I firmly believe that individuals who do not use a case for their iPhone belong to an entirely different category than I do. While I don’t frequently drop mine, I can’t recall a year where I haven’t accidentally knocked it against something at least once.
For my needs, an iPhone case is a necessity, not a luxury – though I still appreciate a case that looks and feels premium…
Apple’s choice to discontinue leather
For several years, Apple offered an extensive range of leather products, including cases for iPhones, as well as sleeves for iPads and MacBooks. For many, including myself, adding a leather case to a new iPhone purchase was a no-brainer.
However, last year, Apple announced it would cease using leather in its products.
To minimize environmental impact, Apple is discontinuing the use of leather across its entire product range, including accessories for iPhones and Apple Watch bands.
Apple aimed to replace leather with a new material called FineWoven.
The new textile, FineWoven, is a sophisticated and durable twill composed of 68 percent post-consumer recycled materials. It features a subtle sheen and a soft, suede-like texture, available for iPhone MagSafe cases, wallets, and the Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle Apple Watch bands.
And we all know how that played out.
Perhaps Apple could have consulted with WaveCase – I tested one of their cases made from wheat straw, and I found it did a commendable job mimicking leather, showing no signs of wear after about a month of use.
With both leather and FineWoven now discontinued, Apple’s remaining iPhone cases are primarily silicone. The Beats range consists of polycarbonate cases. The company also offers OtterBox cases, which do not specify their material but appear to be some form of plastic.
The decision may be right – but not for me
Leather has been utilized for roughly 7,000 years for good reason. It provides excellent protection, has an appealing appearance and texture, and ages beautifully. It’s one of the few materials where scuffs and scratches are often not a concern. Many leather enthusiasts enjoy the natural patina that develops over time, and it’s usually a straightforward process to polish out any unwanted marks.
In contemporary times, Apple products and leather have seemed like a perfect match. Both are luxury items targeting consumers willing to invest in products that blend aesthetics with durability and practicality.
Apple’s choice may prove to be the right one in the long run. It’s possible that leather will eventually fade into obscurity like fur did. Yet, after a year, this decision still feels quite ‘courageous.’ I suspect many Apple fans, myself included, will continue opting for leather cases for quite a while.
If you previously used Apple leather iPhone cases, what alternatives are you using now? We invite you to participate in our poll and share your opinions in the comments.
Image: DMN collages of images from Otterbox and Alexander Grey on Unsplash
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