Apple appears to be making a small but noticeable design shift with the iPhone 17 lineup by introducing built-in lanyard loops in official cases, similar to those on the AirPods Pro 2 charging case.
Recent supply chain leaks suggest that these loops could become a standard design element across first-party iPhone 17 cases, offering users a new way to secure their devices and potentially signaling a growing interest in wearable-friendly phone accessories.
The change was first highlighted through case accessory manufacturing images that show a new vertical pill-shaped cutout on the lower-left corner of iPhone 17 cases. This cutout closely resembles the lanyard loop position and shape seen on Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, suggesting a similar implementation. Third-party manufacturers are reportedly preparing for this adjustment ahead of the iPhone 17’s expected September debut. While Apple has yet to confirm the addition, its pattern of incorporating small design tweaks into official accessories ahead of major hardware releases lends credibility to the rumor.
Integrating a lanyard loop would serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. It would allow users to attach their iPhones to wrist straps, bags, or belt clips, reducing the chance of drops in crowded or mobile scenarios. It also fits into a growing lifestyle trend where smartphones are not just pocket devices but wearable tech accessories. As Apple continues to blur the lines between utility and fashion in its hardware, this move could make the iPhone more customizable and portable without requiring bulky third-party attachments.
If the lanyard loop is introduced, it may initially appear only in Apple’s silicone and leather cases rather than on the device body itself. However, this kind of shift often foreshadows future hardware revisions, so it is possible that future iPhone models may follow the AirPods Pro 2’s lead and include built-in loops directly on the chassis. That would mirror Apple’s approach to gradually phasing features across the ecosystem, starting with accessories and eventually embedding them into the core product line.
Whether this is a niche change or the start of a broader design direction, Apple’s rumored lanyard-compatible iPhone 17 cases show that the company is still refining even the smallest aspects of how its products are carried and used.
