Apple knits up $230 sock for your iPhone in time for Christmas

Fashion house behind Jobs' turtleneck helps with pricey new accessory line

Apple, the reassuringly expensive US technology brand, is selling a sock in which iPhone owners can house their gadget.

"Inspired by the concept of 'a piece of cloth,' its singular 3D-knitted construction is designed to fit any iPhone as well as all pocketable items," according to Apple.

It is designed by the Japanese fashion house ISSEY MIYAKE, which may mean something to Steve Jobs fanatics as it produced the black turtleneck Apple's co-founder frequently wore when on stage.

iPhone Pocket in 'cinnamon'

We're told that the iPhone Pocket "features a ribbed open structure with the qualities of the original pleats by ISSEY MIYAKE."

"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," Apple says.

Effectively, it is a sock with a strap. But at £139.95/$149.95 for the short-strap version and £219.95/$229.95 for the long-strap variant, Apple has to wax lyrical while looking people straight in the eye to convince them, without smirking, that this is a must-have item.

The iPhone Pocket can be worn in a variety of ways: "Handheld, tied onto bags or worn directly on the body."

The possibilities seem endless. The short strap version comes in eight colors, including lemon (not just yellow), mandarin (orange), peacock (marine blue, we think) and brown, sorry… "cinnamon." The longer-strapped sock is only available in three colors.

"The design of iPhone Pocket speaks to the bond between iPhone and its user, while keeping in mind that an Apple product is designed to be universal in aesthetic and versatile in use," said Yoshiyuki Miyamae, design director of MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO.

Molly Anderson, Apple's vice president of Industrial Design, said: "This clever extra pocket exemplifies those ideas and is a natural accompaniment to our products. The color palette of iPhone Pocket was intentionally designed to mix and match with all our iPhone models and colors."

"Its recognizable silhouette offers a beautiful new way to carry your iPhone, AirPods, and favorite everyday items," she added.

With the iPhone out on display, the pricey knitwear might also save thieves the trouble of picking a pocket in the traditional sense.

Socks are always a reliable gift for the unimaginative buyer, and with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, there is one more option for those easily parted from their money. ®