{"id":303505,"date":"2025-11-20T16:30:12","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T16:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/303505\/"},"modified":"2025-11-20T16:30:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T16:30:12","slug":"apple-debuts-a-new-iphone-accessory-designed-with-accessibility-in-mind","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/303505\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple Debuts a New iPhone Accessory Designed With Accessibility in Mind"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Estimated3 min read<\/p>\n

When artist and industrial designer Bailey Hikawa<\/a> started designing sculptural phone cases back in 2019, she wanted to bring unexpected beauty and artistry to everyday objects. She began handmaking cases, featuring eccentric 3D designs like eyelashes<\/a> and fake spaghetti<\/a>, in her Los Angeles studio. Before long, they took off, serving as unique conversation pieces for her buyers. And, soon after, Hikawa began receiving word from customers with disabilities that the cases weren\u2019t just beautiful, but functional too.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the years, I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from different people saying that the designs that I make are ergonomic,\u201d Hikawa says. \u201cIt’s a somatic experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Apple approached her this year to create a limited edition iPhone accessory specifically designed for accessibility, the partnership made sense. To start, Hikawa interviewed dozens of iPhone users with a wide range of disabilities, asking them questions about how they use their phones, how their grips could be improved, and what accessibility features were most important to them. She spoke to people with severe arthritis, tendonitis, and other disabilities that affect grip, motor skills, and muscle strength, and channeled that feedback into the creation of the Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand. The final design is a triangle-shaped ridged accessory with a hole in the middle that allows users to hold it with their thumb or forefinger. It attaches straight to the back of iPhones with Magsafe, providing a stabilizing grip and functioning as a vertical or horizontal stand to prop up the iPhone. It debuts today on Apple\u2019s website<\/a>, in honor of the tech company\u2019s 40th anniversary of accessibility.<\/p>\n

\"appleCourtesy Apple<\/p>\n

The Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand in chartreuse.<\/p>\n

Apple has long supported accessible features built into the iPhone<\/a>, as well as third party assistive accessories, from Bluetooth Braille displays to sip\/puff instruments (technology that allows those with physical impairments or paralysis to control a device with their mouth). Partnering with Hikawa to develop a Magsafe grip and stand is \u201cjust a great extension of that,\u201d Apple\u2019s longtime head of accessibility, Sarah Herrlinger, tells ELLE Decor.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a no-brainer to look at: what are the types of MagSafe accessories that can really be valuable to our communities, as well?\u201d Herrlinger says. \u201cThis is one of many accessories that are out there that solves unique problems for some people. And so we’re really excited to see as different communities start to get access to this, how they are able to use it, and what works best for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"appleCourtesy Apple<\/p>\n

The accessory also comes in the color “recycled crater.” <\/p>\n

Like many of Hikawa\u2019s designs, the Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand is made from soft-touch premium silicone. It allows for a variety of hand positions and works for people with varying grip strengths. The limited edition accessory comes in two colors\u2014chartreuse and recycled crater\u2014and is funky and whimsical, making for an interesting contrast with Apple\u2019s traditionally sleek, minimalist style. And though this is the first iPhone accessory Hikawa has designed specifically with accessibility in mind, it won\u2019t be the last.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s this joy that I feel when somebody says that this is helpful, that they can’t live without it, that it’s comfortable in their hand, that they can’t believe that they have never experienced this,\u201d Hikawa says. \u201cThat joy in itself is so valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt changed the course of my work absolutely,\u201d she adds. \u201cThis is the beginning of many more offerings for all kinds of bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Headshot<\/p>\n

Jessica Roy is the former Digital Director of ELLE.com. Prior to that, she worked as the News Editor of New York Magazine\u2019s The Cut. She likes baking, running, and Instagrams of your dog.<\/p>\n