Just months after partnering with designer Issey Miyake on the quirky, pocket-sized iPhone Pocket, Apple is diving back into the world of high-fashion accessories. This time, the collaboration is with Los Angeles-based designer Bailey Hikawa, resulting in the new Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand.
While the Miyake pouch seemed to cater to the trend of pocketless, baggy silhouettes, Apple is positioning this new grip with a more profound purpose: accessibility and ergonomic innovation. But with a premium price tag of $69.95, is it a genuine step forward for inclusive design, or simply another costly designer trinket?
First Impressions: A PopSocket, But Pricier?
At first glance, the Hikawa grip enters a crowded market. It’s a MagSafe-compatible accessory that attaches magnetically to the back of your iPhone, allowing you to secure your grip or prop it up as a stand. The concept is immediately familiar to anyone who has used a PopSocket or one of its many competitors, which are widely available for a fraction of the cost.
So, what justifies the $70 price tag? According to Apple and the designer, the difference lies not in the what, but in the how and why.
Designed with Intent: The Accessibility Promise
Apple’s product description states the Hikawa grip was “designed through an extensive interview process to support varied ways of holding iPhone while reducing the effort needed to keep it steady.” This isn't just marketing fluff; it points to a core mission of inclusive design.
Bailey Hikawa has built a reputation by focusing on ergonomics, but what caught Apple’s eye was the "direct input from individuals with disabilities affecting muscle strength, dexterity, and hand control" that informs the design process. This suggests the grip isn't just a fashion accessory but a tool developed to make the iPhone more usable for a wider range of people.
The grip itself, which some might describe as a kitschy piece of silicone with a distinctive hole, is engineered for function. Its unique shape is intended to minimize holding tension and provide a secure, soft-touch feeling regardless of hand position.
You can explore the official product page and see its design for yourself on the Apple Store website.
Colors, Materials, and Where to Buy
The grip is being marketed as a "limited edition" item. At Apple, it’s available in two distinct colorways:
- Chartreuse: A high-visibility, bold yellow-green that is both gaudy and hard to miss.
- Crater: A more subdued, earthy tone that appears to be crafted from recycled materials.
However, for those seeking more aesthetic options, the story doesn't end at Apple.com. On the designer’s own website, Bailey Hikawa, the accessory is tellingly named the "Adaptive Grip & Stand." Here, it’s available in additional colorways, including a more classic Cobalt Blue and a vibrant Blurple Swirl.
The price remains a steep $70 across all platforms, but Hikawa’s site offers more detail on the premium silicone material, emphasizing its soft-touch finish and the minimal effort required to maintain a secure hold.
Compatibility: Will It Work With Your iPhone?
The good news is that the Hikawa Grip & Stand is widely compatible with modern iPhones. It is confirmed to work with:
- All iPhone 12 models and newer that feature MagSafe.
- All official MagSafe cases.
- Every iPhone size, from the compact iPhone Mini to the large-screen iPhone Pro Max.
The Verdict: Fashion, Function, or Both?
The Hikawa iPhone Grip & Stand sits at a fascinating crossroads. It carries the undeniable aura of a designer collaboration with a luxury price to match. Yet, its development story, rooted in feedback from individuals with disabilities, suggests a product with more substance than your average phone accessory.
It challenges the notion of what we’re willing to pay for thoughtful, inclusive design. Is it a niche product for the fashion-conscious? A genuine assistive tool? Or a bold, if expensive, statement that the two don't have to be mutually exclusive? For $70, consumers will ultimately have to decide if the grip’s unique ergonomics and design ethos are worth the investment over a conventional, less expensive alternative.
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