iPhone 17 cases are expected to drop Apple’s flimsy FineWoven fabric for a more durable material, but will this one actually last longer than a week?
Apple could introduce a replacement for FineWoven when the iPhone 17 lineup is introduced next month. FineWoven is Apple’s marketing name for a custom material that was supposed to become a sustainable, leather-alternative for iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands and other accessories but instead got discontinued because it stained, frayed and attracted dirt.
Now, leaker Majin Bu is claiming that Apple has created another synthetic fabric featuring a “visible textile texture.” The cases would apparently be offered in green, orange, blue, purple and other colors.
Apple may introduce TechWoven cases as a replacement for FineWoven
“Apple is introducing a new synthetic fabric with a more technical, less ‘luxury’ vibe,” Bu wrote on his blog. The new letter-still material will allegedly adhere to Apple’s environmental goals. In a follow-up post, the leaker shared images of supposed packaging revealing Apple’s marketing name for these upcoming cases: TechWoven.
The packaging mentions that the case is compatible with Crossbody Strap, which could be another upcoming accessory from Apple that sounds like it be used to wear an iPhone 17 in a TechWoven case on your body. But will the alternative fabric actually hold up? According to Bu, these new cases won’t suffer from the same durability issues as FineWoven, although I’m pretty sure they will be just as overpriced as FineWoven ones.
Hoping the FineWoven rumors are true. More so hoping that Apple introduces some sort of really good faux leather (or just brings leather back). I’ve barely used mine and although it’s not super scratched, it does have some marks and whatever material they use on the sides ripped… pic.twitter.com/tZEXE9tPHT
— Dylan (@DylanMcD8) April 22, 2024
Apple introduced FineWoven cases alongside the iPhone 15 lineup in September 2023 as an eco-friendly alternative to leather, but they were discontinued a year later with the launch of the iPhone 16 series. Keep in mind that Majin Bu has a track record as messy as FineWoven’s lint traps. Also, the leaker recently started actually selling iPhone 17 cases to make a quick buck from his rumor reporting, so take his claim with a few pinches of salt.
Here it is. My iPhone 15 Pro Max’s FineWoven case. Peeling edges, scratches and browning like a rotten banana.
An Apple spokesman said that the company’s cases are engineered at the highest standard to protect iPhones.
More on this not-so-fine FineWoven case in my newsletter… pic.twitter.com/cpDc46LpN8
— Joanna Stern (@JoannaStern) February 23, 2024
The leaker added that Apple could also offer “Liquid Glass”-style clear cases, without elaborating further. Bu also corroborated earlier rumors pointing to silicone cases for the iPhone 17 lineup that will apparently feature a wrist lanyard loop. In fact, Bu claims that TechWoven cases will feature two lanyard holes and be compatible with MagSafe for wireless charging and snap-on accessory integration.