FineWoven is here, as Apple phases out leather in watch bands & cases
Andrew O'HaraFineWoven magnetic loop
As Apple ends its use of leather, it has introduced a new FineWoven material that has a much lower carbon footprint, coupled with new partner bands for Apple Watch.
During its Wonderlust event, Apple had a smattering of new band announcements to pair with the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Environmental impact was a big talking point for Apple's vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson.
Apple has officially discontinued its use of leather in any new iPhone case or Apple Watch band. In doing so, it has replaced many of its leather products with new versions using a material it created called FineWoven.
FineWoven has a subtle satin-like finish and is made from more than 60 percent recycled material. Apple has a new modern buckle and magnetic loop band using FineWoven material in a variety of colors.
It also plans on continuing its long-standing partnership with fashion powerhouse Hermes. Gone are the leather bands and there are instead three new woven bands and a rugged molded silicone offering.
These aren't the only new bands Apple showed off during the prerecorded livestream, it also highlighted new bands for Apple Watch Ultra that use more recycled material and a series of new Nike bands in new patterns and designs.
Mike Wuerthele
Malcolm Owen
Chip Loder
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Michael Stroup
21 Comments
People who still want leather, like me, are just going to buy non-Apple accessories. It's a stupid move that will sacrifice sales on the altar of virtue signaling.
It's like their lightning and USB-C cables that are made out of recycled butterfly wings but only last a couple of years before they break.
I would have thought that the $$$ would've been a bit cheaper.. they are selling them for the same price as the leather... typical apple greed