This month, Apple released the iPhone Pocket. The internet went wild! And if you’re anything like me, you’re wondering, is it? Here’s the Breakdown.
By Staff Writer – Jayne Turner
What?
Apple calls it “a beautiful way to wear and carry iPhone,” while others literally thought it was a parody. The iPhone Pocket Sock is a collaboration with ISSEY MIYAKE. It is a singular 3D-knitted construction that has been designed to fit any iPhone. Its ribbed, open-knit structure is meant to show the iPhone display.
It is available in a playful color palette featuring lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon, and black. However, the long strap design is only available in the sapphire, cinnamon, and black colorways.
This “subtle flex” was born from the idea of an additional pocket. For this reason, it can also hold other everyday items, like Chapstick and keys.
Reddit users add that this is a clear descendant of the iPod Sock, which Apple introduced in 2004. At the time, it was pretty useful for protecting your iPod. Now, most people have cases for their iPhones, so this new version is virtually useless.
You may also be interested in this review of the Samsung A20 Smartphone.
When?
This special edition release was available in stores on Friday, November 14th. I say “was” because it immediately sold out. So much for just a joke, eh?
Where?
Apple Stores in France, Greater China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States all debuted this elusive item.
Why?
This is what most of us are wondering… and the answer isn’t so simple.
Apple seems to be leaning into its fashionable side again. Urging iPhone users to explore “the joy of wearing iPhone in your own way.” This is something that most of us are already doing with cases, pop sockets, and card-carrying wallets.
Even if you were interested in the iPhone Pocket, the price tag might turn you away. $149.95 for the short strap, and a whopping $229.95 for the long strap design. For… fabric? The concept of “a piece of cloth?” (And yes, that’s a direct quote from Apple).
You may also like these cool iPhone backgrounds.
About the designer
Issey Miyake is a Japanese fashion designer known for his innovative designs and pioneering use of technology. With that in mind, the collaboration with Apple makes sense.
The major crossover between his fashion brand and this Apple collaboration is the use of pleated fabrics. Stylish and practical, this fabric doesn’t require ironing to lay flat and is machine washable. The “Pleats Please” line is one of his most notable contributions.
In a vacuum, this collaboration makes perfect sense. Simplistic and functional, as the iPhone pocket claims to be. However, I find this product impractical in general.
Is it worth buying?
I’d argue not. It might make a good gift for your friend who is really into fashion or really into their iPhone. But to buy an iPhone Pocket for oneself is extreme consumerism, to me. Who really benefits from one extra pocket over carrying, say, a tote bag?
I hope that this answered any questions you may have had about the iPhone Pocket Sock. And hey, maybe you’ve found your new favorite accessory.
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Author: Jayne Turner is a freelance writer from Orange, California. She has a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with an emphasis on language and cognition. She has ten years of musical theatre experience and a lifelong love of reading. Utterly excited by the brain, she brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to the topics that intrigue us most.
