Cool UAG accessories for your phone & watch
Recently Apple introduced a new iPhone. That got me thinking about my iPhone and my Apple Ultra 2 watch, which charge together on my kitchen counter. That, in turn, led to me deciding to write this week’s column about accessories for phones and watches.
Urban Armor Gear (UAG) was founded in Orange County — a focal point for SoCal’s active lifestyle and beach scene. For their first product, UAG’s founders wanted to create “a case that could provide unrivaled protection for their phones in the most challenging situations.” That philosophy has carried all the way through to their current, broad line of high quality, military-grade, strong accessories for phones, tablets, laptops and watches, as well as AirPods & Galaxy Buds cases, power products, bags & sleeves, and gear.
The design of that first phone case featured what has become UAG’s signature pattern, which was inspired by jerry cans — “first popularized during World War II, made of pressed steel to create rigidity and strength while remaining lightweight to transport liquids like gas and water to troops.”
UAG breakthroughs include being “the first major case brand to have all our products third-party certified to Military Standards (MIL-STD 810G 516.6).” They were also “the first company to send an iPhone 6 into space (and have it survive).” Their rugged watch band for the iPhone was the first specifically designed for surfing. Outdoor enthusiasts and people from all walks of life appreciate the durability, quality and style of their products.
UAG approached me to review several of their products, and I looked forward to do so.
First, I shot photos of the products in their boxes. Then, one at a time, I unboxed them, photographed them again and tried them out.
My phone is an iPhone 14 Pro Max. It is a couple of generations old now, but it still does its job well. With that in mind, I asked to review the UAG Monarch Pro premium protection case for that phone model, since it and the other products that I review should be representative of products for many other models and brands of devices.
The case is accented with top grain leather, and its style is bold. Its jerry can signature pattern helps give the case a rugged, military look.
My iPhone’s buttons and ringer switch are all easy to operate…
… and the case has a built-in magnet for MagSafe. The MagSafe feature works as it should — both for charging and for use with my ShiftCam camera grip (see “AutoMatters & More” 871).
The bezel surrounding the phone’s screen seems to provide a bit more room to press the virtual buttons in the Contacts app of my iPhone, which is much appreciated. It is drop protection rated at 25 feet (7.6 meters). I easily transferred the wrist strap from my previous case.
I had not worn a watch in years so, when I bought my Apple Watch Ultra 2, I wanted it to have a comfortable, fabric strap.
UAG’s Active Strap is more comfortable than Apple’s.
The fabric is noticeably thicker and it is also wider.
Surfers will appreciate that, with its hook and loop fastener, and end stop, this is UAG’s most secure Apple watch band. Its elastic webbing construction is designed to minimize water retention and dry quickly, and its hardware is stainless steel.
The rugged UAG MagSafe-compatible Charging Pad, with real carbon fiber inlay, does double duty with a built-in metal alloy stand.
It comes complete with a rugged USB-C cable, but not a QC/PD 15W+ power adapter, which is recommended.
I plugged the Charging Pad into an available USB-C port on my Apple Studio Display, and stood my phone horizontally on that. I was pleasantly surprised to see my iPhone display a handy analog clock, showing me the time, day and date.
Finally, I also reviewed UAG’s 360-degree rotation, Magnetic Ring Stand.
This is a substantial, strong metal stand, again featuring UAG’s jerry can signature pattern.
For more information, and to find models specifically made for your cellphone and watch, visit Urban Armor Gear (UAG) at: https://www.urbanarmorgear.com. You can also find their products on Amazon, and at Best Buy, Verizon, AT&T, Target and other retailers.
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Copyright © 2025 by Jan Wagner – AutoMatters & More #874
Jan, great review. UAG sure makes some good looking, rugged and functional products. I don’t have an Apple Watch but do have a new iPhone 16 Pro Max. I don’t live an active lifestyle that involves surfing, swimming or rock climbing, so I don’t have to worry about water and drops from high elevations.
Since I like the color and appearance of my new iPhone, I selected the matching transparent plastic case at the Apple Store. The case has served me well, and my phone has survived without a scratch after drops from table tops, window frames, kitchen cabinets and car seats.
I must admit that if I didn’t like the looks of my iPhone as much, I could go for the UAG case just for its rugged military style alone! Great products.
Thanks David,
All of these products seem very well made and rugged, and I like their style. They prove that function does not need to be sacrificed for form (style). These products have both.
Jan