It’s been a while since Apple dropped leather and replaced it with FineWoven — only to mostly drop FineWoven over customer feedback. Now leaker Majin Bu says Apple has yet another leather alternative ready to go for the iPhone 17 case lineup.
To recap, Apple stopped selling all leather products, including iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands, in an effort to be more eco-friendly and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The direct replacement for iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, and even AirTag holders was FineWoven. A few of those products still exist, but the iPhone cases in particular weren’t a hit. Instead, they just didn’t look great after any amount of use.
Now Majin Bu says Apple is planning to introduce yet another alternative to leather. “Apple is introducing a new synthetic fabric with a more technical, less ‘luxury’ vibe,” he writes.
Expect a “visible textile texture” in matter colors including green, orange, blue, and purple. The new synthetic fabric won’t have the same durability issues as FineWoven, he says, while it still meets Apple’s eco-friendly goals.
Majin Bu again references the integrated lanyard loop, at least on silicone Apple cases, but it doesn’t seem clear if the synthetic material option will have this feature. He also makes another reference to “Liquid Glass cases,” although it’s not obvious what that means yet based on silicone cases shown so far:
Beyond the synthetic fabric, Apple may introduce Liquid Glass cases, perfect for those seeking a more striking aesthetic. These versions promise a blend of durability and eye-catching design, expanding options for users.
Sounds interesting though! Maybe just a new take on Apple’s clear case? Read the post in full here. Apple will likely announce the iPhone 17 event next week. It’s expected to take place on September 9, although that hasn’t been confirmed yet.