Apple teamed up with the Japanese design firm behind Steve Jobs’ famous black turtlenecks to create a new iPhone accessory: the iPhone Pocket.
Inspired by “a piece of cloth” and produced in collaboration with Issey Miyake, it features a seamless, singular 3D-knitted construction.
“This clever extra pocket exemplifies those ideas and is a natural accompaniment to our products,” said Molly Anderson, Apple’s vice president of industrial design, in a press release Tuesday.
iPhone Pocket: A unique iPhone accessory
This isn’t Apple’s first foray into bizarre knitted accessories that seem almost like April Fools’ Day pranks. In 2004, the company launched a line of iPod Socks, which seemed like a joke at the time.
But this latest collaboration demands to be taken seriously. After all, Apple produced the iPhone Pocket in conjunction with the firm founded by Issey Miyake, the designer best known for the iconic black turtlenecks that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs wore.
Apple says its design studio worked closely with Issey Miyake to re-create the fashion brand’s iconic pleated clothing. Crafted in Japan, this limited-edition iPhone accessory features a ribbed open structure that can hold an iPhone alongside everyday items.
You can stretch the Pocket’s fabric to view the iPhone’s display.
Apple says the accessory can be worn in multiple ways — directly on the body, tied to a bag or carried by hand.
“The design of iPhone Pocket speaks to the bond between iPhone and its user, while keeping in mind that an Apple product is designed to be universal in aesthetic and versatile in use,” said Yoshiyuki Miyamae, design director of Miyake Design Studio.
Long strap, short strap
Photo: Apple
The iPhone Pocket comes in two versions: one with a short strap and another with a long strap. The short-strap model comes in eight colors: lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon and black. You can get the long-strap version in sapphire, cinnamon and black.
You can mix and match different lengths and colors to customize the iPhone Pocket per your liking.
Apple and Issey Miyake worked together closely on every aspect of the fashion-forward accessory, including the packaging.
“Faithful to Apple’s history of paper engineering, the packaging comes with ceremony — and a Japanese twist,” Vogue wrote. “The long, frosted paper that contains the iPhone Pocket was inspired by the rice paper candy bags used for a Japanese children’s festival where long sweets are given to symbolize prayers for a healthy life ahead.”
Vogue also posted on X that the iPhone Pocket “could just be the season’s must-have accessory.”
It’s also the second fashionable crossbody iPhone carrier from Apple this year. The company launched the $59 Crossbody Strap, which connects to certain Apple iPhone cases, alongside the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air in September.
iPhone Pocket is only available in select countries and Apple stores
Apple will offer the iPhone Pocket for a limited time at select Apple Stores and through Apple.com in certain countries. These includes France, Greater China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
It will be available for purchase at the following Apple Stores:
- Apple Canton Road, Hong Kong
- Apple Ginza, Tokyo
- Apple Jing’an, Shanghai
- Apple Marché Saint-Germain, Paris
- Apple Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea
- Apple Orchard Road, Singapore
- Apple Piazza Liberty, Milan
- Apple Regent Street, London
- Apple SoHo, New York City
- Apple Xinyi A13, Taipei
The iPhone Pocket goes on sale November 14. The short strap model will cost $149.95, while the long strap version will set you back $229.95.
Rajesh has been closely following and writing about the latest happenings in the world of mobile for nearly a decade now. While he prefers Android, he does not deny the superiority of Apple’s products and ecosystem.
