Apple’s $230 iPhone Pocket Sells Out; Clones Flood the Market

UPDATE: Apple’s controversial $230 iPhone Pocket, designed by Issey Miyake, has sold out amid a frenzy of demand, despite initial mockery from online users. The accessory, priced at $150 for the short version and $230 for the cross-body variant, is now completely unavailable both online and in stores, as of October 15, 2023.

The iPhone Pocket’s unexpected popularity aligns with a global trend towards fashionable accessories, particularly in Asia, where millions of cross-body phone holders have been sold, according to Bloomberg. This trend has propelled sales of the iPhone Pocket, despite its origins in Apple’s original $29 iPod sock—an item that was also ridiculed when it debuted in 2004.

As the official Pocket becomes increasingly scarce, a wave of clones is flooding the market. Cheaper alternatives are available on platforms like AliExpress, where prices start at just a few dollars. Retailers on Amazon, including one based in Gujarat, India, are offering knockoffs priced at nearly $100, while Etsy is awash with dupes, often ranging between $20 and $30.

Before purchasing a clone, consumers are urged to investigate the fabric quality and manufacturing conditions of these alternatives. For those who enjoy DIY projects, knitting patterns for creating your own version of the iPhone Pocket are now available on Etsy, though caution is advised as some patterns may come from unreliable generative AI sources.

As the holiday shopping season approaches, the demand for both the official and clone versions of the iPhone Pocket is expected to continue. With the accessory becoming a status symbol, the implications for Apple’s brand and market presence could be significant. Stay tuned for more updates on this trending topic as it develops.