Khaberni - Apple has sparked a wave of global ridicule with the launch of its new accessory, the iPhone Pocket ("iPhone Sock"), which is the latest innovation by the company in the world of accessories.
Apple revealed this three-dimensional accessory that functions as a wallet or a phone bag, coming in two sizes: one with a short strap that can be hung on the arm, and another with a longer strap that is worn over the shoulder.
Although its design appears like a thick sock with a long opening in the middle, the prices of the iPhone Pocket have sparked widespread controversy, ranging from $149.95 for the short strap version to $229.95 for the longer version.
Ridicule quickly spread across social media platforms, where critics compared the accessory to everything. One user jokingly wrote on platform X: "Use protection, don't let the iPhone get viruses—iPhone Pocket, the smartphone condom." Meanwhile, another said: "I had to check the price three times, I was sure it was a joke".
The accessory was designed in collaboration with the Japanese fashion house ISSEY MIYAKE, which drew inspiration for its design from the idea of "a piece of cloth" and reinterpreted the distinctive pleats found in their famous garments into a phone bag form.
Yoshiuki Miyamai, the design director at the studio, said: "The design of the iPhone Pocket reflects the relationship between the phone and its user, keeping in mind that Apple's products are universally beautiful and versatile."
The accessory is set to be sold online and in Apple stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. It will be available in eight colors including lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, sapphire, and black.
Despite the ridicule of the accessory's price reaching up to $230, these prices are not the highest among Apple products. The company has, in collaboration with French house Hermès, offered Apple Watch bands priced up to $1249, and has also launched Caviar diamond cases made of real gold and gemstones starting from $8000.
Apple confirmed that the iPhone Pocket will be a limited edition release, without specifying the duration of its availability.
