Apple is renowned for its revolutionary devices – the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch – but beyond these iconic products lies a world of accessories, a surprisingly diverse collection ranging from essential cables to stylish bands. Recently, Apple unveiled a new addition to this lineup, a collaboration with Issey Miyake dubbed the “iPhone Pocket.” This isn’t just a case; it’s a fabric sleeve with an expandable strap, envisioned as a uniquely elegant way to carry your iPhone, and priced at a surprising $230.
But this isn’t an isolated instance of Apple venturing into unconventional territory. The company has a history of introducing accessories that have raised eyebrows and sparked debate. Looking back, a fascinating pattern emerges – a willingness to experiment, even when the ideas seem… unexpected.
In 2004, Steve Jobs himself presented “iPod Socks” during an Apple keynote. The audience initially reacted with laughter, unsure if Jobs was serious about launching a pack of colorful socks for iPods. He playfully acknowledged the thriving third-party accessory market, noting Apple hadn’t yet entered the fray. These weren’t just socks; they were a playful, affordable way to protect iPods from scratches, costing less than $5 apiece.
That same year, Apple unveiled another curious creation: the U2 Special Edition iPod. A sleek black iPod with a red Click Wheel, it featured the signatures of all four U2 band members laser-engraved on the back. It wasn’t just a device; it was a tribute to a musical partnership, bundled with an exclusive poster and a coupon for U2’s complete discography. These limited-edition iPods are now highly sought-after collector’s items.
Apple also attempted to redefine home audio with the iPod Hi-Fi. Released a decade before the HomePod, this system aimed to bring Apple’s minimalist aesthetic to the living room. However, its reliance on a 30-pin connector and lack of wireless connectivity proved to be its downfall. Despite its $349 price tag, the iPod Hi-Fi was discontinued after just one year, overshadowed by the arrival of the first iPhone.
The 2010 iPad launch brought with it the iPad Keyboard Dock, a full-size keyboard permanently attached to a docking station. While Apple attempted dedicated keyboard shortcuts, the design felt awkward and restrictive, forcing portrait-only use. At $69, it was a clunky solution that was quickly replaced four years later with the more versatile Smart Folio Keyboard.
Perhaps the most memorable examples arrived with the 2019 Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR. Apple marketed these as professional tools, but the accompanying accessories sparked widespread disbelief. The Mac Pro Wheels Kit, allowing users to easily move their $6,000 computer, cost a staggering $699 – nearly $175 per wheel. And the Pro Display XDR, a stunning 6K monitor, didn’t even *include* a stand, which was sold separately for an astonishing $999.
In 2021, Apple quietly released an accessory that ignited a viral sensation: the Apple Polishing Cloth. Priced at $19, this simple cloth promised to clean any Apple display. It quickly sold out, becoming a meme, a status symbol, and a testament to Apple’s ability to elevate even the most mundane items.
More recently, Apple introduced the iPhone Crossbody Strap, allowing users to wear their iPhone as a fashion statement. While divisive, the $59 strap (case not included) highlights Apple’s continued willingness to explore unconventional accessory designs.
Apple’s history is filled with these intriguing experiments. Some have faded into obscurity, while others have become iconic, or at least, unforgettable. Whether the new iPhone Pocket will follow suit remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Apple isn’t afraid to push boundaries and challenge expectations, even when it comes to the smallest details.
