Apple may unveil a big redesign for its iPhone 17 circumstances when the lineup launches in September, introducing new Liquid Silicone circumstances that includes non-obligatory lanyard assist, leakers prompt Wednesday.
Apple ‘Liquid Silicone’ circumstances for iPhone 17: Premium really feel, lanyard assist
Apple reportedly refers to those new circumstances internally as “Liquid Silicone,” in response to leaker Majin Bu, who shared detailed data in a weblog submit Wednesday. The circumstances are anticipated to come back in two variants. One encompasses a “liquid glass impact” with an opaque, satin texture, and one other with out that particular end. (Rumors point out iPhone 17 handsets will launch on September 8, by the way in which.)
The Liquid Silicone materials may characteristic a delicate floor with a velvety end, positioning it as Apple’s major case materials for the mass market. Nevertheless, early samples reportedly present some limitations, together with a bent to draw mud and potential put on on the edges over time. Actually, some images present a bulkiness within the circumstances that doesn’t appear very, properly, Apple. So, as typical, take these leaks with a grain of salt.
Lanyard performance takes cue from AirPods Professional
iPhone 17 Professional 系列官方手机保护壳，会在底部新增两个挂绳孔。 pic.twitter.com/GHWpzvWYTg
— DuanRui段锐 (@duanrui1205) August 6, 2025
Each Majin Bu and fellow leaker DuanRui reported that Apple plans so as to add lanyard assist to its iPhone 17 circumstances, just like the characteristic discovered on AirPods Professional 2 charging circumstances. DuanRui’s picture above exhibits two potential lanyard attachment spots. The circumstances reportedly will embrace a number of devoted holes for lanyard attachment, designed to reinforce safety in opposition to unintended drops and enhance every day usability.
DuanRui particularly famous that the iPhone 17 Professional collection circumstances will characteristic “two extra lanyard holes on the backside.” Just like the AirPods Professional 2 implementation, the lanyards themselves could also be bought individually as non-obligatory equipment.
Digital camera-focused design philosophy
Picture: Majinbu
The addition of lanyard assist continues Apple’s push towards making the iPhone as camera-centric as attainable. Mixed with the devoted Digital camera Management button launched in final 12 months’s iPhone fashions, the lanyard characteristic mirrors performance generally discovered on point-and-shoot cameras, the place lanyards assist stop drops throughout images.
This wouldn’t be Apple’s first foray into lanyard performance. The iPod contact as soon as featured a built-in retractable lanyard mechanism, although Apple eliminated it in later fashions.
Market positioning and expectations for Liquid Silicone circumstances for iPhone 17
With Apple’s anticipated September keynote approaching, potential Liquid Silicone circumstances will enter a aggressive accent market. The 2-variant method may attraction to customers with totally different aesthetic preferences, whereas the sensible lanyard characteristic addresses real-world usability considerations.
Nevertheless, skepticism stays warranted. Majin Bu has a combined monitor file with Apple rumors. So the precise high quality and closing design particulars will finally decide market reception when the iPhone 17 collection launches.
