The iPhone crossbody strap. Yeah, I know what you're thinking: "Who thought this was a good idea?" And honestly, I was skeptical too when Apple announced it. But, after giving it a spin, I'm kinda won over.
Let me ask you: have you ever been at a festival, concert, or beach and just wanted to keep your phone close without having to constantly clutch it? That's where this thing shines. The crossbody strap is like a phone-sized lanyard that lets you keep your iPhone (specifically designed for the new iPhone 17 lineup, of course) dangling around your neck, allowing you to keep your hands free.
At first, I thought it was a bit ridiculous. I mean, who walks around with their phone draped across their chest like a miniature versions of those old-school tour group flags? But, after a few days of using it, I found myself getting weirdly accustomed to the freedom it offered. No more interrupted hikes or bike rides because I had to clutch my phone or worry about it falling out of my pocket. I could just chill, hands-free, and snap pics or respond to texts whenever I wanted.
Now, before I sound too enthusiastic, this thing won't revolutionize the world, and it won't be for everyone. You gotta be the type of person who's willing to accept some weird looks from strangers and possibly comfy tolerating a bit of that "tourist vibe". Think about it like this: if you're already comfortable rocking a fanny pack, this crossbody strap won't be a huge stretch.
But here's the thing: Apple got the design mostly right. It's not clunky, and it feels fairly sturdy. The clip mechanism that connects it to the iPhone 17 case is solid and didn't come loose even during some pretty active use (i.e., me attempting to "rock out" at a concert while strap-testing). Apple's also thoughtfully included some clever features, like the ability to adjust the strap length and the material's moisture resistance – meaning you don't have to freak out about sweat or light drizzle.
I found myself wondering how this would've changed my experience at some of my favorite music festivals. Remember when Samsung introduced the Galaxy S4 with that super-compelling "life companion" marketing push? Well, Apple didn't quite nail the companion device aspect this time around (Come on, no straightforward notifications on the strap? Really, Apple?), but in real-world practice, I found this little accessory steps into a very practical niche.
One area where the crossbody strap does falter is its usability for larger-than-average headphones. The design gets in the way of some headphones' on-ear designs, which might make this accessory a no-go for you if you're all about giant, over-ear cans.
While I still think Apple should not be charging full-on premium prices for this as an additional accessory, I appreciate the company acknowledging there's a market for weird, lesser-known phone accessories.
Now, am I gonna rock one to the coffee shop? Uh, probably not. I'm still a skeptic at heart. However, for the right crowd, this crossbody strap does what it's meant to: add some utility, a smidgen of quirkiness, and plenty of convenience to your iPhone 17 experience.