Questionable Rumor Says iPhone 15's New Leather Alternative Case is Called 'FineWoven'

Earlier this month, rumors suggested that Apple plans to eliminate leather cases for the iPhone 15 lineup, and subsequent information pointed toward the possibility of a leather alternative with a woven fabric look.

iPhone 15 Mock Green Feature 1
Leaker DuanRui, who has been sharing many of the rumors about the cases, today suggested that Apple plans to call its new leather alternative "FineWoven." If this is accurate, Apple would presumably sell silicone cases and the new "FineWoven" case.


‌DuanRui‌ shared case images with the "FineWoven" name, but warned that this could be a "counterfeit product." A close look at the packaging that he shared confirms that the case images appear to be photoshopped and not real, but he further clarified that the cases are meant to be a mockup and are based on the new Apple official case.


"FineWoven" is something of a mouthful, so it is not clear if the naming is accurate. Apple has used the woven descriptor in the past for Apple Watch bands, though, so something with woven is not out of the question. Case images leaked earlier this week do appear to have a woven fabric texture that's perhaps not too far off from suede.

iphone 15 alternative leather case
While it continues to be unclear if this "FineWoven" material is what we'll actually see on September 12, what seems to be certain is that leather is being eliminated. In addition to multiple reports from leakers who often share accurate information about Apple's plans, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today confirmed that Apple is using "new materials" to replace leather.

Apple has been offering leather cases since the launch of the 2013 ‌iPhone‌ 5s, with the leather option sold alongside silicone cases. With Apple's focus on improving its carbon footprint, it makes some sense that the company would eliminate leather.

A leather alternative that is fabric-based would have a smaller carbon footprint than a case made from traditional cowhide, and it would be more environmentally friendly. Leather alternatives have been growing in popularity over the last several years, and there are now many high-quality plant-based options that companies have adopted.

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Top Rated Comments

mjpearce023 Avatar
27 months ago
I’m sure whatever it is it will be better than bootleg leather they have been using since the 12 series that doesn’t patina.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
27 months ago
It looks like velvet. I have a feeling Apple may call this case: FineWoven Pro & FineWoven Pro Max.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrENGLISH Avatar
27 months ago
It looks like it will eventually come apart along the edges ?
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JohnnyQuest Avatar
27 months ago

I find it extremely unlikely they don't put a space between "Fine" and "Woven"
AirPods
MagSafe
AirTag
AirDrop

;)
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zachz Avatar
27 months ago
Hopefully it’s better than the last few iterations of leather cases. Mine just turned black and peeled, no nice patina finish to it. The MagSafe wallet as well started peeling.

Never had luck with the silicone cases either, they’d constantly peel, although I haven’t had one of those since the iPhone 7 days.

I’ll give the new ones a try if I upgrade from my mini.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
27 months ago
well, whatever they call it - non-buy for me, I want good old traditional leather ...
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)