Apple's "premium" TechWoven case for iPhone 17 Pro isn't enormously better than FineWoven, and still not a good replacement for leather.
With the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple introduced its largest case collection yet. Alongside the usual silicone and clear options, there are now bumper and super-slim cases for the iPhone Air and new TechWoven cases for the Pro models.
Apple is still in search of a higher-end phone case to complement its clear and silicone choices. The new TechWoven is an improvement over its last attempt, though I still have thoughts.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: The new TechWoven case comes in five colors at launch
The new case is available only for iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The colors available at launch are blue, purple, green, black, and Sienna.
I wanted to like TechWoven. I just don't.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: A new premium design
It's the new TechWoven fabric that is of the most interest on these cases. Apple says the material is made from 100% recycled polyester.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: In this closeup, you can see the different colored fibers that make up the purple
The fibers in this material vary slightly in color, creating a textured, woven look when combined. To the touch, it feels a bit like plastic-coated canvas.
It has some texture to it, which does add some grip to the back. Unfortunately, Apple didn't wrap the fabric around the edges likely to prevent corner wear.
Instead, the TechWoven material only covers the back, while the sides are made of a somewhat cheap-feeling plastic.
There's a slight texture along the edges, but a full wrap would look and feel far better. With that wrap-around, not only would the TechWoven material give the cases an elevated design, but it would also provide more grip than the plastic.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: The TechWoven material doesn't cover the sides
Apple says the TechWoven fabric has an extra coating applied to it to prevent both wear and stains. It's a bit too early to tell for me how that is holding up, but I can confirm I have no wear marks or stains after two weeks of use.
One nice touch is that it has sleek, color-matched anodized aluminum buttons. They have a fantastic click feeling when you depress them, and they elevate the case versus spongy fabric-covered buttons.
Apple also provides a nice cover for the Camera Control. It protects the button itself while still retaining all touch and gesture support.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: The cases are lined with more TechWoven material
After using this case day-to-day, the case still feels protective enough on my phone, and I like that it has new anchors on the bottom.
You can attach Apple's own crossbody lanyard, but you can use almost any third-party lanyard or wristlet on the market. They're just small holes that you can feed a connecting cable through.
Of course, this case also supports MagSafe. It has embedded magnets for any accessories, from stands to wallets to chargers.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: Integration with iOS
One unique trick Apple has with its cases is integrating them into iOS. For example, when you put on a case, it triggers an on-screen animation that is color-matched to the case you chose.
It's cool and is something only Apple does. It pulls this off thanks to a hidden NFC chip within the case and an NFC reader embedded in the MagSafe connector.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: With iOS 26, you can color-match your icons to your case
The NFC reader detects the chip in the case that passes off the color, which is what triggers the correct color-matched animation. You only ever see it when you put the case on your phone, but it's these little touches that are so emblematic of Apple.
For the iPhone 17 Pro cases, Apple also has another new trick. When you put on the case and you go to customize your Home Screen, you can automatically have it choose the color of your case.
That way, you can have all your icons tinted to perfectly match your case color. A clever way to bring Apple's hardware and software together.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: Compared to FineWoven
FineWoven was basically a disaster for Apple.
Those cases were pitched as a luxe alternative to leather, and they were anything but. Not only did public and reviewers alike dislike the feel of the case, but the demos in store were quickly mangled by people touching them.
Every case Apple displays gets handled far more than most. At one point, retail staff said they had to replace the display cases twice a day — much more frequently than everything else.
It was no shock that the material was almost entirely discontinued only a year later. The material still exists on select accessories, like Apple Watch bands, but the cases have since vanished.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: Comparing the TechWoven case to the FineWoven case
Comparing the TechWoven to the FineWoven, you can see the similarities. They both have the same general design with plastic sides and fabric on the back.
They each have the metal buttons and elevated ring around the camera bump. If I'm choosing between them, I'm picking TechWoven every day.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: Should you buy it?
Funny enough, after using the TechWoven case for a couple of weeks, the best I can say about Apple's FineWoven successor is that it is ultimately... fine. It's not bad in any way, but similarly doesn't stand out in any way either.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: The discontinued leather cases used to wrap all around the sides
The colors are nice, and the build quality holds up well. The color synchronization is a small but thoughtful detail.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: Apple's last leather case compared to the new TechWoven
Even though Apple hasn't released a new line of leather cases since 2022, I still feel inclined to compare them to TechWoven as Apple's "premium" case offering. Between the two, the leather ones still feel nicer.
What's great about the case market is that it's very personal. There is an essentially limitless number of designs out there that people can use to express themselves.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: The new cases are available for iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
In such an increasingly crowded market, it's more and more difficult to recommend Apple's TechWoven. It's fine, but you'll find something you like more, protects better, doesn't feel cheap, for less money.
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: Pros
- Woven textile back looks nice and has a protective coating
- New anchors for lanyard attachment
- Color matching for icons with iOS 26
- Anodized metal buttons with a solid click
TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case review: Cons
- Sides are plastic and feel cheap
- Relatively expensive
- Boring
Apple TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case rating: 2.5 out of 5
Where to buy Apple's TechWoven case for iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
You can find Apple's latest case at the Apple Store or on Amazon, where prices start at $59.
