IPod Socks

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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]

History

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On October 26, 2004 (21 years ago) (2004-10-26), Apple CEO Steve Jobs jokingly presented the socks as a "revolutionary new product" at a special music event.[2][3] They were available in a package of six different colors, including green, purple, grey, blue, orange, and pink, for US$29 (equivalent to $48 in 2024), or about US$5 a sock (equivalent to $8 in 2024).[4][5]

Eight years later, sometime in September 2012, Apple stopped selling the product.[6] The set soon became a collector's item, with aftermarket prices rising as high as US$90 by 2014 (equivalent to $120 in 2024).[5]

Reception

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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

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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. The introductory price was US$150 for a short strap version and US$230 for a long strap. Eight available colors included yellow ("lemon"), orange ("mandarin"), purple, pink, teal ("peacock"), blue ("sapphire"), brown ("cinnamon"), and black. Note that the long version was only available in three colors: sapphire; cinnamon; and black. [9][10]

References

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  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. ^ a b Chang, Lulu (October 30, 2014). "Remember These iPod Accessories?". Bustle.
  6. ^ AppleInsider Staff (September 26, 2012). "Apple removes iPod Socks from online store". AppleInsider. A reader alerted AppleInsider to the disappearance of the product on Wednesday [2012-09-26]. It's unclear exactly when the product was removed from the Apple Store [...]
  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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