Apple is getting in on a phone accessory trend with a $59 strap — and people are buzzing about it

Apple officially has a new wearable — your iPhone.

The tech giant’s latest iPhone accessory is a $59 crossbody strap that attaches to some Apple-designed iPhone cases to transform the way you carry your phone. Available in 10 colors that match the cases Apple also launched Tuesday during its fall event, the strap turns the iPhone into a hands-free wearable.

With the release, Apple is joining a trend that’s taking off among some who are fashion-forward or simply want more convenience.

Similar straps are already on the market, ranging from $10 bejeweled versions at Target to designer pouches from Maison Margiela or Kate Spade that cost more than $300. Unlike some of the high-end leather offerings, Apple’s strap is made from recycled plastic, a woven material known as PET yarn.

The concept isn’t new, but Apple’s spin is bringing it fresh attention — and recognizing that some people want to make the iPhone their own.

“When something becomes so much a part of you, it needs to reflect your style,” CEO Tim Cook told The Wall Street Journal in an interview published Wednesday.

At this week’s iPhone event, Apple unveiled the crossbody holder, and videos of attendees trying on the straps at Apple Park sparked conversation in the tech community.

On Reddit, some pointed to European and Asian countries where the phone accessory trend has taken off. Others, including some posters on X, compared it to something older adults might wear. Some debated whether the strap could make the iPhone an easier target for theft or harder for pickpockets to steal. Still, many praised the strap for its convenience and design.

But why? I don’t want to get robbed in broad daylight

— Barry Winata (@barrywinata) September 10, 2025

While the $59 price point is pretty affordable for an Apple accessory, you’ll also need one of Apple’s new compatible cases, which can cost up to $59 more. The strap attaches to the bottom of the new clear, TechWoven, and silicone cases for all iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air. It is adjustable using magnets and steel sliders to go from 42 to 81 inches.

So, while the crossbody phone strap may have been an accessory anyone could get from Amazon or their local Target, Apple is bringing its signature minimalist style to the trend.

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