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Mac Classic And Audio Cassette-Inspired Retro iPhone 17 Pro Cases

Your iPhone is advanced tech, but you can protect it while adding vintage flair with a retro-inspired iPhone case like the Spigen Classic LS and Pela Black Cassette.

Forbes 2 min read 3/10
Mac Classic And Audio Cassette-Inspired Retro iPhone 17 Pro Cases
Key Takeaways
  • Spigen's Classic LS case costs $39.99 and features a pixelated Mac smiley face with rainbow Apple logo, modeled after the original 1984 Macintosh.
  • Pela's Black Cassette case ($44.99) is made from compostable flax-straw composite and mimics a TDK SA-90 audio cassette, including a flip-out camera cover.
  • Both cases are designed exclusively for the iPhone 17 Pro, which has not yet been officially announced by Apple (expected Fall 2026).
  • Pela has sold over 1.5 million eco-friendly cases since 2018; Spigen sells roughly 7 million cases annually worldwide.
  • Pre-orders for both cases opened on May 24, 2026, with shipping estimated within 2–4 weeks.
Forget boring black silicone. The iPhone 17 Pro is getting a makeover that looks straight out of 1984 — but costs $40. Spigen and Pela have unveiled retro-inspired cases that mimic a classic Macintosh computer and an audio cassette tape, respectively. These accessories aren't just protective shells; they're nostalgia-driven fashion statements for a generation that grew up with beige desktops and mixtapes. The Spigen Classic LS ($39.99) features a pixelated Mac smiley face and rainbow Apple logo, while the Pela Black Cassette ($44.99) replicates the look of a TDK SA-90 tape, complete with a flap that covers the camera module like a cassette door. Both cases are made for the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple's still-unannounced device, suggesting accessory makers are betting early on its design. The trend taps into a broader retro-tech revival, where vintage aesthetics are repackaged for modern gadgets. For buyers, it's a chance to signal taste without buying a $500 vintage computer. Why now? The iPhone 17 Pro, expected in September, has leaked with minor design changes, making it a safe canvas for third-party cases. Spigen, a durable-case stalwart with 7 million annual sales, is leaning into nostalgia to differentiate itself. Pela, known for compostable phone cases, uses its signature flax-straw composite for the Cassette, adding an eco-friendly angle. Neither case has been reviewed yet, but pre-orders are live. The implication: retro is not just a niche; it's a multi-million-dollar accessory strategy. Apple itself rarely dives into nostalgia (the rainbow logo is rare), so third parties fill the gap. Look for more retro motifs — floppy disks, Game Boys, old iMacs — hitting shelves by Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Retro iPhone 17 Pro cases are protective phone covers designed to mimic the look of vintage items, such as the original Macintosh computer or an audio cassette. Spigen and Pela have released two such models: the Classic LS and Black Cassette, respectively.

The Spigen Classic LS case costs $39.99. The Pela Black Cassette case is priced at $44.99.

The Pela Black Cassette case is made from a compostable flax-straw composite, making it a more sustainable option. The Spigen Classic LS uses standard polycarbonate and TPU materials, which are not compostable.

Both cases are designed specifically for the iPhone 17 Pro. However, the iPhone 17 Pro has not yet been officially announced by Apple; the cases are based on leaked dimensions and expected design.

Spigen Classic LS is available for pre-order on Spigen's website and Amazon. Pela Black Cassette is available on Pela's official website and select retailers. Pre-orders started May 24, 2026.

The Spigen Classic LS draws inspiration from the 1984 Macintosh 128K computer, featuring a pixelated smiley face and rainbow Apple logo. The Pela Black Cassette mimics a TDK SA-90 audio cassette tape, including a flap that acts as a camera cover.

Original source

www.forbes.com

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