Apples Issey Miyake iPhone Sock launched today, but its not as random as it sounds
In an unexpected twist during Apple’s recent product launch, the tech giant introduced the iPhone Pocket, humorously dubbed the “iPhone Sock” by the internet. This unique accessory, developed in collaboration with renowned Japanese designer Issey Miyake, has sparked a flurry of reactions online. The iPhone Pocket is a 3D knit phone holder that embodies the concept of “a piece of cloth,” allowing users to carry their iPhones in a versatile and stylish manner. Available in two sizes—short and long—and priced at $149.95 and $229.95 respectively, the iPhone Pocket can be held by hand, worn cross-body, or attached to a bag handle. While the pricing has raised eyebrows, particularly in today’s economic climate, it reflects the high-end nature of designer collaborations, especially from a brand like Issey Miyake.
Despite the initial skepticism regarding its price, the iPhone Sock has quickly sold out online, indicating that Apple’s loyal customer base is eager to embrace this quirky product. The accessory features a ribbed open structure that highlights Miyake’s signature pleats, allowing for both function and style. Users can peek at their iPhone display while carrying everyday essentials, highlighting the blend of practicality and fashionable design. Interestingly, this isn’t Apple’s first foray into fashion; the company recently released the Apple Crossbody Strap at a more accessible price point of $59. Furthermore, the historical connection between Apple and Issey Miyake adds a layer of intrigue, as Steve Jobs and Miyake shared a friendship that included discussions about designing Apple uniforms, although that idea never materialized.
As we reflect on the iPhone Pocket’s launch and its reception, one can’t help but wonder what Jobs would have thought about this $230 accessory. Would he have embraced the blend of technology and fashion, or would he have questioned the practicality of such a product? Regardless, the iPhone Sock’s debut marks a bold step for Apple into the world of high fashion, and it will be fascinating to see how this collaboration evolves in the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkOZkaoyEhk
Mashable covers all of Apple’s product launches, and we’ve been speculating for months on what
products the company might still release
in 2025. We thought we might get AirTags 2.0, a new Apple TV device, or an updated HomePod. Truly, we did not see the iPhone Sock coming.
Designed in collaboration with the innovative brand Issey Miyake, the
iPhone Pocket
officially launched on Friday, and the reaction across the web has been very entertaining. The internet, in its collective wisdom, has unofficially rebranded the 3D knit phone holder as the iPhone Sock, which is fair, as Apple says the product was “inspired by the concept of ‘a piece of cloth'”. One enterprising creator even made their own version of the pricey designer accessory, using an old sock, of course.
The iPhone
Pocket
Sock comes in two sizes (short and long) and can be held in your hands, worn cross-body, or wrapped around a bag handle — priced at $149.95 and $229.95. Even many Apple fans were put out by the price, as $230 is a big ask for a phone holder, especially in this economy.
Of course, those aren’t unheard of prices for designer accessories, especially from a brand like Issey Miyake, and Apple has proven time and again that if Apple builds it, people will buy it. (With
the possible exception of the Vision Pro
, of course.) As of this writing, the iPhone Sock is completely sold out in all colors at the
online Apple Store
, but customers may still be able to snag one at select Apple Stores IRL.
So, what is the iPhone Sock?
An
Apple press release
states:
iPhone Pocket features a ribbed open structure with the qualities of the original pleats by ISSEY MIYAKE. Born from the idea of creating an additional pocket, its understated design fully encloses iPhone, expanding to fit more of a user’s everyday items. When stretched, the open textile subtly reveals its contents and allows users to peek at their iPhone display. iPhone Pocket can be worn in a variety of ways — handheld, tied onto bags, or worn directly on the body. Featuring a playful color palette, the short strap design is available in eight colors, and the long strap design in three colors.
This might seem like a random product for Apple, but the company also released the colorful
Apple Crossbody Strap
this fall, though with a more reasonable $59 price tag. Apple and Issey Miyake also have a history together.
Steve Jobs and Japanese designer Miyake were actually friends, and according to Apple legend, Jobs once
tapped Miyake to design an Apple uniform
, which never came to fruition. Apple has continued without Jobs, and likewise, the fashion brand Issey Miyake has continued without its namesake founder, who passed away in 2022.
In the West, Issey Miyake is best known for its origami-inspired handbags and popular fragrances.
An Issey Miyake handbag with the new iPhone Pocket.
Credit: Apple
The iPhone Pocket on its own.
Credit: Apple
Have Apple and Issey Miyake lived up to their founders’ vision? We don’t know, but we are curious about what Steve Jobs would have said about the $230 iPhone Sock. He and Miyake were friends, after all.
