FineWoven is here as Apple phases out leather in products

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.

Apple Hermes bands

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.

New Nike bands

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.

21 Comments

Draco 44 comments · 3 Years

About 1 year ago

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.

ionicle 98 comments · 4 Years

Draco said:

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.

Im already looking at Nomads bands …. Not had one yet because they seem pricey, but considering it now

danox 3442 comments · 11 Years

Draco said:

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.

A great business opportunity for a smaller company what’s the problem?

Aladick 4 comments · 1 Year

Draco said:

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.

Agreed. I'd like to see how these new bands are fabricated all the way back to their chemical composition and compare to leather. While it's commendable that Apple is doing what it can to "save the planet" it's not a selling point for me. Like you mentioned it's nothing more than virtue signaling. Just like the neighbor down the street with their "We don't believe any human is illegal, etc etc etc" signs.