iPhone 17 Pro Case Leak Reveals Lanyard Holes and Camera Bar Design

The iPhone 17 Pro’s design secrets are spilling early. A newly leaked render of Apple’s official case, shared by renowned leaker Duan Rui on August 6, 2025, confirms major design shifts while debunking recent rumors. As Apple’s September launch window approaches, this leak offers the clearest glimpse yet of what to expect.

What Does the iPhone 17 Pro Case Leak Confirm?

The render, published via Duan Rui’s verified social media account, reveals two critical design changes:

• Bottom lanyard holes: Two dedicated openings at the base suggest Apple may introduce first-party lanyard accessories or acknowledge growing user demand for secure carrying options.
• Camera bar cutout: A large, rectangular cutout aligns with earlier leaks about a redesigned camera array, likely accommodating larger sensors.

Contrary to speculation about a second Camera Control button, the leak shows identical button placements to the iPhone 16 series. The Action Button, volume controls, Side Button, and single Camera Control button remain unchanged. Industry analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo note this consistency prevents “user experience fragmentation” (TF International Securities report, July 2025).

Why Lanyard Holes Signal a Strategic Shift

Apple’s addition of lanyard anchors reflects deeper market trends:

• Safety demand: 42% of urban iPhone users surveyed by TechCrunch (May 2025) prioritize anti-theft features after rising device-snatching incidents.
• Accessory ecosystem: The holes hint at Apple expanding first-party accessories beyond MagSafe, potentially competing with brands like Peak Design.
• Ergonomic focus: Case renders show contoured edges, suggesting improved grip—a response to complaints about larger Pro models’ weight.

Unanswered Questions Remain

While the leak clarifies button layouts, it leaves key details unresolved:

• MagSafe positioning: Previous rumors suggested a relocated magnetic charger, but the case render hides this area.
• Material choices: After the FineWoven case backlash, Apple may revive silicone options or introduce sustainable alternatives like Beats’ plant-based composites.

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro balances refinement with pragmatism—preserving proven features while adapting to real-world needs like device security. With lanyard holes and a streamlined camera bar, Apple targets both functionality and aesthetics ahead of its September debut.

Must Know

Q: When will the iPhone 17 Pro launch?
A: Apple typically announces iPhones in September. Multiple sources, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman (June 2025 report), confirm a late-September 2025 event.

Q: Does the iPhone 17 Pro have new buttons?
A: No. The case leak shows identical button placements to the iPhone 16 series, debunking rumors of a second Camera Control button.

Q: What are lanyard holes used for?
A: These small openings allow attachment of wrist straps or neck cords, preventing drops or theft. Popular in Asian markets, their inclusion signals Apple’s global safety focus.

Q: Will iPhone 17 cases work with older models?
A: Unlikely. The camera bar redesign and potential size adjustments mean cases won’t be backward-compatible with iPhone 16 or earlier models.

Q: What colors will iPhone 17 Pro cases have?
A: While unconfirmed, Apple typically offers clear, silicone, and seasonal colors. Sustainable materials may replace FineWoven after 2024’s durability complaints.

Q: Does the leak confirm a smaller Dynamic Island?
A: Case renders don’t show screen details. Display analyst Ross Young predicts a “marginally smaller” Dynamic Island in iPhone 17 Pro models (Display Supply Chain Consultants, July 2025).