The wackiest Apple accessory since its R470 polishing cloth is here. The American tech maker has announced the iPhone Pocket, an interesting way to notify every pickpocket in the area that you’re carrying an iPhone on your person.

Apple says the wearable fashion statement was “[b]orn from the idea of creating an additional pocket,” something that could easily be solved with a backpack, handbag, or the much-maligned cargo pants instead of handing large sums of money to Apple for a fancy rugby sock. Still, folk’ll pay for this one.

iPhone Pocket sand

The oddball accessory is the product of a partnership with Issey Miyake, a Japanese fashion designer. Two versions will become available on 14 November: a short strap and a long strap edition. The prices? The short strap Pocket will retail for R2,600 ($150), the longer version for R4,000 ($230). What are you getting for your money?

Buyers can look forward to a “singular 3D-knitted construction that is the result of research and development carried out at Issey Miyake,” developed at the Japanese fashion house with input by the Apple Design Studio. The colour selection was chosen “to mix and match with all our iPhone models and colors — allowing users to create their own personalized combination,” according to Molly Anderson, Apple’s vice president of Industrial Design.

If you absolutely must tell everyone you’re wearing an easily-stolen iPhone on your body, the iPhone Pocket seems like a great idea. But since South Africa isn’t on the list of launch countries — the company lists France, Greater China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, and the US as sales locations — you’ll have to make do with a rugby sock and a sewing machine.