As holiday shoppers hunt for the perfect gift, Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) latest iPod–sock-type product reminded everyone that not every present from Cupertino fits neatly under the Christmas tree.
Apple’s $200 iPhone Sock Raises Eyebrows
In November, Apple rolled out the iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knit cross-body pouch designed to carry an iPhone, AirPods and a few small essentials — perfect for those who want a tech gift with a fashion twist.
Developed in collaboration with the Issey Miyake Design Studio, the Japanese fashion house behind Steve Jobs’ iconic black turtlenecks, the limited-edition accessory blurs the line between fashion and tech.
The pouch can be worn as a sling, wrapped around the wrist, or clipped to a handbag. Apple offers a short-strap version priced at $149.95 in eight bright colors, while the long-strap model costs $229.95 and comes in more muted tones.
The premium pricing — for what is essentially a fabric carrier — quickly drew online mockery with people comparing it with the previous sock-type product. Yet, the iPhone Pocket is far from Apple’s first festive-season-worthy design gamble.
The Infamous Hockey Puck Mouse
Back in 1998, Apple shipped the original iMac with the round “hockey puck” mouse. Its small size and circular shape made it tricky to use, earning it a reputation as one of Apple’s most disliked accessories — but it certainly would have been a conversation starter under the Christmas tree.
The $461,000 Gold EarPods
Before AirPods existed, Apple experimented with luxury in extreme form. The company created a single pair of EarPods made from 18-karat rose gold, designed with U2 frontman Bono.
This one-off creation was sold at auction for $461,000 in 2013, proving that Apple’s gifts can be as extravagant as they are exclusive.
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When Apple Sold Clothes, Knives And Beer Mugs
In the mid-1980s, Apple launched The Apple Collection, a short-lived lifestyle line featuring polo shirts, sailboards, Swiss Army knives and branded household items. It could have been a clever alternative to the usual pajama set — if pajamas were actually a beloved holiday gift.
Strange iPhone Prototypes That Never Shipped
Apple’s design process has also produced oddities behind closed doors. Early iPhone prototypes included bulky humps, unconventional shapes and even octagonal designs, underscoring how much trial and error preceded the device that reshaped the smartphone market.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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