Apple Unveils “iPhone Pocket”—A $229 Fashion Accessory That’s Turning Heads for its unique 3D-knit fabric, luxury craftsmanship, and limited-edition appeal, merging Apple’s sleek design with Issey Miyake’s artistic flair.
Apple has done it again—released something that no one expected, yet everyone is talking about. This time, it’s not a new iPhone, AirPods, or a next-generation gadget, but… a piece of clothing. Meet the iPhone Pocket, Apple’s latest (and most surprising) fashion-meets-tech accessory, born from a collaboration with renowned Japanese design house ISSEY MIYAKE.
This limited-edition creation, launching on November 14, isn’t just another phone case. It’s an artistic experiment that blurs the line between wearable fashion and technology, retailing for $149.95 for the short strap version and $229.95 for the long strap version.
A collaboration that has been going on for decades
Apple’s relationship with Issey Miyake goes back a long way. The Japanese designer was the creative mind behind Steve Jobs’ iconic black turtleneck, the uniform that defined the late Apple co-founder. Now, Apple has rekindled that partnership with Miyake’s team to create something equally simple—but undeniably bold.
The iPhone Pocket is designed by Yoshiyuki Miyake, design director of Issey Miyake and a leader in 3D fabric innovation. He describes this accessory as an exploration of “the joy of wearing an iPhone in your own way.”
In Apple’s words, the product embodies the idea of ”a piece of clothing”—a minimalist object that changes depending on how you use it. And yes, Apple actually refers to it as a piece of cloth in the official description.
What exactly is iPhone Pocket?
At first glance, it looks like a small, ribbed cloth bag with a strap. But this is not your ordinary phone sleeve. The iPhone Pocket is made in Japan using 3D-weaving technology, inspired by Miyake’s signature pleated designs. The result is a stretchy, sculptural pocket that’s adaptable to any iPhone model—and can even hold small essentials like AirPods or keys.
The open-weave fabric subtly reveals what’s inside, allowing users to see their phone screen through the fabric. It’s equal parts futuristic and minimalist, encapsulating both Apple’s sleek design philosophy and Miyake’s love of movement and materials.
How to wear it
Unlike a traditional case, the iPhone Pocket is meant to be worn. You can do this:
Take it by hand,
Tie it to your bag, or
Wear it crossbody like a mini tech purse.
It’s an unusual idea, but it fits into today’s “wearable tech” trend. Apple says it wanted to create a product that would let people “carry an iPhone in a beautiful, personal way.”
In other words, it’s not just about protecting your phone—it’s about expressing your style.
The Look: Subtle yet playful
Apple and Miyake have given the iPhone Pocket a color palette that’s quietly expressive rather than loud. The short-strap version comes in eight colors—lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon, and black. Meanwhile, the long-strap version is available in three colors—sapphire, cinnamon, and black.
These colors are designed to blend seamlessly with everyday attire, adding a hint of playfulness without overwhelming your look. According to Molly Anderson, Apple’s vice president of industrial design, the colors were carefully chosen to “mix and match with all iPhone models and colors.”
So, whether you’re rocking a Midnight iPhone 15 Pro or a bright blue iPhone SE, there’s a Pocket to match.
An example of craftsmanship
The iPhone Pocket may seem simple at first glance, but its construction is anything but. The 3D-weaving process eliminates seams, giving it a smooth, sculptural quality. Each is made in Japan, reflecting Miyake’s long-standing focus on craftsmanship and innovation.
The texture is reminiscent of the designer’s famous pleated clothes, which stretch and change as you move. This flexibility makes it functional enough for everyday use while maintaining a high-fashion edge.
Apple says the accessory was developed through a close partnership between its own design team and researchers at Miyake. Every detail—from the elasticity of the fabric to the ribbing pattern—was fine-tuned to strike the perfect balance between technical utility and wearable art.
Divided Reactions: Art or Extremely Expensive Fabric?
Like most Apple releases, the iPhone Pocket has sparked considerable debate online. Fans see it as a clever design statement that blends technology and fashion—something only Apple can do. Critics, on the other hand, are calling it “over-designed minimalism” or simply “a $229 piece of clothing.”
Still, it can’t be denied that this collaboration turns heads. It’s unusual, cool, and completely on-brand for Apple’s design-first philosophy. Whether it’s practical or not, it’s already achieved what Apple does best—getting people talking.
History behind the collaboration
This partnership brings a bit of nostalgia. In the 1980s, Steve Jobs visited Sony and admired the company’s uniforms—which were designed by none other than Issey Miyake. Jobs asked Miyake to create something similar for Apple employees. This idea did not appeal to Apple employees, but this meeting marked the beginning of a friendship.
Jobs later asked Miyake to create a personal wardrobe of black faux turtlenecks; he reportedly owned about a hundred of them—enough to last him a lifetime. Those turtlenecks became just as iconic as the iPhone, a symbol of the simplicity and focus that defined the Apple aesthetic.
Miyake, who died in 2022 at the age of 84, was known for blending fashion with technology, pushing boundaries with his pleated fabrics and experimental design methods. The iPhone Pocket feels like a fitting tribute—merging Apple’s innovation with Miyake’s timeless sense of form and function.
A global launch
Apple is treating the iPhone Pocket as a special-edition release, available only in select flagship stores and online. It will be on sale from November 14th at:
Japan (Apple Ginza, Tokyo)
United States (Apple Soho, New York)
United Kingdom (Apple Regent Street, London)
France (Apple Marché Saint-Germain, Paris)
Italy (Apple Plaza Liberty, Milan)
China, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan
The limited availability and high price tag suggest that Apple views it more as a collector’s item than a mainstream accessory.
big picture
The iPhone Pocket may seem like a small, even eccentric release—but it says a lot about where Apple’s design philosophy is headed. It’s not just about technology anymore. Apple is moving deeper into lifestyle and fashion based on its growing influence in wearables and personal design.
It’s a product that celebrates the beauty of simplicity—a concept that both Apple and Miyake have mastered. Whether you think it’s ridiculous or revolutionary, the iPhone Pocket reminds us that design, at its best, invites curiosity and conversation.
And perhaps that’s the real goal here.
After all, who else but Apple could make the world talk about a $229 piece of cloth—and make people actually want it?