Apple’s New Accessory is A Pocket That Costs $299

Apple and ISSEY MIYAKE, a designer brand, are teaming up to make the iPhone Pocket. It is a strap that comes in two lengths, and its price can reach $230! Apple says it is designed to “celebrate craftsmanship and delight” and that it’s “inspired by a piece of cloth,” but I wonder if we really need an expensive accessory like this to hold a phone. When I first heard about this product from Apple, I thought it wasn’t real, maybe just a rumor. So wow!

The Pocket has a 3D-knit design that is made in Japan, and inspired by ISSEY MIYAKE’s pleated clothing. It comes in a lot of different color options: lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon, and black, to name a few, for the short strap. As for the long strap, it comes in sapphire, cinnamon, and black. They can also be used in different areas, like a handle, tied to bags, or worn on the body. I feel like this is more of a fashion product than a functional product. It is like an expensive pouch that happens to match your iPhone.

Yoshiyuki Miyamae, design director at ISSEY MIYAKE, says that “iPhone Pocket explores the concept of ‘the joy of wearing iPhone in your own way.’ The simplicity of its design echoes what we practice at ISSEY MIYAKE — the idea of leaving things less defined to allow for possibilities and personal interpretation.” Apple also says that the iPhone Pocket “celebrates simplicity, craftsmanship, and delight.” That isn’t what you would think of when you think of a $229 cloth pocket, right?

The iPhone Poket is a limited edition product, sold at select Apple Stores like Apple SoHo in NYC, Ginza Tokyo, Orchard Road Singapore, and Regent Street London, to name a few of the locations. It comes just in time for the holidays, with Apple saying that, “Specialists are ready to help customers mix and match their iPhone and pocket.”While the design might appeal to collectors or fashion fans, it’s definitely not for everyone.

The shorter version of the iPhone Pocket costs $149.95, and the long one costs $229.95. It is launching November 14th in the U.S., UK, Japan, France, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Greater China, and online at Apple.com.

Would you ever pay between $149 and $299 for an iPhone Pocket? Do you see this product as art, fashion, or just marketing? Which color would you pick? Are you thinking about buying one for yourself or someone you know? Let us know in the comments!

Source and Images: Apple