Apple’s next accessory is a Rs 20,000 sock for your iPhone

Apple has teamed up with Japanese fashion house ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knit bag designed to carry your iPhone and a few essentials. Priced at $149.95 (approximately Rs 13,000) for the short strap version, and $229.95 (approximately Rs 20,000) for the long strap variant, it’s less a breakthrough in design and more a flex in branding. Proof that Apple can possibly turn even the simplest idea into a must-have object of desire.

Sitting at the intersection of Cupertino’s clean aesthetic and Miyake’s architectural pleats, it’s as much art as accessory, though one that may leave some wondering if minimalism has finally gone too far.

The collaboration draws inspiration from “a piece of cloth”, echoing Miyake’s minimalist philosophy while channelling Apple’s obsession with seamless design. It also subtly nods to Steve Jobs’ long-standing connection with Miyake, who famously designed the black turtleneck that became an inseparable part of Jobs’ uniform.

The result is a ribbed, open-structured pouch that reinterprets the humble pocket into something closer to wearable sculpture, or, depending on how you see it, a designer sock for your phone.

A designer bag for your tech

Available in a range of colours, from vibrant lemon and peacock to understated black and cinnamon, the iPhone Pocket comes in two variants. The short-strap version works as a wrist accessory or bag charm, while the long-strap version offers a cross-body option for those who prefer hands-free minimalism.

Despite its name, Apple insists the iPhone Pocket can hold more than just your phone. There’s space for AirPods or small everyday items, though the focus remains on keeping things light and curated.

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It’s very on-brand for both collaborators, but also a reminder that Apple’s design-first ethos can sometimes tip into indulgence. After all, it’s hard not to smirk at the idea of a Rs 20,000 pouch for a Rs 1.5 lakh phone.

And this isn’t Apple’s first foray into absurd accessory pricing. Remember the $19 (approx. Rs 1,600) polishing cloth or the $59 (approx. Rs 5,200) Vision Pro cover? The iPhone Pocket simply takes that legacy and gives it a runway-ready spin.

The iPhone Pocket is launching on November 14 across select Apple Stores and online in the US, U.K., Japan, and other key markets. India, for now, isn’t on the list. What do you think of Apple’s Rs 20,000 iPhone Pocket? Drop a comment with your thoughts.