The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus launch is right around the corner and today we’re taking a closer look at Apple’s new Leather Case and Lightning Dock. These accessories are about as simple as it gets, but keep that Apple vibe going on if that’s what you’re going for…
First up is the new Lightning Dock. This isn’t the first we’ve seen of Apple’s Lightning Dock, which we reviewed four months ago, but it’s the first time we’ve had one color-matched to a phone. Not only that, but they are now made with anodized aluminum and have a bit of extra weight, which helps keep them sturdy on a table. Apple’s new Lightning Dock comes in four different colors including the Space Gray and Gold colors you see here, but it’s also available in Rose Gold and Silver. These colors directly correspond to the iPhone 6s color variation, though all but Rose Gold will mach other iOS devices as well.
With this dock, you’ll need to use the Lightning cable and power block that came along with your iPhone and plug it into the dedicated port on the back. Right next to that Lightning port you’ll also find an auxiliary output, which is super handy in case you’d like to hook it up to a stereo system. The iPhone sits a tad bit above the dock and at a slight angle thanks to the small white spacer below the Lightning connector and there’s also some rubber grip on the bottom to keep everything in place.
Check out our Apple Lightning Dock and Case review video below:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbGcgzfYrUo]
The good news is that these docks aren’t limited to the iPhone 6s. They will work with just about any iOS device with a Lightning port, but get a bit on the wobbly side if you throw an iPad on them. However, don’t expect to remove your iOS device with one hand: the dock is weighted, but not enough to keep down on a table when you pull your device off. They docks also work with a wide variety of cases, including Apple’s new Leather case for the iPhone 6s.
So what’s the deal with this “new” Leather case? Doesn’t it look exactly the same as the last one? Well, it’s technically different in dimensions to fit the iPhone 6s and its slightly thicker body, but no need to worry, as it’s totally backwards-compatible with the iPhone 6, and has a snug fit there as well. The case comes in a wide variety of colors available from Apple’s Online Store and there’s also the Silicone Case variation if leather isn’t your thing.
These cases are made from real leather and are obviously designed to fit your phone like a glove. There’s also a slight lip around the outside of the case, which will keep your screen safe if you lay it on a table face down. On the backside, there’s a narrow cutout for the camera and flash, and along the bottom edge is where you’ll find an opening for the speaker, microphone, headphone jack, and Lightning connector. This case keeps a rather slim profile and completely covers up the volume and lock buttons as well.
Obviously, nothing is thinner than a naked iPhone, and I’m a fan of either the naked look or a skin that keeps the iPhone scratch-free, while avoiding the bulk of a case. But I have an addiction to these simple leather cases from Apple. I’m a big fan of the gold and Midnight Blue combination, and the Lightning Dock is just about as simple as it gets as far as docks go. They’re both exceptionally well-built and nice to have, but will set you back between $45 and $49 each. That’s a bit much if you ask me, but if you gotta have that Apple stuff, you gotta pay for it. Of course, there will be a wide selection of third-party cases coming out over the coming months, so if these aren’t in your budget (or taste), you’re bound to find something.
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No no no. That Dock screams “please destroy me and my new iPhone”. Seriously, possibly the worst design I’ve ever seen.
Leather case looks nice though. If uninspired, would likely do a good job of protecting without a lot of bulk.
I’d never ever in a million years use that Dock. It’s LOL!!-able…
I too am a fan of that midnight blue and gold look you have going. For me personally, I’m trading the gold for the space gray look in my upcoming iPhone 6S and Apple Watch. Was going to get a black leather case like I have for my 5S, but my choice of getting a midnight blue leather strap for the watch and this video has talked me into blue for the phone as well.
Now all they need to do is make burnt orange-colored devices like that couch cushion of yours and my orange/blue fetish will be completely satiated.
Orange/blue fetish eh? I thought I was the only one! Two of my bedroom walls are orange and the other two are blue. Love the two together and I especially love orange! lol An orange iPhone would make me happy but until they do that (which will probably be never) I settled for the 6s+ orange case and orange sport band for my Watch.
Lol yep.
I’ve never had a dock. I kind of want one but I wonder if that design would eventually lead to connector problems. Maybe the connector is built strong enough to handle the leverage. If it needs two hands to undock it I’m not as interested anyway. I’m that lazy.
I’m also that lazy, yet still bought the Dock. I simply hold down the Dock with my right pinky when pulling the iPhone off of it with my thumb and index finger. I’ve never seen it mentioned, but the Lighting plug is slightly different on the Dock: the dents are a bit smaller making it easier to unplug than the plug on the Lighting cable.
I purchased the gold and rose gold docks. Received the gold one the other day (Canceled the rose gold order before it even shipped). Opened it up. Used it one time and decided to return it. I would rather set the phone in an adjustable stand, something like Just Mobile (http://usa.just-mobile.com/alubolt.html) sells. We have their stand for our iPad Air 2 and love it; plus it looks great on the counter.
If anyone has used the Elevation Dock by ElevationLab, you’re probably aware they sell ‘nano pads’ (http://www.elevationlab.com/products/nanopad) that are rubber pads that stick to surfaces without the use of adhesives. The Elevation Dock uses them to allow one hand removal of the phone by securing the dock to a surface. When I went from the iPhone 5s to a 6 they (Elevation Lab) didn’t have a suitably sized dock, so I got the Twelve South Hi-Rise and repurposed the pads for that to secure the dock to a table. I see no reason why you couldn’t use that with this dock as well.
I believe you can get the same sort of product in sheets on Amazon and elsewhere. If I was going to get this dock I’d certainly grab something like that to keep the dock attached to the table top.
I’m curious about those leather cases (I own last year’s black one). How can they be 100% leather? Leather doesn’t form-fit like that. Do they put it through some kind of molding process and doesn’t that require additional ingredients?
I have to think it’s a thin layer of leather glued to a plastic shell…but I’ve never seen one.
I got the dock. It looks nice and works well. It seems to be very secure and doesn’t seem at all wobbly or unstable. I trust it with my phone. I will probably attack the bottom with some kind of velcro or adhesive to make it so I can remove it with one hand more easily. But, I can already remove it with one hand by using my pinky to hold it down (as mentioned in an earlier comment). I love the dock and love that it has an audio out port. So, I’ve got it hooked up to some speakers and can play the music from anywhere in the house (and control it from my watch)!
I’ve been using the brown leather case for my 6+ for about a year now. Still looks great.
Really like your dbrand skin. What color did you choose for the front? I can’t really tell in the video.