Apple’s Rs 20,000 iPhone 'sock' sells out worldwide, cheap copycats flood market

Apple iPhone Pocket

Apple is enjoying one of its strongest years in recent memory. The success of the iPhone 17 series has certainly helped, but even its accessories have managed to grab attention. The most surprising story of the lot is the iPhone Pocket, an accessory that sparked debate from the moment it was announced. Despite the scepticism, it has become an unexpected hit.

Launched on November 14, the iPhone Pocket has now sold out in every country where it was officially available. In the US, stocks disappeared on day one. This rush followed the earlier popularity of the Crossbody Strap, another accessory that drew a mix of praise and confusion.

The iPhone Pocket was Apple’s second left-field accessory of the autumn. Created in collaboration with Japanese fashion brand Issey Miyake, it arrived in two versions. The Short Strap cost 150 dollars, while the Long Strap version was priced at $230. Apple marketed the product in a characteristically lofty way, describing it as something inspired by a simple piece of cloth and guided by the idea of adding an extra pocket to your look.

Many users were unconvinced. Critics likened the iPhone Pocket to a modern, fashion-forward sequel to the 2004 iPod Sock, only this time with a crossbody twist and a luxury price tag. Yet the controversy did little to dampen demand. Apple positioned it as a limited-edition item, and with all stock now gone, it is unclear whether the company intends to produce more.

For anyone who missed out, alternatives have already appeared. Chinese marketplace listings on sites like AliExpress are offering near-identical copies for the equivalent of around six dollars. These clones are advertised as using similar materials and production methods, offering a drastically cheaper route to the aesthetic.

Whether the iPhone Pocket becomes a cult favourite or a quirky footnote in Apple’s accessory history remains to be seen. What is clear is that limited supply, a big brand name and just enough controversy can still turn even the strangest products into rapid sellouts.