IPod Socks

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iPod Socks in orange and green IPod Socks (6771341).jpg
iPod Socks in orange and green

iPod Socks were a set of multi-colored cotton knit socks introduced by Apple Inc. in November 2004 for protection of iPods from damage during travel. [1]

Contents

History

The socks were jokingly presented by Apple CEO Steve Jobs as a "revolutionary new product" at a special music event held on October 26, 2004. [2] [3] They were available in a package of six different colors, including green, purple, grey, blue, orange and pink, for US$29. [4]

Apple stopped selling the product sometime in September 2012. [5] The set soon became a collector's item, with aftermarket prices rising as high as US$90 by 2014. [6]

Reception

Jeremy Horwitz of iLounge gave a rating of B− for the socks, indicating a "Limited Recommendation". Horwitz noted the product's two-toned design and ability to hold an iPod of any size, but criticized the socks for inhibiting access to the screen and controls and high price. [7] In 2021, Chaim Gartenberg of The Verge described the product as a "bizarre piece of Apple's history" comparable to the Polishing Cloth, noting that the socks remained relatively popular during its availability from 2004 to 2012 due to their "relatively universal size" and bright colors. [8]

Legacy

In November 2025, Apple announced the iPhone Pocket, a similar product intended for the iPhone. Instead of a sock shape, the iPhone Pocket resembles a knitted bag, designed to be worn around the arm or tied to a purse. Like the iPod Socks, the iPhone Pocket comes in assorted colors and has a knitted appearance. Unlike the iPod Socks, which were made from cotton, the iPhone Pocket is produced from 3D printing filament. [9] [10]

References

  1. ↑ Revisiting the forgotten history of obscure Apple accessories by Michael Steeber, 9to5Mac. March 19, 2018.
  2. ↑ Dybwab, Barb (November 11, 2004). "Breaking news: iPod socks available for pre-order!!". Engadget. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  3. ↑ Jobs, Steve (October 26, 2004). Apple Special Music Event 2004 (Speech). California Theatre (San Jose).
  4. ↑ Cohen, Peter (November 10, 2004). "iPod Socks coming in Dec". Macworld . Archived from the original on November 20, 2004. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  5. ↑ Apple removes iPod Socks from online store, AppleInsider. September 26, 2012.
  6. ↑ Remember These iPod Accessories? by Lulu Chang, Bustle. October 30, 2014.
  7. ↑ Horwitz, Jeremy (November 30, 2004). "Review: Apple iPod Socks". iLounge. Archived from the original on March 15, 2008. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  8. ↑ Gartenberg, Chaim (October 26, 2021). "AirPod Beanies bring back the infamous iPod Sock for a new generation". The Verge. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  9. ↑ Simon, Michael (November 11, 2025). "Apple launches the iPod Sock 2.0 for the iPhone—and it's weird". Macworld. FoundryCo.
  10. ↑ Weatherbed, Jess (November 11, 2025). "Apple made a $230 crossbody... sock". The Verge. Vox Media.
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