Apple may be quietly reviving a classic—if recent leaks are to be believed, the upcoming iPhone 17 cases could finally bring back lanyard compatibility.
Reliable—or at least persistent—leaker Majin Bu circulated images of purported official “Liquid Silicone” cases, hinting that some will feature multiple lanyard cutouts at the bottom corners. Shortly after, CAD renders from another source, DuanRui, added fuel to the fire, showing explicit attachment points on the iPhone 17 Pro cases. Those corner slots look functional—and dare we say practical—for clasping on a wrist strap or decorative lanyard.
This isn’t the first time Apple has flirted with this idea. iPod touch models once had built-in lanyard loops, and even current AirPods Pro 2 charging cases include a cutout for optional straps—sold separately, of course. That consistency suggests this could be more than a gimmick.
That said, rumors are just that—and skepticism is fair game. Some of these “official samples” look bulky, even low-grade, in the early images. Apple’s track record with “Liquid Silicone” or similarly named cases has been hit-or-miss in the rumor mill. Still, past false alarms—like the FineWoven case—did become real, so we’re keeping an open mind.
If real, this could be a nod to people who use their iPhone in hands-on environments—kids, commuters, outdoor explorers—making accidental drops less painful. The design would also mesh neatly with iOS 26’s “Liquid Glass” aesthetic.
In short: Apple may be leaning into lanyard life again. Whether it’s a practical revival or just a design curiosity remains to be seen—but it’s one rumor that’s surprisingly easy to hold onto.