In a move that everyone saw coming, knockoffs of Apple's new expensive, divisive iPhone accessory have finally made their way to Amazon.
In mid-November, Apple — in collaboration with Japanese fashion house Issey Miyake — released the iPhone Pocket. It's a knit over-the-shoulder iPhone holder, reminiscent of Apple's long-gone iPod Sock.
Some people love it, others abhor it. And yet, for as much hate as it got, it still managed to sell out almost immediately.
And that was despite the high price tag. It cost $150 for the short version and $230 for a longer one.
But, as we all expected, there are already knockoffs hitting Amazon. So, while you may not have gotten a chance to score the real deal, you can get something similar for a slightly better price.
Cashgrab copies
One of the first examples of a knock-off iPhone Pocket landed on Amazon on November 19. The heavily-SEO-named "Trendy Phone Pouch with Stretch Knit Material" arrives as a "Generic" brand accessory that takes on Apple's counterpart.
Shipping from accessory seller JKEindia, the version shown is a copy of the long over-the-shoulder model, complete with a not entirely convincing image of someone modelling the product. Its description covers many of the same elements as Apple's version, including a stretch-fit design, a soft material construction, and "multi-device compatibility support."
The more unusual element of this knock-off is the price. At $99 on Amazon, it is just under half the price of the original.
Some alternatives to the iPhone Pocket - Image Credit: Amazon/JKEindia
Of course, the same producer hasn't just copied the long model's design. There's a second newer listing for a "2025 Knitted Long Shoulder Phone Bag," which is modeled after the $150 version.
While this version does borrow the same wide variety of colors as the original, it is significantly cheaper at $29.99.
It is not likely that existing iPhone owners who are knowledgeable about knock-offs will be tricked by the similarity to the official iPhone Pocket design. Many consumers will.
There will be quite a few instances of typical people hearing about an expensive case and paying $100 for the longer accessory, only to realize later that their purchase was for a knock-off.
$100 is realistically too much to consider paying for a knitted sleeve with a pocket at the best of times. To unwitting consumers who think this is the real deal, this can be a painful purchase.
If you really want a knitted Borat Mankini for your iPhone, be mindful of what you're trying to purchase. Bearing in mind how the accessory market likes to undercut rivals, the $100 price tag for the fakes will quickly drop to a more reasonable price below $20.
