Apple's £220 iPhone Pocket: Fashion Statement or Just a Fancy Sock?

Apple recently announced a new accessory for its iPhone called the iPhone Pocket, and the internet has not held back in poking fun at it. The iPhone Pocket is a brightly colored knitted bag designed to carry an iPhone, and it comes in eight different colors, including yellow, orange, purple, pink, turquoise, blue, brown, and black. The bag is part of a limited edition collection created in partnership with the Japanese fashion label Issey Miyake, a brand known for its unique designs and previous collaborations with Apple, such as the iconic black turtleneck worn by Steve Jobs.

What has really caught people’s attention is the price tag: £219. 95. Many online users have joked that the bag looks like a cut-up sock and questioned why anyone would pay so much for it. Some have posted memes and funny pictures, comparing the iPhone Pocket to silly costumes, like the green mankini worn by the character Borat. Others have pointed out that the bag doesn’t have a zip or any structure, making it seem unsafe for carrying a valuable device like an iPhone, especially with phone thefts being a concern.

Despite the criticism, some people have defended the iPhone Pocket, saying the high price is likely due to the collaboration with Issey Miyake and the exclusivity of the product. Social media consultant Matt Navara explained that the price is more about branding and exclusivity than function. He said that expensive prices are common in luxury fashion and designer collaborations, but for most consumers, it feels like Apple is testing how far its fans will go to support the brand. The iPhone Pocket has sparked a debate about brand loyalty and whether Apple fans will buy anything the company releases, no matter the cost. While some see it as a fun and fashionable accessory, others think it’s just another example of Apple’s ability to sell even the most unusual products.