While we are all waiting for confirmation of the date of the 2024 back-to-school event, we know that Apple will present the new iPhone 16 and the Apple Watch Series 10, also possibly called the Apple Watch X.
To accompany its new flagship products, the firm usually offers accessories, cases and bracelets. Just for a few days now, the FineWoven models introduced last year, those that replace the leather models, have become increasingly rare in Apple Stores around the world.
FineWoven Cases and Straps Shortage
As you can see when surfing the internet, many FineWoven Apple Watch bands and iPhone 15 cases are listed as “currently unavailable” for online purchases. Mark Gurman Bloomberg confirmed that stock of these accessories is “extremely low” at several Apple Stores, according to his sources.
For the record, here is how Apple presents its cases:
Made from durable micro-twill, it has a soft velvet feel. The finely woven material was also designed with the environment in mind. It is made from 68% post-consumer recycled content and significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to leather. The case snaps into place quickly and hugs the curves of your iPhone while maintaining its slim profile.
What does this mean? The end of FineWoven accessories? New products with revised dimensions? Both are possible.
Apple often updates its accessories with new colors, roughly every six months. With the next-gen devices coming soon, it’s likely that it’s preparing an update to its accessory lineup, with versions tailored to the new models, including new color options. Apple is rumored to offer larger iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, going from 6.1 to 6.3 inches and from 6.7 to 6.9 inches, respectively, and the Apple Watch X is rumored to stretch from 41 to 45mm and from 45 to 49mm.
However, earlier this year, rumors swirled that Apple had discontinued FineWoven accessories due to widespread criticism of their durability. For example, Amazon reported that FineWoven products had a high return rate, with many finding their cases falling apart after just a few months, not to mention discoloration and marks from MagSafe. Yet the price remained the same at $69 per case.
Last clue, although Apple introduced new colors for its silicone accessories in March, the FineWoven line has remained unchanged since September and its initial introduction.
All of this suggests that it’s very likely that these accessories will quietly disappear next month.
What do you think about FineWoven micro-woven accessories? Good or bad idea from Apple who wanted to eliminate leather for ecological reasons (except for luxury Hermès products)?
If you want some (anyway), Amazon offers nearly 25% off on Apple’s FineWoven cases.
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