Once more, Apple has exceeded the expectations of the technology and fashion world with its introduction of the iPhone Pocket, a chic pouch-style accessory for the iPhone. This is a “wearable” pouch — not a case nor a sleeve — aimed at merging use and style.
“Using the idea of a “piece of cloth” as our starting point, we worked with the famous Japanese fashion house, Issey Miyake, in collaboration with Apple to create the iPhone Pocket. This is Apple’s bold step in the direction of merging technology and fashion to create a way to wear an iPhone, rather than just carry it.”
According to Apple, the iPhone Pocket should stretch and open so the contents are visible when pulled, allowing users to see their iPhone’s display take out completely. It is an accessory found at the line between minimalism, artsy, and able to be used — or pure luxury branding, depending on whom you ask.
What is the iPhone Pocket?
Apple states the iPhone Pocket stands as a new way to interact with the device you love using every day. In a world preoccupied with portability and personalization, the iPhone Pocket is intended to take the iPhone from a functional item to a fashion accessory.
With Issey Miyake’s characteristic pleats and Apple’s minimal engineering, it is designed to work in everyday life—from running to get a morning coffee to trying to find the doors open at a gallery. The material feels luxurious, soft on the hands, and has some durability. Apple says it is also “woven to respond to movement,” allowing the user to slightly stretch it, to look at the screen or access the phone without fully removing it.
Design Collaboration
The iPhone Pocket represents direct collaboration between Apple and Issey Miyake’s Reality Lab, known for designing Miyake’s Bao Bao bags. Apple calls the pocket “an exploration of tactile elegance and utility through modern textile innovation.”
The iPhone Pocket is available in two wrist strap styles’s:
Short Strap ($149) — Attaches to bags and can also be worn on your wrist.
Long Strap ($229) — A crossbody design with a smart wearable option to your pocket.
When the iPhone Pocket is stretched out, you can see the phone inside while still being able to check notifications or calls. This is where utility meets art.
The Colours
Apple is not skimping out on style.
The Short Strap version is available in 8 colours:
Lemon, Mandarin, Purple, Pink, Peacock, Sapphire, Cinnamon, and Black.
The Long Strap version is available in 3 colours:
Sapphire, Cinnamon, and Black.
These colours are influenced by natural tones and Issey Miyake’s collection of earthy textiles in both colour and texture. Each colour is designed to compliment your appropriate iPhone model and work with what you are wearing, acknowledging the growing culture of technology as wearable fashion.
Where It’s Launching
Apple announced that the iPhone Pocket will be available starting Friday, 14 November 2025, in select countries:
- France
- Greater China
- Italy
- Japan
- Singapore
- South Korea
- UK
- US
Customers can acquire it directly from either Apple Stores or the Apple website.
The global rollout indicates that Apple sees the iPhone Pocket as not just a bag, but a lifestyle product similar to the Hermès Apple Watch collaborations.
Was it necessary – and what we think about it
Let’s be real – did anyone ask for an iPhone bag?
Probably not. However it hasn’t stopped Apple from making it look extremely premium. The idea might not be erased but the quality of production in terms of materials and branding mean the final product feels luxe – an intriguing item for Apple advocates and design fans alike.
Apple also showed an example of how the shorter version could be tied onto a tote bag looking reasonably cool. Now onto what the biggest debate is, which is price.
- The Overall Comparison
When you compare it to other Apple products, the value starts to look even more dubious:
Short iPhone Pocket Strap – $149 or AirPods 4 – $129
Long iPhone Pocket Strap – $229 or AirPods Pro 3 – $249
Yes, you read that correctly you could almost buy a pair of AirPods Pro 3 for the same cost of the long iPhone Pocket Strap.
While Apple users always accept premium accessories, this might be just a little too far. It is a hard sell to try to tell someone to pay almost AirPods prices for what is basically a fabric sling — unless you are deep within Apple’s Fashion portfolio.
- Our Conclusion
To us, it feels like the iPhone Pocket is more of a fashion item than a tech item. Yes, it is beautifully designed. However, in terms of functionality, it does little to justify its price.
Maybe Apple is just testing the limits of its fanbase, to see how much it can stretch the prestige of its brand.
For the minimalists or stylist-first users, it may work as a statement piece. For everyone else, it’s simply going to be the accessory that makes memes and debates instead of sales.
Regardless, if you want to be part of Apple’s latest design experiment, you can pick it up via Apple’s store in mid-November.
Responses & Public Feedback
Influencer Reactions
Tech YouTuber MKBHD (Marques Brownlee) shared a response on X :
“Two hundred thirty bucks. This feels like a litmus test for people who will buy or defend anything Apple drops.”
That sentiment encapsulated a lot of what people on the internet were feeling — half wondering if it was wow, and half wondering if it was whack.
Mixed Reactions
Some people thought the Issey Miyake x Apple artistic collaboration was beautiful, dubbing it “the most aesthetically pleasing Apple product ever.” Others thought it was perhaps the most unnecessary since Apple Polishing Cloth. Regardless, Apple has succeeded in their goal — everyone is talking about it.
Would you pay $229 for Apple’s iPhone Pocket or is that too far for designer homage? Leave us a thought below about your opinion.
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