When leaker Majin Bu showed off clones of alleged TechWoven iPhone 17 case boxes, I noticed the fine print on the box mentioned compatibility with an unannounced accessory called Crossbody Strap. In a new post, Majin Bu has more details about this new iPhone 17 accessory from Apple.
iPhone 17 cases will have a new feature
iPhone 17 case leaks have surfaced all through August. We’ve learned that Apple will likely include lanyard holes on either side of the bottom of its silicone cases, similar to the lanyard holes on the AirPods Pro 2 case.
We’ve also learned that Apple is taking a second shot at a non-leather premium iPhone case with a material it could call TechWoven (because FineWoven landed so well that it was discontinued after one year).
As mentioned, the cloned boxes of what Apple’s actual package will probably look like referenced the Crossbody Strap accessory in a prior Majin Bu leak.
As of today, Majin Bu has photos of clones based on what the Apple accessory should look like. For context, all the iPhone cases and case packaging are not intended to show actual Apple hardware and packaging. Rather, these are based on knockoffs that reference factory production for the real thing. More often than not, these end up being fairly representative of the actual Apple accessory.
Magnets may be the key
In today’s leak, Majin Bu references a magnet system used by the Crossbody Strap:
The Crossbody Strap features an innovative magnetic system, crafted to integrate seamlessly with iPhone 17 cases. I collaborated with a designer, to whom I provided the information, and theories suggest the strap has a flexible metal core that makes it fully magnetic along its entire length. At the ends, rings polarized oppositely to the strap close the system with enhanced strength, ensuring a robust hold. This mechanism allows for intuitive attachment and detachment, eliminating the need for traditional hooks or loops, and is perfect for those seeking practicality with iPhone 17 cases.
Most lanyard straps are typically held together by looping the strap through itself, with a thin string attached to carry the weight of the accessory. Apple’s accessory appears to simply rely on two connecting magnets and not looping through itself.
Majin Bu says the accessory may also be compatible with the new AirPods Pro 3 case, which will reportedly be redesigned with features similar to the AirPods 4 charging case.
The leaker also shows pictures of knockoff hardware meant to look like the official Apple Crossbody Strap. See Majin Bu’s site for those details. There are no hard details on strap length, however, which would be useful since “crossbody” suggests something longer than a short wrist lanyard.
iPhone is mostly all camera
The accessory would push the iPhone more into the dedicated camera space. Point-and-shoot cameras often come with a lanyard right out of the box to help you avoid dropping and losing your gear while shooting. Last year, Apple added a Camera Control to the iPhone, putting a shutter button right where you would expect it.
Years ago, Apple had a different lanyard solution with the iPod touch, but a later revision removed the built-in retractable loop button.
Do you think the magnetic attachment mechanism is a good idea or over-engineered? Could this be a recipe for dropped iPhones, defeating the purpose of a lanyard strap altogether? Let us know in the comments.
We should know for sure in less than two weeks. Apple is set to reveal the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9 at its “Awe dropping” event in California. Both Chance and I will be in attendance to bring you hands-on coverage with whatever Apple announces.