Apple accessories don’t include leather, so you can’t buy leather iPhone cases or Apple Watch bands. Last September, Apple introduced an alternative material called FineWoven that was designed to be better for the planet than leather. According to a new report, Apple has just discontinued his FineWoven.
Apple iPhone cases and wallets made with FineWoven.
You may remember that FineWoven is 68% post-consumer recycled polyester, making it a more environmentally friendly material. However, in a post to X, regular leaker Kostami says that FineWoven is being phased out.
The post reads, “FineWoven is gone because it wasn’t durable. All production lines have been shut down and removed. Apple will probably move to another material instead of leather after all. So leather hell. Watch it fall.”
First of all, I think FineWoven’s reviews are a bit poor. My iPhone case doesn’t look as good as it did when new, and the corners don’t last as long as leather cases, but it feels nice (more like suede) and ages just like leather. Ongoing patina.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro in FineWoven case after 7 months of use.
My FineWoven Taupe Magnetic Link Apple Watch band still feels and looks great after several months.
Nomad iPhone 15 Pro Modern Leather Folio Case
However, I prefer Apple’s silicone cases and clear cases. To be honest, I also really like the Horween leather case that Nomad makes, and I think it’s the best leather iPhone case out there. You can see the range here.
But I respect Apple’s desire to be more environmentally friendly, so if this report is correct and FineWoven is given the elbow, it will be interesting to know exactly what happens next. It will happen.
And that may be true. This leaker has made good points about accessories including FineWoven in the past. They even showed a pre-release image of the case, as Hartley Charlton commented on MacRumors.
However, while my experience was good, there were numerous complaints from customers regarding FineWoven. Apple isn’t stupid. When we realize something isn’t working, we quickly find a replacement.
Did you miss your chance to get a FineWoven iPhone case, iPhone wallet, or watch band? Probably not. Apple is skilled at production lines and will make all decisions in a timely manner. My guess is that there will be enough stock for the next few months, and by the time the next iPhone is announced, Apple will almost certainly announce a replacement in September of this year. More than we have.
