Apple Crossbody Strap Review: Handy Accessory, Odd Look Without It

📅 Published: 11/7/2025
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 9:30:48 PM
📊 15 updates
⏱️ 10 min read
📱 This article updates automatically every 10 minutes with breaking developments

Apple’s new Crossbody Strap, launched alongside the iPhone 17 series, offers a unique and convenient way to carry your iPhone hands-free, but its design and price have sparked mixed reactions among users and reviewers.

The Crossbody Strap is crafted from 100% recycled PET yarns,...

The Crossbody Strap is crafted from 100% recycled PET yarns, emphasizing comfort and sustainability, and features embedded flexible magnets with stainless steel sliding mechanisms. These allow for easy length adjustments from 42.5 inches to 81.9 inches, keeping the strap securely aligned and snug across the body. Apple offers the strap in ten colors including black, light gray, blue, purple, and neon yellow, catering to a range of style preferences. It attaches magnetically to select Apple iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air cases, providing a reliable tether that reduces the risk of dropping or losing the phone while on the move[1][3][4][11].

Priced at $59 (with some regional pricing higher, such as AU...

Priced at $59 (with some regional pricing higher, such as AUD$99 reported by some reviewers), the strap is positioned as a premium accessory. It aims to capitalize on the trend of wearable phone accessories popular in some overseas markets, where carrying phones crossbody is more common[1][13].

Reviewers underline the strap’s practicality, especially for...

Reviewers underline the strap’s practicality, especially for users who travel frequently, engage in active lifestyles, or work in professions requiring quick phone access without the hassle of holding or pocketing the device. The magnetic attachment and adjustable length make it versatile for different carrying styles, whether walking, cycling, or snapping photos[2][4][6].

However, the accessory is not without criticism. Some users...

However, the accessory is not without criticism. Some users find the strap uncomfortable as it can rub against the neck or shoulder during extended use. More notably, when the strap is removed, the phone’s appearance is described as “odd” or “silly,” suggesting that the design integration is somewhat incomplete without the strap attached. This aesthetic drawback detracts from the overall experience for some users[2].

Security perceptions are also divided; while the strap can d...

Security perceptions are also divided; while the strap can deter opportunistic snatching by keeping the phone tethered, it may also make users a visible target for theft due to advertising possession of a high-value device[2].

Other drawbacks include the strap’s dependency on compatible...

Other drawbacks include the strap’s dependency on compatible Apple cases, limiting usability for some iPhone owners, and the relatively high cost compared to third-party alternatives that lack Apple’s magnetic technology. Some reviewers suggest the removal process can be fiddly, and cheaper options exist that may suffice for users less concerned with premium materials or design[13][18].

In conclusion, Apple’s Crossbody Strap is a thoughtfully eng...

In conclusion, Apple’s Crossbody Strap is a thoughtfully engineered accessory combining sustainability, convenience, and style. It suits users valuing hands-free phone access and security but may disappoint those sensitive to comfort or price. Its distinctive look when detached from the phone remains a divisive point among early adopters[1][2][13].

🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 7:10:20 PM
Apple’s Crossbody Strap for iPhone 17 series features adjustable lengths from 42.5 inches (1080 mm) to 81.9 inches (2080 mm), enabled by embedded flexible magnets and stainless steel sliding mechanisms, allowing precise fitting while keeping the strap securely aligned[1][3]. Crafted from 100% recycled PET yarns, the strap offers hands-free carry convenience, though some users report discomfort on the neck and shoulder and note the phone looks awkward without the strap attached[2]. The magnet-based design reflects Apple’s innovation focus on seamless adjustability but raises debates on aesthetics and potential theft risks, as the strap both advertises the device and could deter opportunistic snatching[2][4].
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 7:20:20 PM
Apple's Crossbody Strap, priced at $59 and designed for iPhone 17 series cases, features an adjustable length from 108 cm to 208 cm, enabled by embedded flexible magnets and stainless steel sliding mechanisms, allowing a custom fit and secure attachment[1][3]. Made from 100% recycled PET yarns, it offers a lightweight, eco-friendly construction, but the strap can cause discomfort on the neck and shoulder during extended wear, and the phone's aesthetics suffer noticeably when the strap is removed[2]. Technically, the magnetic mechanism enhances usability and alignment, yet user feedback reveals a divide on practicality versus style, with concerns about the strap potentially attracting or deterring theft due to its conspicuous presence[2].
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 7:30:20 PM
There has been no reported regulatory or government response specifically related to Apple's new Crossbody Strap for the iPhone 17 series as of November 2025. The accessory, priced at $59 and made from recycled plastic, has attracted consumer and media attention for its convenience and style but has not prompted any official statements or regulatory scrutiny[2][3][4].
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 7:40:28 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Apple's Crossbody Strap has been mixed, with many praising its premium quality, comfort, and stylish design but criticizing its high $59-$99 price and case compatibility limitations. Some users find it convenient and secure for hands-free phone carrying, especially while traveling, though others describe the look without the strap as "silly" and worry it could attract thieves or be uncomfortable on the neck and shoulder[1][3][9]. The accessory has sparked debate online about its practicality versus fashion appeal, with one review noting it "scores very low on the cool factor" despite being functional, reflecting a divide between appreciation for innovation and skepticism about its aesthetic and necessity[4][7].
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 7:50:25 PM
Apple’s Crossbody Strap has significantly impacted the competitive landscape of phone accessories, filling a niche that was already growing in Europe and Asia but less common in the U.S. Despite a $59 price tag, the strap quickly sold out in many colors, resulting in multi-week backorders and indicating strong consumer demand that Apple initially underestimated[1][5]. Competing products like Google's $7 Rope Wristlet for Pixel phones highlight a pricing gap, but Apple's use of recycled PET yarn, magnetic adjustability, and minimalist design set it apart, pushing competitors to consider innovation beyond cost to capture market share[3][5][7].
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 8:00:29 PM
There have been no reported regulatory or government responses specifically addressing Apple's new Crossbody Strap accessory for the iPhone 17 since its launch in September 2025. The accessory, priced at $59 and made from 100% recycled yarns, fits into Apple’s broader sustainability goals but has not attracted formal scrutiny or commentary from government bodies or regulatory agencies to date[1][2][5].
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 8:10:25 PM
Apple’s entry into the crossbody strap market with its $59 accessory has stirred notable shifts in the competitive landscape, highlighted by delivery delays of over a month for most colors, signaling strong demand[3]. Meanwhile, competitors like Google have introduced similar straps, such as the $7 Rope Wristlet compatible with Pixel 10 and other USB-C phones, offering a significantly lower price point compared to Apple’s premium product[3]. Apple's innovation with embedded magnets and recycled PET yarn positions it uniquely amidst a crowded market where cheaper and designer options coexist, reflecting a strategic blend of fashion and function that is reshaping consumer expectations[1][4][7].
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 8:20:26 PM
## NEWS UPDATE: Apple Crossbody Strap Review – Consumer and Public Reaction *November 7, 2025 – Live from Cupertino* Apple’s new $59 Crossbody Strap for iPhone 17 and Air is sparking intense debate: while many users praise its convenience and “secure, magnetic, easy-to-adjust” design[3], tech reviewers report the phone looks “silly when the strap is removed”[5], and some customers call it “awkward at times and can get in your way”[3]. On social media, opinions are sharply split—some users on X question if the strap invites theft (“But why? I dont want to get robbed in broad daylight,” tweeted @barrywinata
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 8:30:34 PM
Apple's new Crossbody Strap for iPhone 17 models—priced at $59 and available in ten colors—has quickly become a conversation starter, praised for its innovative flexible magnets and stainless steel sliders that enable hands-free, secure phone carrying, but criticized for leaving the device looking awkward and exposed if the strap is removed[4][5]. Early hands-on reviews note the strap’s impressive adjustability (42.5 to 81.9 inches), but also report that some users find it uncomfortable, with the strap rubbing against the shoulder or neck during movement, particularly when wearing lighter clothing[5][7]. “When something becomes so much a part of you, it needs to reflect your style,” Apple CEO Tim Cook told The
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 8:40:34 PM
Apple’s Crossbody Strap for iPhone 17 models features an innovative design with embedded flexible magnets and stainless steel sliding mechanisms that enable effortless length adjustment between 42.5 inches (1080 mm) and 81.9 inches (2080 mm), ensuring a secure, aligned fit across diverse body types[1][4]. Crafted from 100% recycled PET yarns, the strap balances sustainability with premium tactile quality, aiming to provide a hands-free, wearable experience integrated tightly with specific Apple cases at a $59 price point[2][6]. While praised for its technical sophistication and convenience, users note the phone appears awkward without the strap attached, and the accessory’s reliance on proprietary cases limits broader compatibility[8][9].
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 8:50:29 PM
There has been no reported regulatory or government response specifically addressing Apple’s new Crossbody Strap accessory for the iPhone 17 since its launch in September 2025. The accessory, priced at $59 and made from 100% recycled yarns, aligns with Apple's environmental goals but has not triggered any official government comments or regulatory actions related to safety, privacy, or market competition as of now[1][2][5].
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 9:00:35 PM
Apple's $59 Crossbody Strap, launched alongside the iPhone 17 series, is praised by experts for its convenience and flexible design—stretching from 42.5 to 81.9 inches—but criticized for its awkward appearance when detached, with TechCrunch's Sarah Perez noting, "the phone looks silly when the strap is removed." Industry analysts point to the strap's embedded magnets and eco-friendly materials as standout features, but many, including AppleInsider, argue the premium price is hard to justify given the comfort issues and the abundance of cheaper alternatives.
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 9:10:36 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Apple's $99 Crossbody Strap has been mixed. While many praise its premium quality, comfort, and secure magnetic design, some find it awkward to wear and note the phone looks "silly" when the strap is removed, with users split evenly in a Best Buy review giving 4 out of 5 stars overall but expressing concerns about usability[1][3][5]. Social media and tech commentators highlight nostalgia for classic phone accessories but debate whether Apple's modern strap is a clever convenience or an odd fashion choice that attracts unwanted attention[4][5].
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 9:20:49 PM
Apple's new Crossbody Strap accessory for iPhone 17 series features **adjustable length from 42.5 inches (108 cm) to 81.9 inches (208 cm)** via embedded flexible magnets and stainless steel sliding mechanisms, enabling a customizable and secure fit[1][3]. Made from **100% recycled PET yarns**, the strap offers both sustainability and comfort, aligning with Apple's eco-friendly design ethos[2][3]. However, despite its functional innovation and premium materials, some users note the phone appears awkward when the strap is removed, highlighting a trade-off between convenience and aesthetics[6]. The $59 price positions it as a high-end accessory compared to cheaper alternatives, but its precise integration with select cases and magnet technolog
🔄 Updated: 11/7/2025, 9:30:48 PM
Apple’s new crossbody strap for iPhone, priced at $59 and made from 100% recycled PET yarns, has sparked significant global buzz, especially as it taps into a popular trend in Asia where crossbody phone straps have been common for years[5][6]. While the strap has been praised for practicality and sustainability, reactions in markets like Vietnam and among international users reveal mixed sentiments about its $75 equivalent price and aesthetic when removed[4][8]. This launch complements Apple's broader accessory market, which is forecast to nearly double to $59.2 billion by 2035, driven by expanding device bases and regional demand variations—Asia Pacific leads in volume with strong consumer interest in wearable accessories, reinforcing Apple’s strategic foothol
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