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9to5Mac Gift Guide: Smart wallets for iPhone (or your pocket)

This holiday season marks Apple’s second year selling a wallet (now with Find My support) and there are a lot of other great iPhone wallet cases with varying advantages. We’ll also look at some standalone wallets with smart iPhone integration for those that don’t prefer to use a wallet case.

I’ve been using some type of wallet case since iPhone 3G, so I’ve tried just about everything out there.

While Apple’s second-gen MagSafe Leather Wallet is a really great choice for iPhone 12 and 13, it’s not right for everyone.

Below, I’ve included a variety of high-quality iPhone wallets and wallet cases (most of which I’ve used) that offer everything from the ability to carry 6 cards + cash, to the slimmest experience possible, plus some alternative ideas.

iPhone wallets and wallet cases

Best iPhone wallets holiday gift guide - Apple MagSafe Leather Wallet

The MagSafe Leather Wallet for iPhone 12 and 13 is a really nice choice for an iPhone integrated wallet.

If storing 3 (maybe 4) cards max and needing to remove it from iPhone to access the cards aren’t an issue, the MagSafe Leather Wallet has some great features:

  • Premium build quality
  • Find My support (can view location, enable Lost Mode, or be notified if your wallet detaches from iPhone)
  • Flexibility to use with and without your iPhone
  • Works with and without a case
  • Multiple colors make it easy to create a unique/personalized combination

The MagSafe Leather Wallet for iPhone 12 and 13 retails for $60 direct from Apple, at Amazon, and .

If $60 is more than you want to spend, there are third-party look-alikes on Amazon between $10-$30.

Mujjo is one of my favorite wallet cases for iPhone, and the same goes for many of my teammates here at 9to5Mac.

You’re getting a premium leather wallet that is barely thicker than a non-wallet case. If you’re looking for a great minimal iPhone wallet case, this is one to consider.

  • Sharp design with premium leather
  • Easy card access
  • Good protection
  • Super slim

You can pick up Mujjo wallet cases for pretty much any iPhone direct from Mujjo or on Amazon for around $50.

iPhone wallet cases gift guide holidays 2021

I’ve reviewed and used jimmyCase for several years, and I think it’s one of the best all-around cases, let alone iPhone wallet cases.

You get great drop protection, lots of beautiful options with the real-wood back, and the elastic card/cash holder is really versatile without being bulky.

  • Securely holds up to 6 cards + cash
  • 36 options with different wood/elastic band patterns/colors
  • Great for those who change how many cards they carry regularly and those who use cash
  • Can still be a slim case depending on how much you carry
  • Handmade in California

jimmyCase has models for pretty much any iPhone, and they cost $50-70. Unfortunately, due to the demand the company is seeing, cases ordered since 12/2 won’t arrive in time for the holidays, but they do have a printable gift card as a nice alternative.

iPhone wallets gift guide smart wallets Twelve South SurfacePad

If you’re looking for a folio-style iPhone wallet case without bulk, the SurfacePad is an awesome choice.

  • Attaches directly to the back of iPhone via strong adhesive (doesn’t leave marks or residue if/when you remove)
  • Slim design holds 2 cards
  • Doubles as a stand for your iPhone

Twelve South offers SurfacePad for all iPhone 12 and 13 models for $50.

Smart wallets and other alternatives

If you’re looking for a standalone wallet, here are a few recommendations.

iPhone wallets gift guide smart wallets Ekster

I first tried out Ekster two years ago and have been really impressed since then. The company uses premium leather and has innovative, super functional designs that use a mechanism (with many models) to fan out all your cards.

  • Premium build
  • Can make any Ekster wallet smart with a Siri-enabled solar-powered tracking card
  • Super handy functionality
  • Variety of options depending on how many cards/cash you carry

Check out our full review of Ekster’s wallets.

Ekster is running a holiday sale this year with up to 35% off. Prices start from $29 and go up closer to $100 for the top-end wallets.

If you’re looking for something a little different than a traditional wallet, Moment has a neat Crossbody Wallet. These are great to carry more than just cards/cash without carrying a larger bag or purse.

  • Available in leather, canvas, and ripstop
  • Adjustable crossbody strap and comes with wrist rope too
  • Scratch-free microfiber pockets
  • Works with Pro Max iPhones/Plus iPhones

You can pick Moment’s Crossbody Wallet direct from the company, normally starting from $50 but now going from $30 for the holidays.

Bellroy has built a reputation for making some of the best wallets on the market. The company features a wide variety of designs and styles with great functionality.

  • Lots of choices
  • Premium leather and build
  • RFID protection on many models
  • Traditional and modern options
  • Can add a tracking card like Ekster’s to make any of them smart with Siri or throw in an AirTag

Check out everything from traditional bi-folds to zip wallets and cardholders. Prices range from $55 to $100+.

Read more 9to5Mac gift guides:


Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

Check out the latest Apple iPhones at great prices from Gizmofashion – our recommended retail partner.


Author: Michael Potuck
Source: 9TO5Google

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