Apple unveiled the iPhone Pocket today—a limited-edition 3D-knitted pouch co-designed with Japanese label Issey Miyake—priced at $230 for the long-strap variant. The accessory, inspired by "a piece of cloth," fits any smartphone model plus essentials, blending fashion with function in two colorways.
In India, where the mobile accessories sector clocks $15 billion annually, the launch coincides with a 25% premium segment growth, driven by urban millennials allocating 12% of gadget budgets to cases. Searches for "iPhone Pocket Issey Miyake" surged 200% on e-commerce sites, though social media backlash labeled it "a cut-up sock," highlighting price sensitivity.
The collaboration taps innovation in sustainable textiles: The pouch uses recycled polyester, aligning with India's 2025 plastic ban extensions that boosted eco-friendly sales 35%. Issey Miyake's pleat technique reduces material waste by 40%, appealing to conscious consumers amid rising cotton tariffs.
Market impact ripples through supply chains employing 2 million in leather and fabric hubs like Kanpur. Premium imports face 28% duties, inflating costs—yet Apple's brand commands 50% loyalty premiums, per Counterpoint Research.
Policy implications include the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2025, mandating traceable materials for accessories, potentially adding 5% to production expenses. Consumer trends favor multifunctional designs: 60% seek RFID-blocking features, up from 40% in 2024.
Economically, the pouch could generate $50 million globally, with India contributing 10% via online channels. As tariffs bite, local makers eye 20% market share gains through affordable mimics.
