There appears to be an odd trend with the latest generation of the best phones. For some reason, both Apple and Google have released rope straps for their latest devices. However, I think Google might have shown Apple up with its new wrist strap.
Google's newest accessory, the Google Rope Wristlet, is two loops of polyester, each a different color, and is designed to work with a phone in a case. It allows you to connect a spring ring clasp to a D-ring attachment that fits between the case and the phone and comes out of the USB-C cutout.
Once it's attached to the phone, you can loop the ropes around your wrist so that, when you have the phone in your hand, it's nearly impossible to drop. Unfortunately, the Wristlet is currently only available in the U.S., where it costs $7 and comes in three color choices.
One great thing is that the Rope Wristlet isn't limited to the Google Pixel 10 series, as it can be used with any phone. Although the store page makes it clear that it won't work with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which is set to release in October.
How does it compare to Apple's $59 strap
This release follows what I find to be one of the oddest releases I've seen in a while: Apple's Crossbody strap. Apple's strap, which only works with the cases for the iPhone 17 series, is longer than Google's. The strap measures a total length of 81.9 inches and is made from recycled PET yarn. However, while Apple's strap is longer, it’s also considerably more expensive at $59.
I can understand the mindset behind Apple's new product, as it allows you to show off the phone while also making it much harder to drop. Additionally, having magnetic clasps that allow for easy adjustment of the strap size for a comfortable fit is a significant advantage for some.
However, none of that explains the price, and Google’s strap offers nearly as much utility, while being available for more devices. For one thing, having the strap on your wrist offers you much more freedom to move your arm when the phone is in your hand. The only way to do that with Apple's strap is to take it off, then wrap it around your arm so that you look like a tech-obsessed Kratos.
There’s also the point that Apple’s crossbody strap has your phone on full display, and the only defence appears to be two thin ropes. Now, we don't know how tough these ropes are (but for $59, I would hope they could keep Prometheus in place), but they look like they could snap with ease. Considering how prevalent a phone on a bandolier-style strap is, this seems like Christmas came early to a dedicated thief with a pair of scissors and a dream.
With that being said, there are advantages to bandolier-type straps, especially when hiking or wearing clothes that don't have pockets. There's also the point that the ropes, alongside the magnetic connectors, could be much more secure than we realise. The issue I have is with the pricing compared to what the strap actually does.
If Apple had released the strap included with the new Techwoven case, then maybe I could have understood it better. However, the fact that you need to buy a case, which is already expensive, on top of the strap, means that you’re easily looking at spending over $100 on accessories alone. Considering the iPhone 17 series has models that easily exceed $1,000, this feels ridiculous.
However, let me know what you think: do you love the new Apple crossbody strap, or do you agree that it’s not quite up to the standards you would expect from Apple?
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