I find it hard to comprehend those who don’t use a case for their iPhones; they seem from a different world. Although I’m not one to frequently drop mine, I can’t recall a year without at least one drop or bump.
Therefore, for me, an iPhone case is a necessity, rather than a mere accessory – yet I still have an appreciation for a case that looks and feels luxurious…
Apple’s choice to discontinue leather
For many years, Apple offered a wide range of leather products, including cases for iPhones and sleeves for iPads and MacBooks. Personally, I often added a leather case to my iPhone purchase without a second thought.
It was during the previous year that Apple declared its choice to forsake leather.
In an effort to minimize environmental impact, Apple is ceasing the use of leather across its entire product lineup, including iPhone accessories and Apple Watch straps.
Apple intended to substitute leather with FineWoven.
The company plans to replace leather with a new fabric called FineWoven, a refined and sturdy twill composed of 68% post-consumer recycled material. FineWoven boasts a discreet sheen and a plush, suede-like touch, and it is featured in iPhone MagSafe cases and wallets, as well as the Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle Apple Watch bands.
As we all know, the results were mixed.
Maybe Apple should have consulted with WaveCase – I tested one of their cases created from wheat straw, and found it does a respectable job mimicking leather, showing no signs of wear after a month of use.
With both leather and FineWoven now off the table, the only Apple-branded iPhone cases available are the silicone models. The Beats cases are made of polycarbonate. Additionally, the company offers OtterBox cases, which don’t disclose the materials used but appear to consist of some type of plastic.
The decision might be logical – but it’s not for me
Leather has been utilized for approximately 7,000 years, and for good reason. It offers excellent protection, looks appealing, feels pleasant, and ages beautifully. It’s one of the few materials where scuffs and scratches don’t raise concern. Many leather enthusiasts appreciate the patina that develops over time, yet if you prefer to avoid visible marks, polishing them out is a relatively simple task.
Historically, Apple devices and leather have always seemed to be a matched pair. Both are high-end products targeted toward consumers willing to invest in items that blend aesthetics with durability and practicality.
Apple’s decision may indeed prove to be the correct one. Perhaps in due course, leather will follow the path of fur. However, with a year having passed, I still perceive this decision as ‘courageous.’ I believe that numerous Apple enthusiasts will continue to opt for leather cases for quite a while, and I count myself among them.
If you were using Apple leather iPhone cases before, what do you currently use? Please participate in our poll, and share your thoughts in the comments.
Image: DMN collages of images from Otterbox and Alexander Grey on Unsplash
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