Apple's (AAPL) latest accessory has the internet arguing about whether it's brilliant fashion or just an expensive sock. The iPhone Pocket, a cross-body pouch that went on sale in mid-November, has quickly become one of those viral products that people either love or love to mock.
Designer Credentials Meet Practical Design
The iPhone Pocket is a 3D-knitted pouch designed to carry an iPhone, AirPods, and other small essentials. What makes it notable is the collaboration with Issey Miyake Design Studio, the same Japanese label that created Steve Jobs' signature black turtlenecks. That's some serious fashion lineage for what is essentially a phone carrier.
The pouch offers versatility beyond just hanging around your neck. You can wear it as a sling bag, wrap it around your wrist, or attach it to a handbag, giving users multiple ways to style it depending on their outfit or mood.
Pricing and Where to Find It
Apple offers two versions of the iPhone Pocket. The short strap edition costs $149.95 and comes in eight colors including lemon, mandarin, purple, and black. If you want the long strap version, you'll pay $229.95, though your color choices narrow to sapphire, cinnamon, and black.
The limited-edition accessory launched Friday, November 14, at select Apple Stores across the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, France, Italy, South Korea, Singapore, and Greater China. Early adopters quickly flooded social media with posts showing off their new pouches in various colors and styling configurations.
The Internet Has Opinions
Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, known as MKBHD, didn't hold back in his critique. He called the $230 iPhone Pocket a "litmus test" for how far brand loyalty can stretch before it breaks.
Social media reactions have been predictably mixed and entertaining. A user named Bently dismissed it as a "cut-up sock." StyleListings made jokes about the premium pricing. Sovey questioned who would actually pay $230 for an "iPhone sock," while acknowledging that it seems to be selling well anyway.
But not everyone is hating on it. A user called juan praised the pouch, comparing it to the nostalgic iPod Socks and calling it "beautiful," proving that some fans genuinely appreciate the designer appeal and fashion credentials that come with the Issey Miyake collaboration.
Whether it's a fashionable accessory or an overpriced phone holder probably depends on how much you value designer collaborations and brand prestige. Either way, Apple has people talking, which is never a bad outcome for a product launch.