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Top 100 Phone Trends for 2012

From Instagram Parodies to Embroidered Phone Cases

— January 17, 2013 — Tech
Phone trends of 2012 prove this was the year the cell phone became more than a communication device, or even an accessory; it became a part of pop culture. For years, people's phones have deviated further and further from their initial purpose. In 2012, phones became widely recognized as cameras, computers, fashion pieces -- by the end of the year, phones stopped being a medium for discussing current news or humor and became the subject of news or humor themselves.

An example of this is seen in the hilarious site 'HeTexted,' which prompts users to share screenshots of text conversations so others can decipher the "texting language." Instagram changed the phone industry for good in 2012, with numerous camera-specific phone attachments, such as the Gizmon Clip-On Lense, putting the emphasis on a mobile device's photo capabilities.

Whether you're in the industry or not, sifting through these microtrends is sure to spark some ideas. If you're looking to deep dive into the world of phone trends, check out our Phone Trend Report.
6.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
100
Feline-Wrapped Techcessories
Feline-Wrapped Techcessories
The Kiki Case Offers an Adorable Way to Protect Your Phone
<
99
Video Business Cards
Video Business Cards
The EyeJot vCard Lets You Distribute Your Details in VCF Form
<
98
Luxuriously Soft Tech Accessories
Luxuriously Soft Tech Accessories
Protect Your Apple Products with Gamuza Microsuede Protection
<
97
Transparent Smartphone Designs
Transparent Smartphone Designs
The Brick Concept Phone is Functionally See-Through
<
96
Smartphone Comparison Infographics
Smartphone Comparison Infographics
The New iPhone 5 Doesn't Seem to Offer Any Big Changes
<
95
Stickable Smartphone Cases
Stickable Smartphone Cases
The Resin iPhone 4/4S Guard Secures to Mac Screens
<
94
Endangered Animal Covers
Endangered Animal Covers
The Adorable ‘Anicase' iPhone Designs are Eco-Conscious
<
93
Defaced Billboard Marketing
Defaced Billboard Marketing
African Angel Scratch Advertising Immediately Gains Donations
<
92
Pepper Spray Phones
Pepper Spray Phones
The SmartGuard Defense Mechanism Keep You and Your Phone Safe
<
91
Intoxicating Smartphone Sleeves
Intoxicating Smartphone Sleeves
The Intoxicase iPhone Case is Durable and Convenient
<
90
Snapping Camera Stands
Snapping Camera Stands
Modahaus Steady Stand Makes Overhead Pictures a Snap
<
89
Cable-Carrying Mobile Cases
Cable-Carrying Mobile Cases
CaseInity's Cord-On-Board Case Ensures iPhone's Never Run Out of Power
<
88
Mini Cyborg Phone Docks
Mini Cyborg Phone Docks
The Helios iOS Device Turns Your Cellular Device into a Robot
<
87
Swiveling Camera Concepts
Swiveling Camera Concepts
The Apple Quicktake is an Intelligent and Intuitive Device
<
86
Pocket-Peeping Handsets
Pocket-Peeping Handsets
The Glance Smartphone Enables Hands-Free Notification Monitoring
<
85
Couture Tech Protectors
Couture Tech Protectors
Encase Your Gadgets in the New Gucci Apple Covers
<
84
iPod-Converting Applicators
iPod-Converting Applicators
The Freedom Pop Sleeve Turns Your iPod into an iPhone
<
83
Mobile Usage Stats
Mobile Usage Stats
The 'How Do People Use Their Phones' Infographic is Informative
<
82
Heavy-Duty Tablet Holders
Heavy-Duty Tablet Holders
The Rokform Rokstand is Rugged and Masculine
<
81
Mobile Heath Monitor Add-Ons
Mobile Heath Monitor Add-Ons
The Tinke by Zensorium Tracks and Records Your Vital Signs
<
80
Tubular Tablet Audio
Tubular Tablet Audio
The Zooka Wireless Speaker Bar Also Provides a Durable Grip
<
79
Social Media Smartphone Concepts
Social Media Smartphone Concepts
The Facebook Phone Enters the Market With a Blue Bang
<
78
Regenerative Phone Protectors
Regenerative Phone Protectors
The Self-Mending Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone Case
<
77
Strikingly Sophisticated Smartphones
Strikingly Sophisticated Smartphones
The Porsche & BlackBerry P'9981 Model at CES 2012 is Revamped
<
76
Damage-Resistant Mobile Devices
Damage-Resistant Mobile Devices
The Lumion T2 Smartphone Will Give Apple Some Competition
<
75
Natural Smartphone Sheaths
Natural Smartphone Sheaths
The iNature iPhone Case Becomes One With the Earth After You Upgrade
<
74
Do-It-All Timepieces
Do-It-All Timepieces
The Bluetooth 'Meta Watch' is Stylish and Crazy Functional
<
73
Photo-Sharing Service Graphs
Photo-Sharing Service Graphs
The Instagram Infographic Charts the Success of the iPhone App
<
72
Corporate Giant Charts
Corporate Giant Charts
The 'Just How Big Is Apple?' Infographic Shows the Extent of Influence
<
71
Smartphone Polaroid Cameras
Smartphone Polaroid Cameras
The Impossible Instant Lab Turns iPhone Images into Real Photos
<
70
Transparent Time Keepers
Transparent Time Keepers
The 'Chameleon Clock' for iPhone or iPad Blends In
<
69
Projector-Equipped Smartphones
Projector-Equipped Smartphones
The Samsung Galaxy Beam is a Step Ahead with Hologram Capabilities
<
68
Screen-Cleaning Cases
Screen-Cleaning Cases
The Loyto Esineide O Case is a Handy Solution for iPhone Case
<
67
Mobile Backup Batteries
Mobile Backup Batteries
The Innergie PocketCell Supplies Emergency Smartphone Power On the Go
<
66
Multi-Tool Smartphone Protectors
Multi-Tool Smartphone Protectors
The ReadyCase for iPhone is Like a Hi-Tech Swiss Knife
<
65
Smartphone Photography Totes
Smartphone Photography Totes
The iPhone Lens Wallet Can House Four Lenses and a Tripod
<
64
Gangster Smartphone Protectors
Gangster Smartphone Protectors
The Knuckle Case Provides Protection for Your iPhone Via Your Fist
<
63
Bulletproof Smartphone Covers
Bulletproof Smartphone Covers
The 'Armored Case' by Marudai Should Be Kept in One's Breast Pocket
<
62
Mobile Finger Painting
Mobile Finger Painting
The Phone Arts Tumblr Displays Pictures Made Entirely on Handhelds
<
61
Deceptive Phone Protectors
Deceptive Phone Protectors
The iPhone Military iCA Case Turns a Smartphone into a Sleek Camera
<
60
Smartphone-Controlled Timepieces
Smartphone-Controlled Timepieces
Receive Mobile Notifications On-the-Go with the Pebble Watch
<
59
Rugged Smartphone Protectors
Rugged Smartphone Protectors
The 'SYSTM' Collection by Incase Offer Cases Made to Withstand it All
<
58
Smart Phone Projectors
Smart Phone Projectors
The 'PRJ016 iPhone Micro Projector' Displays Your Work on the Big Screen
<
57
Suctioned Smartphone Stands
Suctioned Smartphone Stands
Barnacle by Monocomplex is a Conveniently Clingy Mobile Companion
<
56
Comparative Media Graphics
Comparative Media Graphics
The Social Media vs. Traditional Media Infographic is Future Focused
<
55
Diverted Attention Infographs
Diverted Attention Infographs
The Perils of Multitasking Chart Explains Why Focusing is Key
<
54
Android-Operated Cycles (UPDATE)
Android-Operated Cycles (UPDATE)
The Shadow eBike 2.0 Contributes Thrust and Records Your Rides
<
53
Slick Sixth-Gen Smartphones
Slick Sixth-Gen Smartphones
This iPhone 6 Concept Features a Clean Button-Free Face
<
52
Coffee Cup-Inspired Smartphone Covers
Coffee Cup-Inspired Smartphone Covers
Connect Design Releases the ‘Taylor Mug' iPhone
<
51
Frosted Phone Covers
Frosted Phone Covers
Mr. Kate Shows How to Make Delicious-Looking Protectors
<
50
Cardboard Smartphone Speakers
Cardboard Smartphone Speakers
The Eco Amp Amplifies Sound in a Natural and Eco-Friendly Manner
<
49
Designer-Patterned Protectors
Designer-Patterned Protectors
The Marc by Marc Jacobs x Incase iPhone Cases are Affordably Chic
<
48
Dating Mixed-Messaging Blogs
Dating Mixed-Messaging Blogs
The HeTexted Website Provides Input Regarding Romantic Messaging
<
47
Accordion-Like Smartphone Cases
Accordion-Like Smartphone Cases
The TidyTilt iPhone Protector is Packed with Functional Features
<
46
Touch-Sensitive Waterproof Cases
Touch-Sensitive Waterproof Cases
The iPhone Scuba Suit Has a Gel Screen for Easier Use Underwater
<
45
Graphic Wooden iPhone Decals
Graphic Wooden iPhone Decals
The Field Trip iPhone Skins are Funky and Waterproof
<
44
Retro Canvas Cases
Retro Canvas Cases
The Love Energizer iPhone Cover is Old-School
<
43
Rainbow Smartphone Camera Cases
Rainbow Smartphone Camera Cases
The Holga iPhone Lens Spins The Rainbow Into Your Pictures
<
42
Canine Smartphone Covers
Canine Smartphone Covers
The iPUP Case & Card Holder is Cute and Convenient
<
41
Slim Solar-Powered Smartphone Sleeves
Slim Solar-Powered Smartphone Sleeves
Keep Eco-Friendly With the EnerPlex iPhone Case
<
40
Intrinsic Camera Phone Attachments
Intrinsic Camera Phone Attachments
Gizmon Clip-On Lenses Provide Easy-to-Use Polarizing Filters
<
39
Simulated Manicure Apps
Simulated Manicure Apps
Virtual Nail Salon by ModiFace is a Temporary Way to Sport Sweet Nails
<
38
Latched Smartphone Covers
Latched Smartphone Covers
The Grat Leverage iPhone Case is Designed for Elegance and Protection
<
37
Smartphone Photo Handles
Smartphone Photo Handles
The Belkin iPhone Shutter Grip Provides a Steadying Ergonomic Handhold
<
36
Notification Phone Covers
Notification Phone Covers
The FLASHr iPhone Case Ensures You'll Never Miss a Call
<
35
Literary Smartphone Chargers
Literary Smartphone Chargers
True Vintage Classics lets You Dock Your Phone on Your Favorite Novel
<
34
Pop Culture Mobile Icons
Pop Culture Mobile Icons
iOS Icons by Konstantin Datz Would Bring a Playful Punch to Computers
<
33
Hilarious Instagram Parodies
Hilarious Instagram Parodies
These Facebook x Instagram Filters Will Enhance Your Social Profile
<
32
Pocket Monster Phone Protectors
Pocket Monster Phone Protectors
These Pokeball iPhone Cases Let You Show Your Nintendo Love
<
31
Smartphone Car Stereos
Smartphone Car Stereos
The Devium Dash Integrates iPhone Music Right into Automobiles
<
30
Elegant Smartphone Shells
Elegant Smartphone Shells
The Case Mate Luxe Collection for iPhone 5 Features Sumptuous Designs
<
29
Powerless Phone Chargers
Powerless Phone Chargers
Crank the Eton Boost Turbine 2000 to Charge Phones without Electricity
<
28
Chiseled Bamboo iPhone Casings
Chiseled Bamboo iPhone Casings
The Glorat Wooden Engraved iPhone Cases are Elegant
<
27
Solar-Charging Cases
Solar-Charging Cases
Stay Eco-Friendly with the Monster Watts Hybrid Solar Case
<
26
Vintage-Patterned Phone Protecters
Vintage-Patterned Phone Protecters
These SWASH London iPhone Case are Old-School Chic
<
25
Aluminum-Framed Phone Cases
Aluminum-Framed Phone Cases
The Esterism Embrace 4 Bumper Case Floats in its Shell
<
24
Retro Digital Workstations
Retro Digital Workstations
Old Time Computer Releases Vintage-Themed Apple Product Attachments
<
23
Smartphone-Oriented Jewelry
Smartphone-Oriented Jewelry
The 'iPhone Wallet Necklace' Holds Cell Phones
<
22
Cellphone Embroidery Sets
Cellphone Embroidery Sets
The Cross Stitch iPhone Case Encourages Low-Tech Creativity
<
21
Edible App Icons
Edible App Icons
Julian Burford Renders Food Favorites to Denote New Cuisine-Related Program
<
20
Eco Smartphone Protectors
Eco Smartphone Protectors
The Nite Ize BioCase Boasts an Environmentally-Friendly Chemical Makeup
<
19
Ductile Donut Docks
Ductile Donut Docks
The iLoop Smartphone Stand Surrounds Your Cell as a Secure Prop
<
18
Sinister Smartphone Shells
Sinister Smartphone Shells
The iPhone Skull Case is a Ghoulishly Great Halloween iPhone Case
<
17
Sci-Fi Device Protectors
Sci-Fi Device Protectors
The Star Wars Phone Cozy by Life Geekery is Nerdy
<
16
Comedic Canine Telecommunications
Comedic Canine Telecommunications
The 'Text From Dog' Tumblr Features Messages from Humorous Pet
<
15
Skater Smartphone Covers
Skater Smartphone Covers
The Skate Deck iPhone Case is Perfect for Tech-Savvy Boarders
<
14
Hide Pocket Phone Cases
Hide Pocket Phone Cases
The Roberu Leather iPhone Case Frames Your Smartphone
<
13
Sleek Smartphone Charger Cases
Sleek Smartphone Charger Cases
The JuiceTank Allows One to Plug Their Phone in Anywhere
<
12
Remixed Corporate Logos (UPDATE)
Remixed Corporate Logos (UPDATE)
Viktor Hertz Transforms Apple Inc.'s Emblem in Dozens of Ways
<
11
Seriously Studded iPhone Covers
Seriously Studded iPhone Covers
The Felony Case Gives Your Phone a Sharp Look
<
10
Cellphone Plug Charms
Cellphone Plug Charms
The 'JasminTcreations' iPhone Earphone Plug Accessories are Adorable
<
9
Concealed Compartment Phone Covers
Concealed Compartment Phone Covers
The iLID MK-1 iPhone Wallet Declutters Your Pants Pockets
<
8
All-Inclusive Phone Cases
All-Inclusive Phone Cases
The Holda iPhone 5 Case Stores Your Cards and Cash
<
7
Instagram Throw Pillows
Instagram Throw Pillows
'Stitchtagram' Creates Handmade Memories
<
6
Cartoon-Inspired Smartphone Covers
Cartoon-Inspired Smartphone Covers
The Koneko Store Etsy iPhone Cases are Adorable and Colorful
<
5
Compact Computing Timepieces
Compact Computing Timepieces
NEXD Android Watches are Multifunctional and Sleek
<
4
Personalized Pop-Up Phone Protectors
Personalized Pop-Up Phone Protectors
The ‘Polchemy 3D Printed iPhone Case’ Stands Out
<
3
Card-Holding Phone Cases
Card-Holding Phone Cases
Patent Pending KILLSPENCER Pocket Card Carrier Consolidates it All
<
2
Complete Camera Smartphone Concepts
Complete Camera Smartphone Concepts
The 'iPhone Pro' Turns Apple to High Quality Captures
<
1
DIY Paper Speakers
DIY Paper Speakers
The Plywood iVictrola Design for iPhones is a Fun Project
<