In a gesture reminiscent of the era of iPod Socks, Apple has once again blurred the boundaries between technological accessory and high-fashion statement with the introduction of the iPhone Pocket. This exclusive carrying pouch, created in partnership with the esteemed Japanese design firm ISSEY MIYAKE, is not a pocket-sized device but a wearable one—a premium sling intended to hold your iPhone and other small necessities.
A Fusion of Heritage and Technology
The iPhone Pocket is an eye-catching accessory characterized by a distinctive aesthetic. Rather than being a mere leather pouch, it is a unique, 3D-knitted construction manufactured in Japan. This textile design pays homage to ISSEY MIYAKE's legacy, drawing inspiration from the brand's signature pleats and "a piece of cloth" concept.
Design: The pouch boasts a ribbed open structure that imparts an elastic quality, permitting it to expand to accommodate the device while gently enveloping it. The weave is intentionally open, allowing the user to subtly glimpse the iPhone's screen without completely removing it.
Capacity: It is designed to accommodate any iPhone model (iPhone 8 or more recent) alongside other "pocket-sized items" such as AirPods.
The Steve Jobs Connection: The partnership is particularly significant given the history: ISSEY MIYAKE is the same design studio responsible for creating the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' iconic black turtleneck.
Style and Availability: Short Strap vs. Long Strap
The iPhone Pocket is marketed as a limited-edition release, highlighting style, color coordination, and personal expression. It is offered in two distinct strap designs, each with its own price point and color scheme.
iPhone Pocket Short $149.95 Lemon, Mandarin, Purple, Pink, Peacock, Sapphire, Cinnamon, and Black
iPhone Pocket Long (Crossbody) $229.95 Sapphire, Cinnamon, and Black
The short-strap iteration is designed for wrist carry or attachment to a handbag, while the longer, pricier variant offers a crossbody or sling-bag wearing style. Availability is highly selective, initially launching in certain Apple Stores and online across markets such as the US, UK, Japan, and France.
The Cost of Fashion: Public and Analyst Responses
As frequently occurs with Apple’s designer accessories—such as the notorious Apple Polishing Cloth or the original iPod Socks—the iPhone Pocket has ignited spirited discussion and social media engagement.
While some commentators commend the seamless integration of Apple’s functional simplicity with ISSEY MIYAKE's textile craftsmanship, others have quickly pointed out the luxury price attached to what is, fundamentally, a knitted pouch. Critics view it as a "litmus test" for brand loyalty, questioning the demand for a $230 accessory.
However, Apple's Vice President of Industrial Design, Molly Anderson, defended the product, asserting it "exemplifies" the shared design philosophy of "craftsmanship, simplicity, and joy," and serves as a "clever additional pocket" designed to complement various iPhone colors.
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