UPDATE: Apple’s latest accessory, the iPhone Pocket, has officially sold out just days after its launch, igniting a wave of online debate over its controversial design. This new product, priced at $149.95 for the short strap variant and $229.95 for the long strap, is drawing comparisons to Borat’s infamous mankini, as critics react to its eye-catching aesthetics.
The iPhone Pocket, unveiled earlier this week, is described by Apple as a functional accessory designed for carrying iPhones in style. Available in vibrant colors like lemon, purple, and pink, its 3D-knitted structure aims to provide versatility, allowing users to wear it cross-body or simply carry it as a handheld item. However, the internet wasted no time in dubbing it a “mankini” due to its revealing design and bold colors.
Why This Matters NOW: The swift sell-out of the iPhone Pocket raises concerns about consumer demand for high-priced fashion accessories amid an ongoing economic downturn. The product’s release follows a long line of Apple items that have sparked controversy, from the infamous $1,000 monitor stand to a $20 polishing cloth.
Behind the design is a collaboration with the iconic Miyake Design Studio, founded by the late Japanese designer Issey Miyake, who passed away in 2022. This partnership reflects a long-standing appreciation for minimalist aesthetics shared by both Miyake and Apple’s co-founder, Steve Jobs. Jobs famously favored Miyake’s designs, even sporting a signature black turtleneck made by the designer.
While Apple has a reputation for innovative and meticulously crafted products, the introduction of the iPhone Pocket via a simple press release rather than a grand reveal has left some fans disappointed. Unlike the playful launch of the iPod Socks in 2004, which made audiences laugh and engaged them with its light-heartedness, the iPhone Pocket’s rollout feels lackluster and overly reliant on its fashion label.
Critics argue that the iPhone Pocket’s design, while eye-catching, lacks the creative ingenuity Apple is known for. Many consumers can find similar, far less expensive accessories, such as crocheted-style sling pouches, for a fraction of the price. The disparity in cost has sparked discussions across social media, with many expressing disbelief over spending nearly $230 for an accessory they perceive as lacking innovation.
As the buzz around the iPhone Pocket continues, the key takeaway lies in the intersection of luxury fashion and technology. Apple’s bold move to position the iPhone Pocket as a designer accessory reflects a strategy to appeal to fashion-conscious consumers and elevate its brand status.
What’s Next: As the iPhone Pocket gains traction in the market, it will be interesting to see if Apple addresses the criticisms or if this product’s success leads to more collaborations with high-profile designers. The response from consumers and the fashion industry will likely shape the trajectory of future Apple accessories.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the conversation surrounding the iPhone Pocket unfolds.
