There’s no leather in Apple’s accessory range, so you can’t buy a leather iPhone case or Apple Watch band. Last September, Apple introduced a replacement material, designed to be better for the planet than leather, called FineWoven. A new report claims that Apple has just ditched FineWoven.
Apple iPhone cases and wallet with FineWoven.
FineWoven, you may remember, is a material that’s more eco-friendly, because it’s 68% post-consumer recycled polyester. But,in a post on X, regular leaker Kosutami says that FineWoven is on its way out.
The post reads, “FineWoven has gone. Since its durability were bad. All the production line was stopped and removed. Apple would move to another material—Again, not the leather. So see ya'll in leather hell.”
I’ll start by saying that I think FineWoven has had a slightly bad rap. My iPhone case isn’t as good-looking as it was when brand new, and the corners are not as long-lasting as leather cases have been, but it feels good (rather like suede) and it ages rather as leather does, with a developing patina.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro in FineWoven case, after seven months' use.
My FineWoven Taupe Magnetic Link Apple Watch Band feels and looks good, some months down the line.
Nomad's iPhone 15 Pro Modern Leather Folio case
That said, I prefer Apple’s silicone cases and its clear cases. Truth be told, I also really like the Horween leather cases that Nomad makes, and I’d say they are the best leather iPhone cases around by a country mile. You can check out the range here.
But I respect Apple’s desire to be more eco-friendly, so it’ll be fascinating to see exactly what comes next if the report is right and FineWoven has been given the elbow.
And it may well be right. The leaker has been spot-on about accessories, including FineWoven, in the past. They even showed images of the cases before they launched, as Hartley Charlton has commented on MacRumors.
But while my experience has been good, there have been numerous complaints from customers about FineWoven. Apple isn’t stupid: if it perceives something isn’t working, it’ll find a replacement pronto.
So, have you missed your chance to have a FineWoven iPhone case, iPhone wallet or Watch band? Probably not. Apple is skilful with the production line, so it will have taken any decision in a timely fashion. My guess is that the stocks will be enough for the next few months and that Apple will announce a replacement by the time the next iPhones are revealed, almost certainly this September. More as we have it.
