and lighter than a ballpoint pen, and boasts accurate touch-screen response. For the iPhone 5 user that avidly plays mobile games or is looking to keep smudges off the screen, we’d recommend this $17 stylus.

Belkin Shield Pastels. This case from Belkin features a unique eye-catching design in two distinct color themes. Users can choose to order this $30 case in an earthy mix of amber, red and teal shades or the glamorous purple, fuchsia and pink combination of colors.

Otis James/Griffin iPhone 5 Slip Cover. Hand-crafted tie maker Otis James has collaborated with Griffin Technology to offer premium slip cover cases for the iPhone 5. Available in various plaid hues, these custom-designed pockets don’t come cheap at $75. However, for those looking to add a little extra style to their iPhone 5, it’ll be tough to find something similar to Otis James and Griffin’s offering. The pouch also comes with a slot for belongings such as headphones and credit cards.

Have a favorite accessory that didn’t make the list? Share it in our comments section below.