We are less than a week away from Apple's "It's Glowtime" event and last-minute details are shaping up the company's plans for its big iPhone 16 unveiling. We have a pretty decent idea of what users should be looking forward to with the iPhone 16 lineup, but what about the accessories? Last year, Apple replaced its leather accessories with synthetic materials called FineWoven, but this was not received well in the market. Now, stock for the accessories is running short, which brings us to ask if the company will revert back to its leather cases, bands, and other accessories.
Apple should consider bringing back the leather cases and bands for the iPhone and Apple Watch, as FineWoven's response was subpar
Mark Gurman has noted in his latest Power On newsletter that the stock of iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands is at an all-time low. This could mean two things: the company could be looking to replace the FineWoven faux leather accessories for good or replace them with a different material, or it is planning to offer additional colors of the bands and cases for the Apple Watch and iPhone, respectively.
Apple's move to switch from leather to FineWoven was to save the environment by reducing its carbon footprint. However, the leather alternative was not at all received with open arms, as various users complained of excessive wear and tear over shorter usage periods. We are not sure if the company would cancel its earlier plans to bring back leather as its go-to choice for years, but based on the market response, Apple should change the material.
If the company does not plan to introduce leather cases, we are not sure how the market would respond to it, considering its initial environmental plans. It is highly unlikely that the company will move back to the leather material for accessories, but it is possible that a new material is in the works, which could lift the negative feedback from the entire lineup. Since Apple earns a significant portion from its accessories, it should revamp the material to suit user preferences.
Other than the accessories, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are slated to be worthy upgrades, considering their enlarged chassis and front-facing features. Other than this, the iPad mini 7 is also widely expected with some nifty upgrades on the inside. We can safely speculate that the device could either feature an A17 Pro from the iPhone 15 Pro or the new A18 Pro chip which will be available on the iPhone 16 Pro models. Do you think Apple will revert back to its leather accessories for the iPhone?
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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