I was able to snag a Peacock colored iPhone Pocket last weekend at the Apple SoHo store. It’s funny because I really wasn’t interested in getting one, but then the lore of its rarity got to me. I also wanted one for practical reasons since I always carry a spare iPhone with me when traveling, and the iPhone Pocket would be perfect to keep it stored and protected. To wear it as a fashion piece was never the goal, but for those who wear purses, handbags, etc., it is a nice accessory to accent your bag and allows for more practicality.

The materials are quite premium with no visible split threads or stitches. Even when you invert the Pocket, there are no end seams anywhere. You could call it a unibody piece of cloth with no beginning or end. Very stretchy, premium, and durable. Apple describes it as a “singular 3D-knitted construction,” and now I understand.

The process of inserting your phone inside the pocket is a bit tricky at first when trying to separate the tight pleats, but once it’s in there, it is protected well. The ribbed structure is spongy and can absorb minor shocks. Of course if you have a case you’ll be doubly protected. It’s thick, high quality, and would require a lot of force for a phone to fall out due to a tear.

People might scoff at the $149 price tag for the short size (as shown above) or $229 for the long size, but it is compatible with practically every modern iPhone that is in use today and in the future, along with other small items like AirPods, battery banks, wallets, lip balm, etc. I wouldn’t be surprised if people bought it to hold their non-iPhone devices since it really is about the look and design. All they would have to do is make sure the ISSEY MIYAKE label is front and center instead of iPhone Pocket.

For the non-iPhoners, you can stick this label outward.

On the topic of price, Apple did release a leather sleeve in 2020 with the iPhone 12 lineup, and those were only compatible with one single device. The leather sleeve for iPhone 12 was $129, and didn’t sell well. You can still buy it on Amazon today, 5 years later, for as low as $10. iPhone Pocket? Sold out everywhere, and compatible for years to come.

Even when inverted, it looks great and has a crocodile-pattern look, but it only keeps its form factor this way when you put an iPhone inside.

Left to right: empty iPhone Pocket, with an iPhone placed inside, and closeup of the 3D pleats with iPhone inside.

Most fashion clothing and accessories are illogical and luxury purchases, as you can get similar quality and design for a lot cheaper. iPhone Pocket is along those lines, but slightly more justifiable since it does provide real function without looking ridiculous.

iPhone Pocket hands on.

Surveillance through smartphones.

Original iPhone SE is obsolete.