Apple might launch an intriguing new iPhone 17 accessory – but something makes me think it’s fake
Must-have iPhone 17 accessory or clever forgery?
- Leaked images appear to show a Crossbody Strap product
- The lanyard-like device is rumored to release alongside the iPhone 17
- It may contradict earlier iPhone 17 leaks, raising some awkward questions
Last week, an iPhone 17 packaging leak dropped a hint about an unreleased “Crossbody Strap,” which sparked questions over what exactly this mysterious product could be. Now, a leaker has revealed images depicting what they claim is the Crossbody Strap, but the fresh pictures have raised a whole new set of questions in their wake.
The images have been included in a new blog post by prolific leaker Majin Bu. They depict a lanyard-type strap that is designed to clip onto an iPhone and hold it across your body. They suggest that the strap will be made from a nylon-type material that looks similar to that found on the Sport Loop band of the Apple Watch, and Bu says a silicone version might also become available.
The Crossbody Strap is apparently magnetic along its entire length, and these magnets are used to securely close the ends of the strap, which Bu says “[eliminates] the need for traditional hooks or loops.” It should be compatible with iPhone 17 cases, according to Bu, and potentially also the AirPods Pro 3.
However, it’s the ends of the strap that are causing a little confusion. The images posted on Bu’s website show a strap that has a uniform thickness all the way along its length. Yet that thickness looks to be significantly wider than the lanyard cutouts shown in leaked iPhone 17 case photos provided by – you guessed it – Majin Bu. It therefore appears that Bu’s latest Crossbody Strap post actually contradicts their previous leaks, which is never a good look.
So, what could be going on here? Well, there are a few possibilities. The most straightforward is that one or more of Bu’s leaks are inaccurate, as it’s hard to square the different images at the moment.
Alternatively, the Crossbody Strap images might be missing a key component. The pictures show two holes at the end of each strap – perhaps this is where a thinner thread can be attached, which then loops through the iPhone case’s lanyard holes. Yet that itself raises questions: if this thread exists, why did Bu not show it? And will such a thin thread be strong enough to support an iPhone’s weight, particularly if it is tugged?
Those unanswered questions, combined with Bu’s hit-and-miss record when it comes to Apple leaks, mean we should take the claims with a dose of skepticism. Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 17 at an event on September 9, and we're expecting an answer to this mystery then. That could finally reveal how – or if – Bu’s seemingly conflicting leaks can be reconciled.
