Apple might unveil a significant redesign for its iPhone 17 cases when the lineup launches in September, introducing new Liquid Silicone cases featuring optional lanyard support, leakers suggested Wednesday.
Apple ‘Liquid Silicone’ cases for iPhone 17: Premium feel, lanyard support
Apple reportedly refers to these new cases internally as “Liquid Silicone,” according to leaker Majin Bu, who shared detailed information in a blog post Wednesday. The cases are expected to come in two variants. One features a “liquid glass effect” with an opaque, satin texture, and another without that special finish. (Rumors indicate iPhone 17 handsets will launch on September 8, by the way.)
The Liquid Silicone material could feature a soft surface with a velvety finish, positioning it as Apple’s primary case material for the mass market. However, early samples reportedly show some limitations, including a tendency to attract dust and potential wear at the edges over time. In fact, some photos show a bulkiness in the cases that doesn’t seem very, well, Apple. So, as usual, take these leaks with a grain of salt.
Lanyard functionality takes cue from AirPods Pro
iPhone 17 Pro 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
Both Majin Bu and fellow leaker DuanRui reported that Apple plans to add lanyard support to its iPhone 17 cases, similar to the feature found on AirPods Pro 2 charging cases. DuanRui’s image above shows two potential lanyard attachment spots. The cases reportedly will include multiple dedicated holes for lanyard attachment, designed to enhance security against accidental drops and improve daily usability.
DuanRui specifically noted that the iPhone 17 Pro series cases will feature “two additional lanyard holes at the bottom.” Like the AirPods Pro 2 implementation, the lanyards themselves may be sold separately as optional accessories.
Camera-focused design philosophy
Photo: Majinbu
The addition of lanyard support continues Apple’s push toward making the iPhone as camera-centric as possible. Combined with the dedicated Camera Control button introduced in last year’s iPhone models, the lanyard feature mirrors functionality commonly found on point-and-shoot cameras, where lanyards help prevent drops during photography.
This wouldn’t be Apple’s first foray into lanyard functionality. The iPod touch once featured a built-in retractable lanyard mechanism, though Apple removed it in later models.
Market positioning and expectations for Liquid Silicone cases for iPhone 17
With Apple’s expected September keynote approaching, potential Liquid Silicone cases will enter a competitive accessory market. The two-variant approach could appeal to users with different aesthetic preferences, while the practical lanyard feature addresses real-world usability concerns.
However, skepticism remains warranted. Majin Bu has a mixed track record with Apple rumors. So the actual quality and final design details will ultimately determine market reception when the iPhone 17 series launches.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
