Mashable covers all of Apple’s product launches, and we’ve been speculating for months about what products the company might release in 2025, too. We thought we might get AirTags 2.0, a new Apple TV device, or an updated HomePod. Seriously, we didn’t see the iPhone sock coming.
Designed in collaboration with innovative brand Issey Miyake, the iPhone Pocket officially launched on Friday, and the reaction on the web has been pretty amusing. The Internet, in its collective wisdom, has unofficially rebranded the 3D Knit Phone Holder as the iPhone Sock, which is fitting, since Apple says the product was “inspired by the concept of a ‘piece of fabric'”. One enterprising maker even created his own version of the valuable designer accessory, using, of course, an old sock.
the Iphone pocket The sock comes in two sizes (short and long) and can be held in your hands, worn cross-body, or wrapped around the handle of a bag — it’s priced at $149.95 and $229.95. Even many Apple fans were disappointed by the price, as $230 is a big ask for a phone holder, especially in this economy.
Of course, prices on designer accessories aren’t unheard of, especially from a brand like Issey Miyake, and Apple has proven time and again that if Apple makes it, people will buy it. (With the possible exception of the Vision Pro, of course.) At the time of this writing, the iPhone Sock is completely sold out in all colors at the online Apple Store, but customers can still purchase it at select Apple Stores IRL.
So, what is iPhone sock?
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A press release from Apple stated:
The iPhone Pocket features a ribbed open structure with features featuring the original pleats by Issey Miyake. Born from the idea of creating an extra pocket, its compact design completely surrounds the iPhone, expanding to fit the user’s everyday items. When stretched, the open fabric subtly reveals its contents and allows users to see their iPhone display. The iPhone Pocket can be worn a number of ways – handheld, strapped to a bag, 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 is available in three colors.
This may seem like a random product for Apple, but the company also released a colorful Apple Crossbody Strap this fall, albeit 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 Apple uniforms, which never came to fruition. Apple continued without Jobs, and similarly, fashion brand Issey Miyake continued without its namesake founder, who died in 2022.
In the West, Issey Miyake is known for his origami-inspired handbags and popular fragrances.
An Issey Miyake handbag with the new iPhone pocket.
Credit: Apple
The iPhone pocket itself.
Credit: Apple
Have Apple and Issey Miyake lived up to their founders’ vision? We don’t know, but we’re curious what Steve Jobs would have said about the $230 iPhone sock. He and Miyake were friends after all.