iPhone Pocket Review: Is This $150 Fashion Accessory Worth It?

Look, I'll be honest with you. When I first heard about the iPhone Pocket, I thought it was some kind of joke. Apple teaming up with a Japanese fashion brand to make... what exactly? A fancy pouch for your phone? But after digging into what this thing actually is, I've got to admit—it's kind of genius.

So let's talk about whether you should spend your hard-earned cash on this thing.

What Even Is the iPhone Pocket?

Okay, so here's the deal. The iPhone Pocket isn't your regular silicone case or leather wallet situation. It's basically a stretchy, knitted fabric carrier that you can wear however you want. And yeah, before you ask—it's from that collab between Apple and ISSEY MIYAKE (the fashion folks).

I know what you're thinking. "Why would I need another way to carry my phone?" Fair question. But stick with me here because this thing is actually pretty different from anything else out there.

The Backstory (And Why It Matters)

ISSEY MIYAKE is known for making these really cool pleated clothes—like, the kind of stuff you'd see in a modern art museum. They took that same vibe and applied it to something you can use every day. The whole concept came from this idea of "a piece of cloth" that becomes whatever you need it to be.

And honestly? I think that's pretty cool. It's not trying to be a rugged case or a minimalist wallet. It's its own thing entirely.

How They Actually Made This

Here's where it gets interesting. The iPhone Pocket is made using 3D-knitting technology in Japan. That means the whole thing is created in one piece—no stitching stuff together afterward. The ribbed texture you see? That's inspired by ISSEY MIYAKE's signature pleating technique.

Does it matter how it's made? Maybe not to everyone. But if you care about craftsmanship and quality, this detail actually means something. It's not just mass-produced in some factory—there's real thought behind the construction.

Will It Actually Hold Your iPhone?

Short answer: Yes. Any iPhone.

The fabric stretches to fit whatever model you've got, whether it's an iPhone 17 Pro Max or an older iPhone 12. I was skeptical about this at first because stretchy fabric and expensive electronics don't usually mix well in my mind. But the way it's designed, your phone sits snug inside without feeling like it's going to slip out.

One thing that surprised me—you can actually see your screen through the fabric when it stretches. It's not crystal clear or anything, but you can peek at notifications without pulling your phone out. That's actually more useful than it sounds when you're on the go.

Different Ways to Rock This Thing

This is where the iPhone Pocket really shines. You're not stuck carrying it one way.

Just hold it. The short strap makes it easy to carry like a small clutch. Great for when you're running errands and don't want a full bag.

Go crossbody. The long strap version? That's your hands-free option. Throw it across your body and forget about it. Your phone's right there when you need it but not constantly in your hand.

Clip it to your bag. This is honestly my favorite use case. Attach it to your backpack or purse so your phone has its own dedicated spot. No more fishing around in the bottom of your bag trying to find it when someone calls.

Get creative. I've seen people wear it like an armband, loop it through their belt, even incorporate it into their outfit as a statement piece. It's flexible enough (literally) to work however you want.

Let's Talk Colors

Apple and ISSEY MIYAKE didn't just phone it in with the color options. They actually put thought into this.

The short strap comes in eight colors: lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon, and black. That's a solid range—bright options if you want to stand out, neutral ones if you don't.

The long strap is more conservative with just three colors: sapphire, cinnamon, and black. Makes sense since you're probably wearing it as an actual accessory piece.

But here's what's smart—these colors were specifically chosen to match current iPhone colors. Cinnamon with a cosmic orange iPhone? Chef's kiss. Sapphire with a sky blue iPhone Air? Perfect. They wanted you to be able to coordinate your tech with your style, and they actually pulled it off.

Is It Actually Practical Though?

Let me be real with you about what this is and isn't.

What it CAN do:

• Hold your iPhone (any model)
• Fit small extras like AirPods, keys, cards
• Keep your phone scratch-free
• Give you multiple carrying options
• Make your tech setup look way cooler

What it CAN'T do:

• Protect your phone from serious drops
• Keep water out
• Replace a real protective case
• Hold a ton of stuff (it's a pocket, not a purse)

So if you're the type who drops your phone constantly, you'll still want a proper case underneath the iPhone Pocket. Think of it as the stylish outer layer, not the protective armor.

Okay, But How Much?

Right, the elephant in the room. Pricing.

• Short strap: $149.95
• Long strap: $229.95

Yeah. It's expensive for what's essentially a fancy fabric pouch. No getting around that.

But here's how I'm looking at it. You're not just paying for fabric. You're paying for:

• A collaboration between two design-obsessed brands
• Japanese craftsmanship
• Something nobody else has (yet)
• An accessory that actually makes people ask "where'd you get that?"

Is it worth it? Depends on what you value. If you see your tech as an extension of your personal style and you appreciate unique design, then maybe yeah. If you just need somewhere to put your phone, there are way cheaper options.

Where Can You Actually Buy This?

The iPhone Pocket isn't everywhere. Apple's being pretty selective about where they're selling it.

It launched November 14th at specific flagship Apple Stores in:

• New York (SoHo location)
• London (Regent Street)
• Tokyo (Ginza)
• Paris (Marché Saint-Germain)
• Milan (Piazza Liberty)

Plus several others in Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Shanghai, and Taipei.

You can also grab it online at apple.com if you're in the US, UK, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, or Greater China. But that's it for now. If you're outside these areas, you're out of luck.

Who Should Actually Buy This?

Let's get specific about who this is for.

You'll probably love it if:

• You care about how your tech looks, not just what it does
• You follow fashion trends and want something unique
• You're tired of boring phone cases
• You appreciate design collaborations
• You need versatile carrying options
• Money isn't super tight right now

Skip it if:

• You're happy with your current phone situation
• $150 feels ridiculous for a phone pouch (totally fair)
• You prioritize maximum protection over style
• You want something widely available everywhere
• You prefer your accessories invisible and practical

There's no shame in either camp. Different strokes for different folks.

My Honest Take on the iPhone Pocket

After researching this thing inside and out, here's what I think. The iPhone Pocket is genuinely innovative in a market that's gotten pretty boring. Phone accessories have been all about protection and battery life for years. This flips the script and says "what if we made carrying your phone actually stylish?"

Is it necessary? Absolutely not. But neither are designer handbags, fancy watches, or limited edition sneakers. Sometimes you buy things because they make you feel good or express who you are. And that's okay.

The craftsmanship is real. The design is thoughtful. The versatility is impressive. But the price is steep and availability is limited. Those are just facts.

I think it'll find its audience—fashion-forward folks who see this collaboration and immediately get it. For everyone else, it might seem like an overpriced solution to a problem they don't have.

The Bigger Picture Here

What's really interesting about the iPhone Pocket is what it represents. We're seeing tech companies finally treat accessories as fashion items, not just functional add-ons. Apple's been moving this direction with their watch bands for years, but this takes it further.

Could we see more collabs like this? Probably. Fashion brands want to tap into tech. Tech brands want to seem more stylish. It's a natural fit. 

Whether the iPhone Pocket becomes a must-have accessory or a niche collector's item, time will tell. But it's definitely got people talking, and that counts for something.

Some Quick Questions People Keep Asking

Can I use it with a case on my phone? Thin cases work fine. Bulky protective cases? Probably not. The fabric stretches but not infinitely.

How do I clean this thing? Gentle hand wash is your best bet. It's knitted fabric so treat it like you would a nice sweater.

Will my iPhone 12 fit even though it's smaller? Yep. The stretchy design accommodates all sizes from tiny to Pro Max huge.

Is this available in my country? Check the list earlier in this post. If your country isn't mentioned, it's not available yet.

Can I return it if I don't like it? Apple's standard return policy applies. Keep your receipt and original packaging just in case.

Bottom Line

The iPhone Pocket is a bold experiment in making phone accessories fashionable. It's well-made, versatile, and genuinely unique. It's also expensive and definitely not for everyone.

If you're the kind of person who lights up at design collaborations and loves finding that perfect accessory nobody else has, go check it out. If you're scratching your head wondering why anyone would spend $150 on this, that's totally valid too.

Either way, it's cool that products like this exist. Not everything needs to be practical and affordable. Sometimes it's just about making something interesting and seeing who connects with it.

And honestly? I think that's what makes this whole collab kind of special.