Apple has released a new accessory called the iPhone Pocket, a cross-body strap holder made of ribbed material that resembles a sock. The accessory is a collaboration with Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake and is inspired by the concept of "a piece of cloth." It is designed to create an additional pocket for iPhones and comes in bright colors.
The iPhone Pocket is priced at $149.95 for a short strap and $229.95 for a long strap. Upon its announcement, the product was met with widespread mockery and criticism online from customers who found the price exorbitant for what they perceived as a simple sock.
Comparisons were made to Sacha Baron Cohen's "Borat" mankini and Apple's own discontinued iPod Socks from 2004. Many users expressed disbelief, with some noting that an entire Android phone could be purchased for the price of the iPhone Pocket. Critics labeled the release as "peak brand delusion," highlighting the significant price difference compared to older Apple accessories and the cost of budget smartphones. Despite the backlash, one commentator suggested that the product aligns with a growing trend of treating the iPhone as a wearable accessory.
