Apple’s new iPhone Crossbody Strap capitalizes on one of Asia’s biggest trends

Apple’s new $59 Crossbody Strap for iPhone
Apple’s new Crossbody Strap is designed to attach to select Apple cases for a convenient and hands-free way to wear iPhone.
Crafted from 100 percent recycled PET yarns, the smooth, narrow woven straps drape comfortably across the body.
Embedded flexible magnets with stainless steel sliding mechanisms allow you to effortlessly adjust the length for the perfect fit, while keeping both straps securely and neatly aligned.
Compatible iPhone Air cases:
• iPhone Air Bumper
• iPhone Air Case with MagSafe
Compatible iPhone 17 cases:
• Silicone Case with MagSafe
Compatible iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max cases:
• TechWoven Case with MagSafe
• Silicone Case with MagSafe
Maximum Crossbody Strap length: 81.9 inches (2080 mm)
Minimum Crossbody Strap length: 42.5 inches (1080 mm)
Natalie Lung and Samantha Kelly for Bloomberg News:
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The $59 Crossbody Strap drew curiosity in the US, especially among consumers unfamiliar with the fashion-meets-function trend. But in much of Asia, where Apple faces growing competition from local brands, the idea is hardly new. For years, shoppers have had their pick of colorful, inexpensive cross-body bands in markets and malls across the region.
Apple’s first attempt in this category is neither perfect nor groundbreaking. Existing lanyard hooks can work with just about any type of phone case. With the Apple product, the strap can be adjusted using a discrete sliding mechanism, but the two thin connectors at each end work best if used with certain of the company’s own cases.
And, for better and worse, the Crossbody Strap matches the same monotone palette as the newest phones and cases, meaning shoppers keen for more elaborate designs will likely look elsewhere…
This is not the first time in recent memory that electronic accessories in Asia have inspired Western brands to enter new categories. In April, Lenovo Group Ltd.’s Motorola division unveiled a pair of Swarovski-encrusted earbuds, taking cues from ear-cuff-style earphones that China’s Huawei Technologies Co. released in 2023.
It also reflects a perennial tech industry challenge: to design products for women without necessarily making them pink or shrinking the hardware…
Apple’s endorsement — albeit late — could make the style a global staple — just as AirPods once turned wireless earbuds into a fashion essential.

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MacDailyNews Take: The beauty of the $59 Crossbody Strap for Apple is that it initially requires buying a compatible iPhone case from Apple – until third-party case makers catch up. Apple should make compatible cases for iPad mini, too!

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