From iPod Hi-Fi to iPhone Pocket: Apple’s Most Head-Scratching Products Ever

Apple is known for its iconic devices like the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, but the company also offers a huge range of accessories, from USB cables to iPhone cases and even Apple Watch bands. And the company just added a new member to its accessories family.

Called iPhone Pocket, the new accessory is the result of a collaboration between the company and Issey Miyake. It’s basically a small fabric pouch with a stretchy strap that’s described as a “nice way to wear and carry your iPhone.” Surprisingly, prices can reach $230 apiece.

But this isn’t Apple’s first headache accessory. Read on as we dive into some of the company’s most breathtaking creations.

iPod Socks

Apple

When Steve Jobs announced iPod socks as a “revolutionary new product” during a speech at an Apple event in October 2004, many people laughed, thinking Jobs wasn’t serious about releasing a pack of colorful iPod socks. Jobs even joked that other companies were making a lot of money from third-party iPod accessories, while Apple had no official accessories at this point.

The idea was to compete with protective cases for iPod, but with an original, fun and unexpected touch that only Apple could bring. The socks were compatible with almost every model of iPod available at the time and protected them from scratches when not in use.

The iPod socks weren’t really practical because you had to remove the iPod from the sock to access the click wheel. Still, the accessory was fun, unique and above all quite affordable. A pack with six color options costs $29, or less than $5 per sock.

In many ways we can say that the new iPhone Pocket is inspired by iPod socks.

U2-iPod

Apple

Also in 2004, at the same event where Jobs announced iPod socks, Apple also unveiled the iPod U2 Special Edition. To celebrate the good relationship between Apple and U2, the company released a special edition iPod in black with a red click wheel. On the back of the iPod, each band member’s signatures were laser engraved.

Customers who purchased the U2 iPod also received an exclusive poster and $50 coupon for the first-ever digital box set featuring all of U2’s music to date. It was clearly made for U2 superfans and it wasn’t the last time Apple and U2 caused waves of confusion.

Only four generations of the U2 iPod have been released over the years, making it an expensive collectible for those who still own one. The existence of the iPod U2 is a reminder that Apple likes to collaborate on new products from time to time.

iPod Hi-Fi

Apple

Marketed as “the stereo reinvented,” the iPod Hi-Fi was Apple’s first attempt to bring music and its minimalist design language into the living room. A decade before the HomePod existed, iPod Hi-Fi amplified songs played on the iPod using multiple speakers and a large built-in woofer.

Since AirPlay didn’t exist at the time, users had to plug their iPod into the Hi-Fi system using a 30-pin connector placed precariously at the top of the heavy speaker. There was also a 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting other devices to the iPod Hi-Fi.

Due to its high price ($349), unimpressive sound, and lack of wireless connectivity, the iPod Hi-Fi never became a success. Apple ended up discontinuing the product a year later, after the launch of the first iPhone. And most people probably never missed it.

iPad Keyboard Dock

Apple

When Apple announced the first iPad in 2010, the company also introduced an intriguing accessory: the iPad Keyboard Dock. Instead of a wireless keyboard or folio case, it was literally a docking station with a full-size keyboard attached.

Despite Apple’s attempt to include keyboard shortcuts designed specifically for the iPad, the keyboard felt awkward, was not adjustable, and required the iPad to be connected via the 30-pin connector. For this reason, it was only possible to use the iPad with the keyboard in portrait orientation.

The accessory cost $69, which was a bit pricey for a bulky keyboard. The iPad Keyboard Dock was discontinued a year later, after the launch of the iPad 2. It took Apple four years to release another keyboard for the iPad, this time much better (the Smart Folio Keyboard).

Mac Pro Wheel Kit and Pro Display Stand

Apple

When Apple introduced the 2019 Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR, the company marketed them as a modular, professional desktop capable of handling everything from 8K video editing to advanced 3D rendering. But alongside that long-awaited Mac and monitor, the company unveiled two accessories that made headlines.

For $699, customers could replace the standard stainless steel legs with a set of four polished wheels so they could easily move their Mac Pro. The idea made sense for studio environments, but the price (nearly $175 per wheel) turned the Mac Pro Wheels kit into a meme.

To make matters worse, the wheels don’t come with all the tools needed to install them on Mac. Plus, the wheels don’t have locks, so your $6,000 computer might just roll away if the floor isn’t perfectly level.

But that wasn’t the only incredibly overpriced accessory introduced. While the Mac Pro’s companion monitor, the 32-inch 6K Pro Display XDR, certainly impressed with its specs, users were more shocked that the $5,000 monitor didn’t come with a stand included.

Instead, Apple sold a Pro Stand separately for the insane price of $999. It was impossible not to notice the negative reaction from the public during the announcement (which was notably Apple’s last live keynote).

Both products are over-engineered, beautifully designed, and hard to justify. However, they are both still available in stores.

Apple polishing cloth

Apple

In 2021, Apple quietly released an accessory that no one asked for, but everyone was talking about. The Apple Polishing Cloth appeared on the company’s online store with a price of $19 and a simple description: a soft, non-abrasive material that “cleans any Apple screen.”

Almost immediately, the fabric went viral. Some mocked it as the ultimate symbol of Apple’s luxury pricing, while others defended it, saying it worked better than cheap microfiber alternatives. The product even sold out within hours, with shipping dates spanning months.

It has become both a meme and a collectible, proving that Apple can turn even a simple cleaning accessory into a status symbol. To this day, the polishing cloth remains on sale, a small but perfect example of Apple’s ability to make small things seem premium.

iPhone shoulder strap

Apple

More recently, Apple introduced another accessory that has divided opinions: the iPhone strap. The strap can be attached to all Apple iPhone 17 cases and allows users to wear their brand new iPhone as a fashion accessory, like the new iPhone Pocket.

While some people see no point in this accessory, others seem to like the idea of ​​carrying their iPhone as if it were a small handbag. One thing we can’t deny is that the accessory isn’t cheap either: $59 for each thin strap, and the case isn’t included.

Weird, but very Apple

As you can see, Apple has been trying to come up with new accessories for a long time. While some fail, others highlight Apple’s ability to turn almost anything into a premium product.

It’s still too early to tell if the new iPhone Pocket will be a success or if it will quietly disappear in a year, but at least Apple is once again trying to do something different.