It’s only a week and a half until Apple’s “awe dropping” (not its strongest pun) iPhone 17 launch on 9 September and, just when it seemed that almost every possible aspect of the phone lineup had been leaked, another of Apple’s surprises has apparently been spoiled.
If the rumour is true, Apple will be launching a crossbody strap that’s designed to work with the brand’s soon-to-be-released iPhone 17 TechWoven cases. (We could call it a “strapple” but no, that would be sinking to their level.)
The crossbody straps will be made of woven nylon, although a silicone variant is also mentioned. It will snap to the phone case with a strong, secure magnetic attachment, according to the leaker.
The straps will allegedly come in a variety of colours, with black, navy, mauve, mint green, yellow and brown shown in images on Bu’s website.
Majin Bu
But how likely is this to be true?
The information comes courtesy of prolific leaker Majin Bu, who claims to have spoken to the product’s designer. As well as partial photographs, there are illustrations of the accessory on Bu’s website.
Majin Bu
And while Majin Bu does have a mixed track record where leaks are concerned, rumours this close to a launch event tend to be more reliable than early industry gossip.
Plus, MacRumors has linked this leak to another one, which showed a render of an iPhone 17 Pro case with cutouts for a lanyard or strap, giving both rumours credence.
Duan Rui
In some respects, a crossbody strap does sound very Apple. It combines style with security, and constitutes another official accessory for iPhone fans to shell out for. Plus, it would be a visible sign that someone is carrying an iPhone.
But if you’re advertising the fact that you have a brand new iPhone 17 on your hip, will a magnetic attachment be enough to protect it?
Generally, crossbody holders for phones are fairly practical. They mean you never have to rummage in your bag for your phone, prevent you from forgetting it on a table when you’re out, and make it harder for anyone to steal your phone from your hand. But in most instances, the phone case is clipped safely to the strap.
While a magnetic attachment is handy for the user, who won’t have to fuss around with fastenings, it’s much less safe: it won’t do much to prevent someone snatching your phone, and it won’t protect it from taking a tumble if you get the strap caught.
Still, we won’t know until we can try one out for ourselves. And that’s if it’s launched. In the meantime, check out all the Apple products expected to be announced on 9 September and everything we know about the iPhone 17 lineup.