Apple Launches $230 iPhone Pocket: Internet Reacts with Shock

UPDATE: Apple has just announced the release of the iPhone Pocket, a groundbreaking accessory priced between $149.95 and $229.95. This unique 3D-knitted wearable, developed in collaboration with renowned Japanese fashion house ISSEY MIYAKE, is set to launch on November 14 in select countries including the U.S., U.K., Japan, and France.

The iPhone Pocket is designed to hold any iPhone model and can be worn around the neck, on the shoulder, or attached to a bag. Available in eight colors for the short-strap version costing $149.95, and three colors for the longer cross-body strap at $229.95, this minimalist accessory has already ignited a wave of reactions online.

Social media users have expressed disbelief at the price tag, with comments flooding in that range from humor to outrage. One user quipped, “Thought this was a parody,” while another remarked, “Only $150 for a piece of cloth? That’s a bargain.” The affordability of such an accessory during a time of economic struggle has raised eyebrows, with one commenter lamenting, “People can’t afford groceries, and Apple wants folks to pay $230 for a purse my gramma crocheted in 1980?”

The partnership with ISSEY MIYAKE carries historical significance, as the late Steve Jobs famously wore custom Miyake turtlenecks. Each iPhone Pocket is meticulously crafted in Japan using a single piece of fabric, a hallmark of Miyake’s design ethos.

Despite its craftsmanship, reactions highlight a stark divide in consumer sentiment. Some users have pointed to the nostalgic connection to Apple’s past products, like the iPod sock, while others criticize the luxury pricing amidst a challenging economic landscape.

In addition to the iPhone Pocket, Apple recently unveiled the Crossbody Strap for iPhone, which retails at $59. Other accessories, such as the iPhone Air Bumper and the iPhone 16e Silicone Case, start at $39.

As the launch date approaches, all eyes will be on consumer reactions and sales performance. Will the iPhone Pocket become a must-have fashion statement, or will the backlash over its pricing overshadow its launch?

Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.