Andrew O'Hara
Ahead of the iPhone 15 launch, we nabbed all of Apple's new FineWoven cases. These are Apple's new eco-friendly alternatives to its popular leather cases, and we're going hands on.
The new cases are available in five new colors. None are particularly vibrant, sticking with the dark, muted earth tones to compliment the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
We also took a look at the new MagSafe wallet that was updated too.
Apple's new FineWoven case colors are Cypress, black, Mulberry, Pacific Blue, and taupe.
Apple FineWoven cases
Apple has continued its environmental push, dropping leather from all of its products and even in Apple Stores. FineWoven is Apple's replacement and is now found in its cases, AirTag covers, MagSafe wallets, and Apple Watch bands.
The new FineWoven cases stackedIn many ways, FineWoven is similar to the leather cases it supplants. The back has a depressed Apple logo in the center, because they of course need Apple branding.
Aluminum buttons on the FineWoven casesThe buttons are still aluminum and have been anodized to match the color of the cases. Since we looked at the iPhone 15 Pro Max cases, they sport the Action Button on the side.
Apple knows button feel is important so the buttons, including the Action Button, free float and make direct contact with the buttons they cover.
Interior of the FineWoven casesThe interior microfiber has been replaced by more FineWoven material, providing an updated soft material to butt up against your phone.
FineWoven case in Pacific BlueWe're a bit torn on the FineWoven material. It is very soft, almost satin-like, but seems to hold dust easily. The sides of the case also feel plastic-like, though they still have some texture to them.
Leather versus FineWoven casesThe sides are one of the bigger differences. The leather cases had leather wrap all round the edges and to the inside, while the new ones have a distinct separation from the back to the sides.
In our limited testing, the new cases do seem to be more water resistant though. They do soak up water, but seem to dry without any damage.
FineWoven MagSafe wallet
To couple with the new cases, Apple has updated versions of its MagSafe wallets. Like with the cases, there are no longer any leather options.
It's available in the same five colors as the above FineWoven cases and we picked one up in Pacific Blue.
Leather MagSafe Wallet versus FineWoven walletUnsurprisingly, the new wallet feels just like the case. A slight, velvet-like texture with a hole on the back to help remove the stored cards.
One nice addition is that this new texture makes the attraction feel stronger. Leather on leather would slide more easily.
This should prevent the wallet from inadvertently coming off the phone when in your pocket.
Otherwise, it is the same case we've had for the last year, including limited Find My support.
Available now
Apple's new FineWoven cases and the updated MagSafe wallets are available to order now for $59.
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25 Comments
The real question is how do they wear? I wonder if they patina?
More from 3rd party will be coming out proly way cheaper than Apple
Still haven’t fixed the wallet. Badly needs a cutout at the bottom to assist in pushing cards out. Hole on the back just allows your thumb to slide on cards. Might’ve been okay in long-gone days of raised lettering.
I found the silicone case lasted years on my iPhone 6 but on my 12pro with sharper edges, when dropped, it concentrates more energy into the corner. This quickly cracks the underlying plastic. I switched to leather and it is much better for durability. I think I might switch beck to silicone for my 15pro max with its slightly rounded edges as I’m pretty sure the fine woven will look like trash quickly due to my dirty job.
The question is, what exactly is this FineWoven? I don't buy 'eco-friendly' claim until I have exact details. The name implies that it is some kind of fabric. And im sure Apple wants us to think this way. But it looks like it's a variety of a plastic. If that is the case, then this shift from leather to plastic has nothing to do with climate concerns and is more about higher profit margins. By the way, leather is infinitely more eco-friendly than silicon. And yet, it is relatively more expensive leather which is discontinued and we still have a great variety of silicon.