12 November, 2025
apple-launches-230-iphone-pocket-sparks-online-outrage

UPDATE: Apple has just announced the release of the highly anticipated iPhone Pocket, a wearable accessory that has already ignited a firestorm of reactions online. Priced at $149.95 for the short-strap version and $229.95 for the longer cross-body strap, this new product is set to launch on November 14 in select countries, including the U.S., U.K., Japan, and France.

The iPhone Pocket, developed in collaboration with renowned Japanese fashion house ISSEY MIYAKE, is designed to hold any iPhone model and can be worn around the neck, on the shoulder, or attached to a bag. Made from a single piece of 3D-knitted fabric, this minimalist accessory comes in eight vibrant colors for the short-strap version and three for the longer strap, showcasing a blend of technology and fashion.

Social media users are expressing disbelief at the price tag, with many taking to platforms to voice their opinions. One user humorously remarked, “Thought this was a parody,” while another quipped, “Only $150 for a piece of cloth? That’s a bargain.” The conversation has taken a turn toward nostalgia, with references to Apple’s past, particularly the iconic black turtlenecks worn by late co-founder Steve Jobs—a connection that underscores the historical significance of this collaboration.

“ISSEY MIYAKE makes Steve Jobs’s iconic black turtleneck. This isn’t just a fashion thing. It’s gonna be expensive because it’s not cheap,”

noted a Reddit user, shedding light on the craftsmanship behind the product. Others compared the iPhone Pocket to the 2000s iPod sock, further fueling the debate over its value in today’s economy.

Critics are also highlighting the broader implications of such a luxury item in a time when many are struggling with basic needs. One frustrated commenter stated, “People can’t afford groceries, get a job, or buy a house, and Apple wants folks to pay $230 for a purse my grandma crocheted in 1980? We are living in some wild times…”

The iPhone Pocket is not Apple’s only premium accessory. In its recent September keynote, the tech giant unveiled a new Crossbody Strap for iPhone, priced at $59, and its basic protective cases start at $39.

As reactions continue to pour in, this launch serves as a stark reminder of the intersection of technology and high fashion, prompting consumers to question the value of such products in the current economic climate. What happens next will be closely watched, as consumer sentiment could impact future product releases and collaborations from tech giants like Apple.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and public reaction as the launch date approaches.