Apple and Japanese fashion house Issey Miyake have introduced the iPhone Pocket, a sleek 3D-knitted sleeve inspired by Miyake’s ‘a piece of cloth’ philosophy. Crafted in Japan, this limited-edition accessory fuses minimalist design with practicality, set to be available from November 14 at selected Apple Stores worldwide.
Reflecting on the close relationship between Apple and Japanese fashion, reminiscent of Steve Jobs’ black turtlenecks by Issey Miyake, the two companies have now collaborated to produce the iPhone Pocket. This innovative textile sleeve, created to house an iPhone and essential items, will debut on November 14 in chosen Apple Store locations and online in eight regions.
On the surface, the iPhone Pocket may appear as a simple fabric case, but it represents a joint exploration of form and utility by both brands. Drawing from Issey Miyake’s ‘a piece of cloth’ ethos, the innovative design showcases a seamless 3D-knitted pocket that expands and contracts effortlessly, accommodating a phone, keys, cards, or AirPods.
Diverging from traditional phone sleeves, the iPhone Pocket boasts a ribbed open structure reminiscent of Miyake’s signature pleated fabric style from the late ’80s. The material gracefully stretches to accommodate its contents and partially reveals the items inside, including the phone’s display glow.
This versatile product can be used in various ways — carried by hand, attached to a bag, or worn crossbody. It comes in two strap styles: a shorter version in eight hues and a longer model in three variations. Both options feature a streamlined design, echoing Miyake’s emphasis on simplicity and versatility.
Yoshiyuki Miyamae, design director at Miyake Design Studio, expressed the aim of celebrating ‘the pleasure of wearing an iPhone uniquely.’ Describing the sleeve as a ‘connection between iPhone and user,’ he highlighted the concept of allowing objects to remain ‘open to interpretation,’ expanding their everyday usability.
For Apple, this collaboration continues a trend of partnering with leading fashion and design brands, following previous ventures with Nike, Beats, and Hermès. Molly Anderson, Apple’s VP of Industrial Design, sees the iPhone Pocket as a natural extension of their product range, embodying qualities like ‘craftsmanship, simplicity, and joy’ while providing users with opportunities for customization.
Users have the chance to create custom color combinations with iPhone Pocket and iPhone, offering a personalized touch to their devices. This accessory, designed in Japan, showcases Issey Miyake’s innovation in three-dimensional textile structures, utilizing a 3D-knitting method that reduces waste and emphasizes precision engineering and sustainability.
The iPhone Pocket, available in limited quantities, features a short strap design in various colors and a long strap in select hues. Priced at $149.95 (USD) for the short strap and $229.95 (USD) for the long strap, this accessory epitomizes the convergence of art, design, and technology.
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