Apple has once again captured global attention, this time not with a new iPhone model, but with what critics are calling the ‘iPhone Sock.’
Officially dubbed the iPhone Pocket, this latest accessory is a collaboration with Japanese fashion house Issey Miyake.
Described as a ‘textured fabric sleeve’ for iPhones, it has sparked a storm of reactions across social media, leaving fans divided over its design, functionality, and exorbitant price.
The iPhone Sock is a knitted, stretchy sleeve designed to carry and protect iPhones. Unlike traditional phone cases, it offers minimal impact protection, instead serving as a fashion-forward wearable accessory. Its unique 3D knitted construction is inspired by Issey Miyake’s signature pleated textile aesthetic, which emphasizes minimalism, flexibility, and form.
The accessory comes in two strap versions: a short strap for handheld or bag attachment, and a longer crossbody strap for wearing the phone on your body.
Apple markets it as a way to carry not only an iPhone but also small items like AirPods or credit cards. Eight vibrant colors are available for the short strap, while three colors are offered for the long strap, including black, cinnamon, and sapphire.
In the U.S., the short strap version of the iPhone Sock retails for $149.95, while the long crossbody strap costs $229.95. The accessory is set to be available online and in select Apple Store locations starting November 14, 2025.
Prices vary slightly by region, but in many markets, it translates to several hundred dollars — a sum that has fueled social media debate over whether Apple has once again crossed the line between premium branding and excessive pricing.
This is not the first time Apple has released a high-priced accessory. The company has a history of creating luxury tech add-ons, including $999 Hermès Apple Watches, premium chargers, and the original iPod Socks in 2004.
The iPhone Sock follows this tradition, appealing to consumers willing to pay for aesthetic and brand prestige rather than pure functionality.
Almost immediately after the launch, the iPhone Sock became a trending topic across social media platforms. Users expressed bewilderment over the price and design, with some joking that it looks like a “cut-up sock”. On X, memes and witty commentary circulated rapidly.
Despite the aesthetic appeal, many users criticized the iPhone Sock for its limited functionality. Unlike standard protective cases, it offers minimal shock absorption or scratch resistance, leaving phones vulnerable to drops. Its open-knit design prioritizes flexibility and appearance over structural protection.
The price-to-function debate has been particularly pronounced in markets outside the U.S., including India and parts of Europe, where the cost translates to thousands of local currency units.
Social media users in these regions were quick to mock the accessory, drawing comparisons with ordinary household items and questioning the value proposition.
The iPhone Sock also reflects Apple’s continued effort to position itself as more than a tech company — it is a lifestyle brand.
By collaborating with Issey Miyake, Apple taps into high-fashion sensibilities, offering consumers a product that signals both technological sophistication and aesthetic discernment.
Interestingly, the accessory’s humorous reception has contributed to its visibility. Memes comparing the sock to literal footwear, knitting experiments, and DIY phone holders have proliferated across TikTok, Instagram, and X.
