Apple is making a bold fashion statement by encouraging users to wear their phones as a chic accessory. With the debut of its iPhone Pocket, a knitted phone holder, the company aims to blend utility with style. This trend started with the attachment points for straps on its iPhone 17 cases, and now it takes a step further.
A Design with a Legacy
The iPhone Pocket is the brainchild of Miyake Design Studio, founded by the renowned Japanese designer Issey Miyake, who famously designed the black turtleneck worn by Steve Jobs. This new creation echoes the playful spirit of the $29 iPod Sock introduced by Jobs in 2004, and for some, it might evoke nostalgia for the vibrant iPhone 5c cases.
Functionality Meets Style
Apple describes the iPhone Pocket as being inspired by the concept of a “piece of cloth.” The design completely encases the iPhone, subtly showing its contents when stretched, akin to a hidden treasure. The iPhone Pocket is available in two versions: a short strap in eight colors and a long strap in three colors, priced at $150 and $230 respectively. Yoshiyuki Miyamae, director at Miyake Design Studio, states that the accessory is crafted to be “universal in aesthetic and versatile in use,” accommodating various models from the iPhone 17 to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and other devices like the Pixel 10 and Galaxy Z Fold 7. Even a New Nintendo 3DS XL could fit.
Fashion Forward or Function Flop?
Advocates for wearing smartphones argue that it prevents drops and offers easy access, but its effectiveness remains subjective. While the iPhone Pocket may not suit everyone, it undeniably targets a specific audience. It will be intriguing to see this accessory in use.