A luxury customization company is offering an iPhone 17 Pro that features an actual fragment of a Steve Jobs turtleneck embedded in the back. This unique device is priced like a used car.
Caviar, a Russian boutique studio known for wrapping iPhones in gold, titanium, and bits of historical memorabilia, has introduced this model as a tribute to Apple’s co-founder. The phone includes a piece of the iconic black Issey Miyake turtleneck that Jobs famously wore during Apple keynotes, showcased behind a display window on the back of the device.
What Caviar Actually Does
If you haven’t heard of Caviar, here’s the scoop: they take existing smartphones—typically Apple’s latest flagship—and rebuild the casing using luxury or exotic materials. Previous editions have included dinosaur bone, meteorite fragments, and 18-karat gold. While the phones still run iOS and work like any standard iPhone, you’re mainly paying for the exterior, not the internal components.
This new model, based on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, is called the “Jobs Edition.” The turtleneck fragment is authenticated and set in a transparent window on the back panel, surrounded by an engraved design that honors Jobs’ legacy at Apple.
How Much Does It Cost?
Caviar hasn’t released the final pricing yet, but past editions featuring authenticated memorabilia have started around $5,000 and can exceed $10,000 based on materials and configurations. For comparison, the standard iPhone 17 Pro starts at $999.
| By The Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Base price of iPhone 17 Pro | $999 |
| Typical Caviar starting price | ~$5,000+ |
| Previous Caviar memorabilia editions | Up to $10,000+ |
| Jobs’ turtleneck supplier | Issey Miyake (ordered ~100/year) |
| Years Jobs wore the turtleneck publicly | ~1998–2011 |
Is the Turtleneck Authenticated?
Caviar asserts that the fabric is genuine and authenticated, though they haven’t specified which authentication body or process they used. This is important because the collectibles market—think signed jerseys or celebrity-worn clothing—has seen its share of fakes. Provenance, or the documented history of an item, is crucial in high-end memorabilia, and Caviar hasn’t provided a full chain of custody for the fabric.
Jobs was famously consistent with his wardrobe. He reportedly ordered about 100 of the same black mock turtleneck from Japanese designer Issey Miyake every year. That means there are several authentic examples out there, though that number is still limited. Legitimate pieces do appear at auction from time to time.
What This Means
For most iPhone users, this product won’t change daily life. However, it reflects a broader trend where Apple’s founder has become a cultural icon. His clothing, quotes, and product sketches now trade as collector’s items, more than a decade after his passing in 2011.
There’s also a practical angle: if you’re spending over $5,000 on a phone, you probably won’t be dropping it in a parking lot. The value lies in the casing, not the internals. Once Apple releases the iPhone 18, the tech inside will be outdated, even if the turtleneck fragment remains. Essentially, you’re investing in a costly display piece that can also make calls.
Community Reaction
“Caviar’s whole business model fascinates me. Who’s actually buying these? It has to be gifts for billionaires who already have everything.”
“Imagine cracking the screen and the repair guy asks what’s embedded in the back. ‘Oh that’s just Steve Jobs’ shirt, no big deal.’
What To Watch
- Pricing announcement: Caviar usually reveals full pricing closer to a phone’s launch. The iPhone 17 series is expected in fall 2026, so anticipate more details by September.
- Authentication details: Keep an eye out for whether Caviar releases any third-party verification regarding the turtleneck’s provenance. Serious collectors will care about that documentation.
- WWDC 2026: Apple is already sending out WWDC 2026 invites, giving us our first official look at iOS features coming to the iPhone 17 lineup—the actual software that will run on these devices, turtleneck or not.
- Collectibles market: As Jobs memorabilia continues to trade at auction, watch whether this Caviar edition holds or increases in value compared to the phone hardware inside it, which will likely depreciate.
