Limited-Edition iPhone Accessory Boosts Accessibility
▼ Summary
– Apple launched the Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand, a MagSafe-compatible accessory that functions as both a grip and stand for vertical or horizontal iPhone use.
– Designed by artist Bailey Hikawa, it supports multiple hand positions and is made from premium silicone for easy attachment and a soft-touch feel.
– The grip was developed through user interviews to aid individuals with accessibility needs, such as limited hand dexterity or inability to hold the iPhone.
– This limited-edition accessory underscores Apple’s commitment to accessibility, complementing recent features like Live Captions and Braille Access.
– It is priced at $69.95 and available in two colors: Chartreuse and the exclusive Crater, with the latter only sold on Apple’s U.S. Online Store.
Apple has unveiled the Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand, a limited-edition MagSafe accessory designed to improve iPhone usability for individuals with diverse accessibility requirements. This launch coincides with Apple’s 40-year commitment to accessibility, offering a functional and artist-driven tool for easier device handling.
Developed by Los Angeles artist and industrial designer Bailey Hikawa, the accessory serves as both a grip and an adjustable stand, supporting both vertical and horizontal viewing angles. Crafted from premium silicone, it provides a soft-touch surface and can be effortlessly attached or removed thanks to its MagSafe compatibility. The grip’s form was carefully shaped to accommodate various hand positions, prioritizing comfort and stability during use.
Hikawa emphasized that the design emerged from detailed interviews with users facing different accessibility challenges, including those with limited hand dexterity or who are unable to hold an iPhone with their hands. She noted, “We focused on creating a grip that supports many ways of holding the iPhone while minimizing the physical effort required to keep it secure.”
This launch underscores Apple’s broader dedication to accessibility innovation. Recent software and service updates include Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, Accessibility Reader, Braille Access, Live Captions with Apple Watch integration, and Magnifier for Mac using the iPhone’s camera.
Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s head of accessibility, discussed the strategic thinking behind such accessories in an interview with Elle Decor. She explained, “We asked ourselves which MagSafe accessories could deliver real value to our communities. This grip is one example of many that address specific challenges people face. We’re eager to see how different individuals put it to use and discover what works best in their daily routines.”
The Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is priced at $69.95 and comes in two distinct colors: Chartreuse and a special recycled option called Crater, available exclusively through Apple’s U.S. Online Store.
(Source: 9to5Mac)
