If you have seen Apple’s new iPhone Pocket and had that “wait, is this just a very expensive sock” reaction, you are not alone. At the same time, the idea behind it is pretty simple. Apple and Issey Miyake built a wearable pocket so your iPhone and a couple of essentials can live on a crossbody strap instead of in a bag or your jeans.

I'll walk you through what iPhone Pocket actually is, who it makes sense for, and how to get a similar hands free carry setup without spending close to the price of an iPhone SE on fabric.

What iPhone Pocket actually is

iPhone Pocket is a 3D knitted sleeve with a long or short strap. The knit stretches around your phone, there is an opening around the camera area, and the whole thing is meant to sit on your shoulder like a crossbody bag or hang from your wrist if you pick the short version.

There are two main versions. The short strap model is priced around the cost of a mid range accessory and is more like a wristlet or small handle that you can loop through a bag. The long strap model costs quite a bit more and is the one you have probably seen in photos, worn across the body like a minimalist bag. Colors range from bright, fashion focused options to more muted tones.

Functionally, the idea is straightforward. You slide your iPhone in, tuck a card holder or a small wallet behind it, maybe a key, then wear it. No pockets required, no separate bag to keep track of. If you already live out of your phone and a couple of essentials, this sort of setup can match how you move through the day.

Who iPhone Pocket is really for

The people most likely to enjoy iPhone Pocket tend to fall into a few buckets.

You might be a fan of Issey Miyake and see this as a wearable collaboration that happens to hold your iPhone. In that case, the price and the textile design may feel closer to fashion than consumer tech.

You might be the person who never has enough pockets in your clothes and wants a hands free way to keep your phone from getting buried at the bottom of a bag. Think school runs, commuting, events, or travel where you are constantly grabbing your phone for tickets and maps.

You might also simply like the idea of treating your phone more like a small camera. A sling makes it easy to pull the phone up for quick photos and then drop it back out of the way, instead of juggling it in one hand all the time.

If you see yourself in one of those scenarios and you enjoy the specific design language of the iPhone Pocket, the product will feel more like wearable tech fashion than a novelty. If not, the price will be hard to justify when there are plenty of crossbody phone slings and small purses that accomplish almost the same job.

Questions to ask before you spend that much on a sling

Before you think about ordering iPhone Pocket, it helps to run through a quick checklist.

First, how often do you actually need your phone on a strap rather than in a pocket or bag. If you mostly work at a desk and only need a sling a few times a year, you might be happier with something less expensive that you do not have to baby.

Second, what else do you need to carry with your phone. iPhone Pocket is meant to stretch, but it is still basically a sleeve. If you want space for a small wallet, keys, sunglasses, and lip balm, you will end up carrying a second bag anyway. In that case, you might prefer a compact crossbody that can hold a phone and a couple more items without turning into a stuffed tube.

Third, think about how rough your days are on fabric. The knit construction of iPhone Pocket is part of its charm. Knit fabric can also snag on sharp edges and hardware. If you are constantly brushing past desks and door handles, a more structured crossbody pouch in faux leather or canvas might stand up better to daily life.

Finally, consider how often you upgrade your phone. Since iPhone Pocket is designed to fit any iPhone, you can keep it through a few cycles. That is a plus. Third party options can also be universal, which means you can swap phones, lend the sling to a partner, or use it with a spare device without thinking about case compatibility.

With those questions in mind, let us look at a couple of very practical alternatives that give you the same hands free convenience for far less money.

Option 1: A universal crossbody phone lanyard

If you like the idea of wearing your phone but want something lean and flexible, a universal crossbody lanyard is one of the easiest setups. These systems typically use a thin patch that sits between your phone and its case, with a small metal loop passing through the charging port opening. A strap clips to that loop, and suddenly any case becomes a crossbody case.

A good example is the Dadanism crossbody phone lanyard, which is designed as a universal adjustable strap that works with most smartphones in a standard case. The strap adjusts so you can wear it short like a neck lanyard or long across your body. Because the attachment point is a low profile tag under your case, there is no bulky corner clip to dig into your hand when you actually hold the phone. The strap itself is meant to be comfortable enough for long wear and gives you just enough freedom to bring the phone up for Face ID or a quick photo without feeling like you are fighting the hardware.

This kind of setup is ideal if you want to keep using your favorite MagSafe case or a battery case without buying something totally new just for a strap. It also shines when you are traveling or at events. You can clip the strap on when you head out, then disconnect it when you are back at your desk without changing cases.

Here’s where you can buy the Dadanism crossbody phone lanyard (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7LT4QZQ?tag=blainelocklai-20&gbOpenExternal=1

Option 2: A small crossbody phone purse with a touch window

Maybe you want your phone wearable, but you also want a tiny bit more room than a sleeve. In that case, a compact crossbody phone purse is a nice middle ground. These bags are usually just big enough for a phone, a couple of cards, and maybe one or two extras like a key or lip balm. Some also include a clear window so you can see and tap your screen without taking the phone out.

The ChicBagus small phone purse crossbody wallet is a good example of this kind of accessory. It is built as a slim crossbody bag sized for smartphones up to around 6.7 inches, with a front window that lets you glance at notifications or handle quick actions without fully removing the phone. Behind the phone compartment, there is space for cards or cash, which keeps everything in one place for a quick coffee run or errands. Because the bag is structured instead of knit, it helps protect your screen from stray knocks in crowded spaces while still feeling light enough to wear all day.

This style makes sense if your daily carry is basically “phone plus three small things.” You can wear it over a coat during winter, throw it over a T shirt in summer, and not worry about whether your clothes have usable pockets. It is also a good match if you often toss your phone in a backpack and want a grab and go option that is always ready by the door.

This is where to buy the ChicBagus small phone purse crossbody wallet (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPP54RTY?tag=blainelocklai-20&gbOpenExternal=1

How to decide between iPhone Pocket and third party options

So where does this leave iPhone Pocket. It is a very specific product. On one hand, it is an Apple Store accessory designed with a high end fashion house, so you are paying for design story and collaboration as much as for raw function. On the other hand, it is a fabric sling for a phone.

If you love the Issey Miyake aesthetic, collect Apple accessories, and like the idea of something that sits halfway between a garment and a phone case, iPhone Pocket will probably hit the right notes for you. It is wearable, it is conversation starting, and it connects back to the broader design history around Apple and Miyake.

If you mainly care about keeping your iPhone handy and secure while you move through your day, a more straightforward crossbody system often makes more sense. A lanyard based strap lets you keep the case you already like. A small phone purse gives you room for a couple of extras and a bit more protection. Both cost a fraction of the iPhone Pocket and are easy to replace if they get lost or worn out.

It also helps to remember that you do not have to pick just one approach forever. You might use a universal lanyard for concerts and festivals where you want to travel light, a compact purse for daily errands, and still keep an eye on collaborations like iPhone Pocket as occasional special pieces. The key is to match the accessory to how you actually live with your phone, not just to what is trending on social feeds.

Bringing it back to your setup

If you are curious about iPhone Pocket, think about the moments when you most wish your phone were easier to reach and harder to drop. Do those moments look like travel, crowded events, running after kids, or just juggling a latte and a laptop bag on the way into a cafe.

Once you have a clear picture of those situations, you can decide whether a high fashion sling, a universal strap, or a compact crossbody bag makes the most sense for you. The good news is that you have options at every price point. Your iPhone does not have to live in a pocket you are constantly patting down to find. With the right setup, it can sit exactly where you need it, ready to go, while your hands stay free for everything else you want to do.