Counterfeit Apple leather cases for iPhone 15 surface

If Apple switches from real to synthetic leather for iPhone 15 cases, they're going to do it with more care than these likely fakes.

Leaker DuanRui was the first to claim that Apple will no longer be making leather iPhone cases, once the iPhone 15 range is launched. Now, however, the same leaker is showing what at first glance appear to be Apple "FineWoven" leather cases.

FineWoven Case ? pic.twitter.com/zEgySGYRiP
— DuanRui (@duanrui1205) August 30, 2023

Maybe the branding is correct, and maybe it isn't. But, DuanRui questioned whether these images were of counterfeit cases, and linked out to his source on a Chinese social media website, which has more images.

Later in the same thread on X/Twitter, another image is shown claiming to be the back of the box. The poster says that when translated, the blurry Japanese writing makes reference to being like a leather belt. And, it's a copy and paste from the previous case copy, which is actually leather.

More images of the cases from a Chinese social media site

While it tends to concentrate on the iPhones instead of any cases during a launch event, Apple's iPhone 15 will be followed by official Apple cases. If they are not unveiled or released on the Apple Store after the September 13 event, they will be before the iPhone 15 ships.

6 Comments

mayfly 1 Year · 385 comments

About 1 year ago

"Apple will no longer be making leather iPhone cases"

I don't beilieve Apple ever actually made leather anything. They pay someone else to make them.

That said, I've never bought an Apple branded case for anything. There are plenty to choose from in the aftermarket, and they're all less expensive, have tons more options, and many are as high quality as Apple's branded offerings.

Still don't think leather is the best material for iPhone cases. A grippy rubber or plastic case has the best functionality.

mike1 10 Years · 3437 comments

mayfly said:

"Apple will no longer be making leather iPhone cases"
I don't beilieve Apple ever actually made leather anything. They pay someone else to make them.
That said, I've never bought an Apple branded case for anything. There are plenty to choose from in the aftermarket, and they're all less expensive, have tons more options, and many are as high quality as Apple's branded offerings.

Still don't think leather is the best material for iPhone cases. A grippy rubber or plastic case has the best functionality.

Different strokes... I only use leather cases, usually Apple's. "Grippy" rubber or silcone cases do not easily slide into my pockets and generally look cheap and/or industrial. Don't need it to survive a fall from an airplane.

mike1 said:

mayfly said:

"Apple will no longer be making leather iPhone cases"
I don't beilieve Apple ever actually made leather anything. They pay someone else to make them.
That said, I've never bought an Apple branded case for anything. There are plenty to choose from in the aftermarket, and they're all less expensive, have tons more options, and many are as high quality as Apple's branded offerings.

Still don't think leather is the best material for iPhone cases. A grippy rubber or plastic case has the best functionality.

Different strokes... I only use leather cases, usually Apple's. "Grippy" rubber or silcone cases do not easily slide into my pockets and generally look cheap and/or industrial. Don't need it to survive a fall from an airplane.

Not sliding easily into a pocket is a feature, not a deficit. The harder it is to slip in, the harder it is to slip out! Think about it…

chadbag 13 Years · 2029 comments

mayfly said:

"Apple will no longer be making leather iPhone cases"
I don't beilieve Apple ever actually made leather anything. They pay someone else to make them.
That said, I've never bought an Apple branded case for anything. There are plenty to choose from in the aftermarket, and they're all less expensive, have tons more options, and many are as high quality as Apple's branded offerings.

Still don't think leather is the best material for iPhone cases. A grippy rubber or plastic case has the best functionality.

Surprise surprise. Apple hasn’t made anything (hard) of its own in a long time. Your iPhone, your max, your Apple TV. All made by someone else Apple is paying to manufacture for them. Of course cases are also on that list. Cases are the least of what they (don’t) make

chadbag said:

mayfly said:

"Apple will no longer be making leather iPhone cases"
I don't beilieve Apple ever actually made leather anything. They pay someone else to make them.
That said, I've never bought an Apple branded case for anything. There are plenty to choose from in the aftermarket, and they're all less expensive, have tons more options, and many are as high quality as Apple's branded offerings.

Still don't think leather is the best material for iPhone cases. A grippy rubber or plastic case has the best functionality.

Surprise surprise. Apple hasn’t made anything (hard) of its own in a long time. Your iPhone, your max, your Apple TV. All made by someone else Apple is paying to manufacture for them. Of course cases are also on that list. Cases are the least of what they (don’t) make

Fair point!