This Tiny Gadget Turns Your iPhone Into a Leica

Can’t afford a Leica? Turn your iPhone into one.

Published February 6, 2025

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Updated February 6, 2025

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Last year, Leica introduced an app called Leica Lux that essentially turned your iPhone into a Leica camera. Or rather, it gave your iPhone access to lens simulations and 35mm film filters that made its photos look like they’ve been taken on an expensive Leica camera.

Now, the legendary German camera and lens manufacturer has doubled down on iPhone photography by introducing a MagSafe-compatible camera grip called the Lux Grip that makes your iPhone work and feel like a classic Leica camera.

Leica Lux Grip

Leica camera controls

Leica’s Lux Grip brings the feel of holding a DSLR-style camera to your iPhone. It also brings similar controls, featuring a two-stage shutter release, a control dial for adjusting settings and two customizable buttons.

The Lux Grip magnetically clips to the back of your iPhone (12 or later) via MagSafe and communicates over Bluetooth to take over your iPhone’s camera control. It also can work with your iPhone in a vertical or horizontal orientation.

It has a built-in battery with a 300mAh capacity and charges via USB-C. According to the brand, it will last for roughly 1,000 photos.

Not like other camera grips

Unlike other MagSafe-compatible camera grips, such as Belkin’s most recent Stage PowerGrip, the Leica Lux Grip cannot double as a power bank and charge your iPhone.

Importantly, it only works with the Leica Lux app and not your iPhone’s default camera app (or any other third-party app). This means you have to be seriously committed to Leica’s mobile photography.

Price and availability

Like every Leica camera, the Lux Grip is expensive — it costs $329. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, check out the SiftCam SnapGrip ($70) or Belkin Stage PowerGrip ($150), although neither has as premium of a build and “works like a Leica.”

With the purchase of the Lux Grip, you get a free one-year subscription to the Lux Grip, which costs $7/month or $70/year.

The free version of the app grants you access to one lens simulation and allows you to play around with automatic and aperture priority modes. Paying subscribers can access five additional lens simulations and a manual mode designed for photographers who want full control over exposure or shutter speeds.

Leica Lux Grip

The Leica Lux Grip is a high-end MagSafe-compatible camera grip that essentially turns your iPhone into a Leica camera. It has a two-stage shutter release, a control dial for adjusting settings and two customizable buttons. And it works with Leica’s iPhone app, the Leica Lux, giving users access to lens simulations and 35mm film filters so that their iPhone photos look more Leica-esque, too. The downside is that it doesn’t work with any other camera app, including your iPhone’s default one, and it’s significantly more expensive than other MagSafe-compatible camera grips on the market.