Apple has released a limited-edition phone grip designed in collaboration with Los Angeles-based artist Bailey Hikawa, known for her distinctive, abstract iPhone cases. The new MagSafe-compatible accessory, priced at $69.95, is available in Chartreuse and Crater colors exclusively through the U.S. Apple Online Store.
Beyond Aesthetics: A Focus on Usability
While Hikawa’s designs have gained popularity for their unique aesthetic—often described as “melting gummy bears” or “amoebas”—the collaboration with Apple prioritizes functionality and accessibility. The grip isn’t just about visual appeal; it’s designed to improve hand support, potentially reducing fatigue and enhancing grip stability.
Key to this release is the focus on inclusivity: Hikawa specifically interviewed iPhone users with diverse physical abilities to inform the grip’s shape and texture. This ensures the accessory accommodates varying motor skills, muscle strength, and grip tension. The silicone grip can be used in both vertical and horizontal positions and attaches magnetically for easy removal.
Accessibility as a Core Principle
This launch coincides with Apple’s 40th anniversary of accessibility initiatives. The company has recently expanded its commitment with new features including App Store labels for accessibility, Braille Access, and improvements to existing tools like Head Tracking, Live Listen, Live Captions, and Personal Voice.
The broader trend is clear: tech companies are increasingly integrating accessibility into product development rather than treating it as an afterthought. This shift is driven by both ethical considerations and a growing awareness that inclusive design benefits all users.
“This is the beginning of many more offerings for all kinds of bodies,” Hikawa stated in an interview with ELLE Decor, highlighting the long-term vision behind the collaboration.
The Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand represents a step toward more thoughtful product design, proving that innovation can be both visually striking and universally usable.
Apple’s commitment to accessibility is now more apparent than ever, as the company continues to build devices for a wider range of users.
