Apple has quietly pushed out the most stylish element of its iPhone 17 extravaganza in the form of a new Crossbody Strap to go with the new FineWoven cases. It’s sleek, functional, and eye-catching.
It features magnetic elements for easy size adjustments and comes in a range of colours. The Crossbody Strap was showcased with the iPhone Air, but it is also compatible with FineWoven and silicone cases for all iPhone 17 models.
Crossbody bags have lately been a global obsession, though for the forgetful, it’s simply the best option. It is handy for those of us denied deep pockets and unwilling to carry a bag. And it’s for the old and young who fear their phones being dropped or stolen. And, yes, it’s also a fashion accessory that can be matched with your latest outfit.
With all this in mind, Apple introduced the Crossbody Strap. It is designed to attach to select Apple cases for a hands-free way to “wear” iPhone. Made from 100 per cent recycled PET yarns, the smooth, narrow woven material drapes across the body. It uses “flexible magnets with stainless steel sliding mechanisms” allowing you to easily adjust the length for the perfect fit, while keeping both sides securely and neatly aligned. The maximum strap length is 81.9 inches (2080 mm) and the minimum strap length is 42.5 inches (1080 mm).
We can see the accessory becoming a huge hit among women, who have struggled with pockets in the styles they love.
An article in The New York Times in 1899 reads: “If Adam and Eve both began life without any pockets, it seems to me that the difference in the progress of the sexes toward pockets illustrates and proves the superiority of the male. Man’s pockets have developed, improved, and increased with the advances of civilization. Woman is actually retrograding — losing ground and pockets.”
Pockets became a standard element in men’s wear as the suit shifted from a craft to an industrialised product in the 1850s. Not so for women.
The Crossbody Strap will be offered in 10 colours: black, light gray, blue, light blue, purple, sienna, green, neon yellow, tan, and orange.
With the Crossbody Strap, quick adjustability is never an issue, something especially useful for anyone who needs to change the length often, like when walking, cycling, or extending the phone to take photos. The tether secures the iPhone to your body, helping prevent it from being pulled out of your hand. If you are in London, which has become the global capital of phone snatchers, the strap will help.