Apple has drawn significant criticism for its latest product, the iPhone Pocket, which is priced at up to $229.95. Unveiled on November 11, 2025, the accessory is a 3D-knit pouch designed in collaboration with the Japanese fashion house ISSEY MIYAKE. Many consumers are questioning whether they are essentially paying hundreds of dollars for a product that resembles a sock with a gaping hole.
The iPhone Pocket is available in two sizes, with one featuring a shorter strap for hand use and another with a longer strap that can be worn over the shoulder. The prices for these accessories are set at $149.95 for the short strap model and $229.95 for the longer version. The unusual design has sparked a wave of mockery across social media platforms, with users comparing the product to various items including a bikini and even a condom, highlighting the stark contrast between its appearance and its price tag.
Social Media Backlash
Following the announcement, reactions on social media were swift and often humorous. One user joked, “Use protection, don’t let your iPhone get infected with viruses – iPhone Pocket, the smartphone condom.” Another expressed disbelief at the product’s price, stating, “I had to check the domain three times; I was so sure this was a joke.” The mocking tone persisted globally, with users from different countries chiming in, calling it a product no one would want, even as a gift.
Despite the criticism, Apple indicates that the iPhone Pocket will be available for purchase starting November 14, 2025, both online and in physical stores in various countries including the US, UK, France, Japan, and South Korea. The company has also confirmed that the iPhone Pocket will be offered in eight different colors, including lemon, mandarin, and sapphire.
In a statement, Apple described the iPhone Pocket as exploring “the joy of wearing an iPhone in your own way.” The collaboration with ISSEY MIYAKE incorporates elements of the brand’s renowned pleated clothing, aiming to blend functionality with high fashion. Yoshiyuki Miyamae, the design director of MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO, commented, “The design of iPhone Pocket speaks to the bond between iPhone and its user, while keeping in mind that an Apple product is designed to be universal in aesthetic and versatile in use.”
Comparisons to Previous Accessories
While the iPhone Pocket’s price has raised eyebrows, it is not Apple’s most expensive accessory to date. The tech giant previously collaborated with the French luxury brand Hermès to produce designer Apple Watch bands that sold for as much as $1,249. Additionally, Apple has offered extravagant cases for its devices, such as those from Caviar that can cost upwards of $8,000, adorned with real gold and precious gems.
Despite the hefty price tag, some consumers maintain that the traditional method of carrying an iPhone—simply placing it in pockets or bags—remains sufficient. Critics of the iPhone Pocket argue that its design and cost reflect a trend where luxury and practicality are at odds.
As the launch date approaches, it remains unclear how the market will respond to this controversial accessory. Apple’s decision to release the iPhone Pocket as a limited edition suggests that the company hopes to create exclusivity around the product, although many consumers are already expressing skepticism about its viability in the market.
