Apple has unveiled its most baffling product yet – a £219 designer iPhone Pocket that is raising serious security concerns across the UK.
A Questionable Fashion Statement
The tech giant has partnered with luxury designer ISSEY MIYAKE to create what they describe as a "pocket," essentially a ribbed open-structure sleeve for your phone. Available in two versions, the crossbody model transforms your device into a wearable accessory for £219.95, while a shorter wristlet-style version costs £139.95.
Drawing inspiration from "a piece of cloth," the design has left consumers scratching their heads, with many comparing its appearance to a shrunken jumper. But beyond its quirky aesthetic lies a pressing question about personal security in an era of rampant phone theft.
UK Phone Theft Epidemic
The launch comes at a troubling time for mobile security in Britain. Official figures reveal that 78,000 people had their phone or bag stolen directly from them on the street in the year ending March 2024. This alarming statistic has made many Britons nervous about using their devices in public spaces.
Social media platforms have erupted with debate about the new accessory's practicality. On X, one user expressed disbelief: "Issey Miyake & Apple just launched a new collaboration called the iPhone pocket and to me it makes absolutely no sense - no zip, no structure and considering how many thefts of iPhones there are these days… NO SECURITY?"
Reddit discussions revealed divided opinions, with one user warning: "London's scooter-riding phone thieves are gonna love this." Another countered that strapped phone bags typically serve as theft deterrents, though a third user pointed out the critical flaw: "This thing is easier to pick than a regular pocket. The phone is practically falling out of it."
Expert Security Warnings
Lee Elliott, Chief Product Officer at Compare and Recycle, has issued stark warnings about the product's design flaws. "While Apple's new iPhone Pocket certainly raises nostalgia for heritage Apple users, the iPhone Pocket doesn't appear to have any sort of structure or secure closing mechanism to keep the iPhone safe inside the accessory," Elliott explained.
He emphasised that without proper security features, the bright fabric essentially serves as an open invitation to thieves, particularly concerning as the festive season approaches and city centres become increasingly crowded.
Elliott advised potential buyers to exercise extreme caution: "While the new Pocket is undoubtedly an attractive iPhone accessory and some might regard it as a fashion statement, I wouldn't recommend that iPhone users use it in busy public spaces." For optimal safety, he recommends using zipped pockets or bags kept at the front of your body where you can maintain awareness of your device.
The product has drawn comparisons to Apple's earlier iPod socks from the early 2000s, though critics argue this latest offering prioritises fashion over function at a time when practical security matters most. The iPhone Pocket is now available in stores and on Apple.com, leaving consumers to decide whether it represents a stylish innovation or a security risk waiting to happen.
