Reviewed by Corey Noles
Your phone slips out of your hand during that perfect sunset shot. Sound familiar? Leaks suggest Apple might finally solve this age-old problem with iPhone 17 cases featuring built-in lanyard holes—marking the first time Cupertino has officially embraced hands-free phone carrying. DuanRui claims the iPhone 17 Pro series case features two lanyard hole openings at its base, while CAD renders show these holes are metallically reinforced for durability. Here's why this seemingly simple addition could reshape how we interact with our most essential device.
The crossbody phone revolution is already here
Walk through any major city and you'll spot them: phones dangling from colorful straps, worn crossbody like the ultimate tech accessory. Celebrities like Martha Stewart and Mila Kunis have been spotted with Bandolier's crossbody cases, while the hanging phone case trend gained serious momentum starting last year.
What these celebrity adoption stories reveal isn't just fashion—it's a fundamental shift in how people want to carry their most valuable accessory. This mainstream acceptance has cleared the path for broader market adoption, with lanyard-style cases moving from niche accessory to legitimate lifestyle choice.
Google Trends data validates this cultural moment with hard numbers: iPhone case searches consistently outperform Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel queries, peaking at 94 (normalized value) in July 2025. Crossbody phone cases combine hands-free convenience with eco-friendly materials, while demand for eco-friendly cases will rise by 15% among premium buyers. This eco-conscious trend aligns perfectly with Apple's sustainability messaging—official lanyard support could position the iPhone as the environmentally responsible choice in premium smartphone accessories.
But here's what's fascinating about market timing: most iPhone users have been solving this problem themselves. Third-party tether tabs cost just $3-4 and slip through your case's charging port—a simple workaround that proves massive demand already exists for functionality Apple hasn't officially addressed.
Apple's lanyard legacy runs deeper than you think
This isn't Apple's first exploration of wearable device accessories. Remember the iPod touch 5G's retractable lanyard? That little metal wheel could flip out to attach Apple's official Loop lanyard—though it vanished in later revisions. More recently, AirPods Pro 2 charging cases feature a cutout with small metal holes for lanyard attachment.
This AirPods precedent suggests Apple's testing official lanyard support across product lines, with iPhone representing the biggest potential market impact. The company's willingness to add hardware specifically for accessory attachment indicates a strategic shift toward acknowledging how people actually use their devices in real-world scenarios.
Apple has also been granted patents for accessories that hold credit cards, charge iPhones, and can be worn on the wrist or around the neck—essentially an "over-sized luggage tag" design. These patents reveal Apple's comprehensive strategy for wearable iPhone accessories, with the ability for devices to identify the accessory and adjust display features based on opening locations suggesting a future where your iPhone adapts its interface based on how you're carrying it.
Hit-or-miss leaker 'Majin Bu' recently shared video of a 'Liquid Silicone' case for what appears to be a standard iPhone 17 dummy model, complete with tiny holes in the bottom corners for lanyard attachment—though the lanyard would likely be sold separately by third-party brands.
Why cameras are driving Apple's lanyard push
Think about it: when do you most need a secure grip on your iPhone? When you're capturing that once-in-a-lifetime moment. The decision to embed lanyard support seems influenced by Apple's continued push of the iPhone as dedicated camera gear.
As iPhone camera capabilities continue advancing (the iPhone 17 series will reportedly feature A19 chips and enhanced camera configurations), Apple recognizes users need professional-grade security solutions. Professional photographers already know the drill—camera straps aren't just accessories, they're insurance policies.
Phone cases with crossbody straps offer hands-free convenience while keeping devices secure and accessible, gaining popularity among people who need phones handy throughout the day. The camera connection becomes even clearer when you consider products like The ODYSSEY M+ STRAP case, which boasts military MK-STD-810H certification for 16ft drop protection while maintaining lanyard functionality—evidence that the market is already demanding the exact combination of pro-level protection and wearability that Apple appears ready to embrace.
The premium accessory market Apple can't ignore
Here's where Apple's strategic opportunity becomes clear: the global mobile accessories market is projected to reach $370.5 billion by the end of 2025. That massive figure represents revenue currently flowing to third-party manufacturers—money Apple could capture through official accessory partnerships and case sales.
MagSafe-compatible cases with rotating card holders boost accessory attach rates by 38%, while ultra-protective cases with hybrid materials expect 18% annual growth. By adding official lanyard support, Apple positions itself to reclaim market share in these high-growth segments.
Evidence that Apple's developing a comprehensive accessory strategy emerges in their patent applications for iPhone cases with programmable buttons that could add virtual Action Buttons for different functions. The patent describes buttons that react to single, double, or triple taps, held for specific durations, or even finger slides—imagine switching camera modes while your phone hangs securely from a lanyard.
Meanwhile, third-party success stories validate the opportunity Apple wants to capture. Cases with lanyard compatibility feature reinforced anchor points stronger than traditional phone straps, with 25+ drop-testing that outperforms many competitors, plus wireless charging compatibility—proving consumer demand for exactly the functionality Apple seems ready to offer officially.
What this means for your next iPhone upgrade
Bottom line: if these rumors prove true, Apple's acknowledging that smartphones aren't just communication devices—they're lifestyle accessories that need to move with us seamlessly. The iPhone 17 series expected to debut in mid-September includes standard, Air, Pro, and Pro Max models, with the iPhone 17 Air potentially standing out with its ultra-thin profile and titanium-aluminum frame.
This represents Apple's evolution from a company that traditionally fought user modifications to one that embraces how people actually live with their devices. Current workarounds like universal phone lanyards fit all smartphones and support both corded and wireless charging without removal, proving there's already massive demand for this functionality.
The convenience factor eliminates the frustration of constantly handling your device while maintaining full access to all buttons and screen functionality. For Apple, this represents a natural evolution in their design philosophy—recognizing that the best technology gets out of your way while enhancing how you live.
Whether you're hiking, shopping, or just trying to keep your hands free for that perfect latte art photo, official lanyard support could finally make your iPhone feel truly liberated from the constraints of pocket storage and constant grip anxiety.
The real question isn't whether this rumor will pan out—it's whether you're ready to cut the cord on constantly clutching your phone.
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