Why Apple’s $230 iPhone Sock Is Worth It
▼ Summary
– Apple’s iPhone Pocket is a limited edition cloth phone sling priced at $149.95 for the short size and $229.95 for the long crossbody version.
– The design is inspired by Issey Miyake’s “a piece of cloth” concept from 1997, which emphasizes innovative, waste-reducing fashion.
– Issey Miyake, who designed Steve Jobs’ iconic black mockneck shirt, is the label behind the iPhone Pocket, though Miyake himself passed away in 2022.
– The iPhone Pocket is part of a broader trend of phone accessories, including crossbody straps and small bags, reflecting a move toward phone-centric fashion.
– The short iPhone Pocket is compared to Labubu plush keychains as an accessory for accessories, potentially appealing through frivolity and collectibility.
When Apple introduced its latest accessory, the iPhone Pocket, priced at $149.95 for the short version and $229.95 for the crossbody style, it immediately sparked conversation. This fabric sling, designed to carry your iPhone, might seem like an overpriced novelty at first glance. However, understanding its origins and the fashion philosophy behind it reveals a deeper appeal.
At first, the iPhone Pocket appears to be a simple piece of cloth, and Apple’s description leans into that, noting it was “inspired by the concept of a single piece of fabric.” Yet, in the world of high fashion, this minimalist approach carries significant weight. For those who appreciate design innovation, a brightly colored phone sock could serve as a playful accent to a stylish bag, if only the cost weren’t so prohibitive for many.
The connection to Japanese fashion house Issey Miyake adds a layer of credibility. The late designer pioneered the APOC, or “a piece of cloth,” concept back in 1997, emphasizing both creativity and sustainability. Apple highlights that the iPhone Pocket features a ribbed mesh structure reminiscent of Miyake’s iconic pleats, which subtly reveals the iPhone display when stretched. This thoughtful design reflects a blend of technology and wearable art.
It’s worth noting that Steve Jobs himself admired Miyake’s work. The two developed a friendship, and Jobs once asked the designer to create a uniform for Apple employees, an idea that didn’t fully take hold but inspired Jobs’ own personal style. In fact, Miyake’s label is credited with the iconic black mockneck shirt Jobs wore for years. While Miyake wasn’t directly involved in the iPhone Pocket, he passed away in 2022, the accessory feels like a natural extension of the aesthetic harmony between the two brands.
The crossbody version of the iPhone Pocket, available in just three colors, aligns with the growing trend of wearable phone accessories. Apple also released its own $59 crossbody strap this year, which some photographers have praised as a functional camera strap, though others find it less practical for daily use. The short version, expected to be more popular due to its lower price and wider color selection, draws an interesting parallel to another cultural phenomenon: Labubu collectibles.
Much like the iPhone Pocket, Labubu plush keychains gained a cult following that seemed irrational to outsiders. Individual “blind box” Labubu figures sell for around $30, but rare versions have fetched thousands during peak demand. Both items share a common thread, they act as accessories for your accessories, echoing trends like personalizing a Stanley Cup or carrying mini bag keychains from brands like Baggu or Free People.
In an era where your phone can handle payments and even replace your keys, carrying a separate bag isn’t always necessary. This has led to a rise in phone-specific carriers, from tiny Trader Joe’s totes to Telfar’s sought-after crossbody bags. The iPhone Pocket fits neatly into this movement, offering a sleek, designer-approved way to keep your device secure and accessible.
Whether the iPhone Pocket becomes the next must-have item remains to be seen. If it gains traction as a holiday gift, its blend of fashion heritage and functional design may just win over skeptics. Only time will tell if this cloth sling becomes a lasting trend or a passing curiosity.
(Source: TechCrunch)
