Apple Introduces High-End iPhone Pocket Accessory Inspired by Issey Miyake Design
Is a simple cloth sling for your smartphone worth nearly $230, or does it represent the next evolution in luxury tech accessories?
Exploring Apple’s Latest iPhone Accessory
Apple has released the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition cloth accessory designed in collaboration with the Issey Miyake label. Available in short and long crossbody sizes, the product draws from minimalist fashion principles to offer a functional yet stylish way to carry an iPhone. The short version retails for $149.95 and comes in a wide range of colors, while the long crossbody size is priced at $229.95 and limited to three color options. Made from a single piece of ribbed mesh fabric, the accessory features a structure that echoes Issey Miyake’s original pleats. When stretched, the open textile allows users to view the iPhone’s display without fully removing the device. Apple describes the item as “a beautiful way to wear and carry iPhone,” highlighting its innovative design that reduces material waste while providing subtle visibility of contents.
Roots in Issey Miyake’s Innovative Legacy
The iPhone Pocket builds on the “a piece of cloth” (APOC) concept pioneered by Japanese designer Issey Miyake in 1997. This approach emphasized creating garments from one continuous fabric, blending technology with fashion to minimize environmental impact. Issey Miyake, who passed away in 2022, had a notable connection to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. In the 1990s, Jobs collaborated with Miyake on a personal uniform, resulting in the iconic black mockneck shirts that became synonymous with Apple’s sleek aesthetic. Although Miyake himself was not involved in the iPhone Pocket’s design, the partnership between the label and Apple aligns with this historical tie.
- Key historical details:
- APOC concept introduced in 1997, focusing on tech-forward, waste-reducing fashion.
- Jobs requested employee uniforms from Miyake, inspired by Sony’s practices in Japan, but settled on personal attire instead.
- Miyake’s designs influenced Apple’s emphasis on elegant simplicity.
Ties to Broader Accessory Trends
The iPhone Pocket enters a market where phone-carrying solutions are increasingly fashionable. Apple released a $59 crossbody strap earlier this year, earning praise for its photography convenience but facing some criticism for usability issues when detached. Viral trends like Labubu plush keychains show striking comparisons, as collectors attach them to bags and drive resale values up to $10,000 for rare variants, even though each originally costs around $30. These items exemplify “accessories for accessories,” catering to a phone-centric lifestyle enabled by technologies like Tap to Pay and keyless entry.
- Related market trends:
- Rise in crossbody phone cases and straps, building on minimalist bag designs from brands like Telfar.
- Popularity of miniature versions of everyday items, such as tiny totes from Trader Joe’s or keychain bags from Free People, Baggu, Lululemon, and IKEA.
- Shift toward phone-only outings, reducing the need for traditional wallets or keys.