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Apple collaborates with artist Bailey Hikawa on new iPhone grip and stand

Apple teams up with artist Bailey Hikawa on a US$70 MagSafe grip and stand that blends accessibility-focused design with modern artistic influence.

Apple has partnered with artist Bailey Hikawa to release a new MagSafe-compatible iPhone accessory that combines function, accessibility and artistic expression. The Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand attaches magnetically to an iPhone, offering a removable hand grip that also serves as a dual-position stand. The company says the product reflects both practical design and creative influence, but its price tag is noticeably higher than that of typical third-party alternatives.

A focus on accessibility

Apple says the new grip was “designed with accessibility in mind from the ground up,” emphasising features that support ease of use for a wide range of customers. According to the company, Hikawa received “direct input from individuals with disabilities affecting muscle strength, dexterity and hand control” during the design process.

The accessory offers two viewing angles, supporting both vertical and horizontal orientations when used as a stand. Apple highlights that the grip can be “removed with ease,” enabling users to switch between functions quickly and effortlessly.

Hikawa, known for her distinctive, unconventional phone cases, brings her artistic style to this collaboration. Apple says the accessory was “inspired by modern sculpture,” an influence that shapes the grip’s overall form and finish.

Artistic influence and pricing

The Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is available in two colour options, each priced at US$70. While considerably more expensive than generic grips, which often retail for around US$10 at major online and physical retailers, the new accessory continues Hikawa’s reputation for blending art and technology.

Her previous work includes a variety of unique phone case designs and even highly stylised, eye-catching toilet seats, underscoring her unconventional creative approach. Apple’s decision to collaborate with her appears to reflect the company’s continued interest in limited-edition and design-driven accessories.

Reaction to recent Apple accessory pricing

The launch of the Hikawa grip follows another unusual Apple accessory that drew widespread attention last week: a knitted sleeve designed to hold an iPhone. The small, decorative phone bag is priced between US$150 and US$230, depending on size.

The idea of paying at least US$150 for a knitted iPhone pouch has sparked significant discussion online, with many consumers expressing frustration over what they view as unnecessary luxury pricing. The reaction highlights the contrast between Apple’s functional technology ecosystem and its occasional ventures into high-priced novelty accessories.

While the Hikawa grip is much more affordable than the knitted sleeve, the accessory’s artistic design and premium pricing have generated mixed reactions. Some customers may appreciate the combination of accessibility-focused engineering and creative expression, while others might prefer more economical alternatives readily available on the market.

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