An apparatus for holding an electronic device is described which includes first and second brackets slidably joined together with one another and moveable to expand away from, and contract toward, one another along an operating path. The apparatus further includes first and second braces provided on the first and second brackets, respectively, and spaced apart from one another along the operating path and a biasing element biasing the first and second brackets toward one another. The first and second braces are configured to grasp an electronic device therebetween. The apparatus is part of a retaining unit also described which includes the mounting apparatus, a pivoting member, a swiveling member, and a base unit.