Apple has unveiled a limited-edition fabric pouch called iPhone Pocket, created with Japanese fashion house Issey Miyake during an overnight announcement. Engadget reported that the accessory will reach selected Apple Stores in France, Greater China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States on 14 November. No Australian rollout is planned and Apple has not announced Indian availability.
Mashable described the pouch as an elongated sock produced through a three-dimensional knitting process that yields a ribbed, stretchable mesh. The Independent added that the pleated texture echoes Issey Miyake’s signature textiles. Apple is marketing the piece as a special-edition way to carry a phone and a few essentials.
Forbes stated that the short-strap version costs $149.95 and the long-strap option costs $229.95. Cult of Mac reported eight color choices for the wrist-length model—lemon yellow, tangerine, purple, pink, cyan, sapphire, cinnamon, and black—while the cross-body length comes only in sapphire, cinnamon, and black.
The pocket can stretch to hold any iPhone from the iPhone 8 onward as well as AirPods or other small items. The Independent pointed out that the seamless tube, knitted in Japan, lets users glimpse the screen through the mesh. Pocket-lint explained that owners can wear it cross-body, loop it on a wrist, or clip it to another bag.
Forbes said distribution is limited to flagship stores such as Apple SoHo in New York and Apple Regent Street in London. Cult of Mac estimated only ten Apple Stores worldwide will stock the pouch.
“iPhone Pocket explores the joy of using the iPhone your way,” said Yoshiyuki Miyamae, design director at Miyake Design Studio, according to Business Insider. “Apple and ISSEY MIYAKE share a design vision that celebrates craftsmanship, simplicity, and delight,” said Molly Anderson, Apple’s vice-president of industrial design.
Social-media users compared the pouch to a glorified sock, while the Independent quoted an Instagram commenter who warned that wearing the bright knit in London “will be ripped off your arm in a nano second.”
Vogue Korea called the pouch Apple’s largest high-fashion collaboration since the 2015 Apple Watch Hermès release. Added that the one-piece knit keeps the pouch lightweight yet durable, with ribbing that recalls Issey Miyake’s celebrated pleats.
The preparation of this article relied on a news-analysis system.