A ripple of surprise went through the tech world today. Apple unveiled a product no one predicted: the iPhone Pocket. It’s exactly as the name suggests – a wearable pocket meticulously crafted to house your iPhone.
The design isn’t born from a vacuum. It’s a collaboration with the studio of the late Issey Miyake, the iconic Japanese designer who famously created Steve Jobs’ signature black turtlenecks. This connection hints at a deeper intention than mere utility; it’s about form and the relationship between technology and the body.
The iPhone Pocket boasts a “ribbed open structure” – a stretchable, 3D-printed material that gently embraces your iPhone, while also accommodating other daily essentials. It’s designed to subtly reveal its contents, even allowing glimpses of your iPhone’s display.
The design evokes a nostalgic echo of Apple’s past: the iPod Socks released in 2004. Those colorful, soft slipcases were intended for portable music players, but lacked a secure closure. They were charming, but ultimately impractical for reliable carrying.
The iPhone Pocket appears to address those earlier shortcomings. According to Molly Anderson, Apple’s Vice President of Industrial Design, it’s a “clever extra pocket” that complements Apple’s products. It’s a thoughtful extension of their design philosophy.
Anderson emphasized the intentionality behind the color palette, designed to seamlessly integrate with all iPhone models and colors. Users are invited to personalize their carry, creating a unique aesthetic. The silhouette itself is meant to be instantly recognizable and beautifully functional.
This is a “limited-edition release,” launching this Friday at select Apple Stores and online in a handful of countries including France, China, Italy, Japan, and the US. Pricing starts at $150 for the version with a short strap, and $230 for the longer strap option.
The short strap version offers a vibrant spectrum of eight colors – lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon, and black. The longer strap is available in a more restrained palette of sapphire, cinnamon, and black.
