The iPhone Mankini

Among its many faults, this product is too Borat-adjacent.

Yesterday, Apple unveiled what seems unlikely to be their newest hit product, the iPhone Pocket. Produced in collaboration with the Issey Miyake design studio, this goofy accessory features “a singular 3D-knitted construction designed to fit any iPhone”. It will also hold “all pocketable items”, I suppose in the same way that a bag will hold all baggable items.

Here’s a look at the iPhone Pocket in action:

The iPhone Pocket in use

And here is just part of the pretentious press release for this silliness:

Born from the idea of creating an additional pocket, its understated design fully encloses iPhone, expanding to fit more of a user’s everyday items. When stretched, the open textile subtly reveals its contents and allows users to peek at their iPhone display. iPhone Pocket can be worn in a variety of ways — handheld, tied onto bags, or worn directly on the body.

The design drew inspiration from the concept of “a piece of cloth” and reinterpreted the everyday utility of the brand’s iconic pleated clothing.

Upon seeing this, long-term Apple nerds will undoubtedly be reminded of iPod Socks. That goofy fabric-based product was at least affordable, however, with a package of 6 different colors running $29. A single iPhone Pocket, meanwhile, costs an eye-watering $150, and you’ll need to select just one color:

The iPhone Pocket color options
The iPhone Pocket in Lemon, Mandarin, Purple, Pink, Peacock, Sapphire, Cinnamon, and Black.

The iPhone Pocket has a longer size which runs an even more egregious $230. You should note that it’s only available in the more staid sapphire, cinnamon, and black colors. I’ve got a pretty good idea why the long strap design has no lemon version:

The iPhone Pocket is a bit too Borat-adjacent for me
I’m sorry, but also, this is Apple’s fault.

This has been dubbed a “limited release”, so if for some reason you’re interested in the iPhone Mankini, act fast. Also, please write in and tell me why.