The same leaker who pronounced Apple’s FineWoven material dead Sunday said Tuesday the leather replacement will live one more “season” in new colors. Apple uses the textile in iPhone cases and wallets, Apple Watch bands and some AirTag accessories like keychains.
Presumably, Apple will find a way to replace the heavily criticized material soon, and probably without returning to leather goods, as the leaker implied in their original post on X.
Apple FineWoven accessories could last one more ‘season’
Apple replaced leather accessories with the new FineWoven textile starting with iPhone 15 in September 2023. The company introduced the new material to reduce its carbon footprint in favor of more eco-friendly products. It said the “durable microtwill” of FineWoven is made from 68% post-consumer recycled materials.
But the new faux leather quickly drew criticism for poor durability and a cheap look and feel. And the criticism only grew. The material peeled and showed scratches too easily, among other complaints.
On Sunday, leaker Kosutami said on X that FineWoven production ceased, citing poor durability and saying all production lines were “stopped or removed.”
But on Tuesday, Kosutami issued an update, saying the much-maligned FineWoven will have one last hurrah.
And yet they provided no details, simply saying, “Update: Apple would still produce (sale) the FineWoven for a season (new colors).”
As to which products may be the last Apple FineWoven accessories to come out, who knows? Perhaps cases for iPhone 16? For its part, Apple said nothing about the fate of FineWoven, which is not surprising. And it’s still selling FineWoven accessories for now on its website and at Amazon.
If you bought a FineWoven accessory, tell us what you think about it in the comments section below. Are they as bad as critics say? Will you be sad to see them go?
Kosutami’s update:
Update: Apple would still produce(sale) the FineWoven for a season(new colors)
— Kosutami (@Kosutami_Ito) April 23, 2024
Kotusami’s original post:
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.
(Recycling Company) pic.twitter.com/KVaBZC6z6S— Kosutami (@Kosutami_Ito) April 21, 2024
