In an ambitious stride towards sustainability, Apple has announced its plan to bid adieu to the traditional leather iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands that have been a staple of its product line for years.
The tech behemoth is set to replace these with a new material, FineWoven, marking a significant pivot towards more environmentally friendly and progressive alternatives. The era of leather in Apple’s product line dates back to 2013 with the introduction of the iPhone 5S, and it has been a constant in the Apple Watch bands since the first generation.
However, at the recent Wonderlust event, Apple declared its intention to phase out the use of this material. This decision aligns with the company’s ambitious objective of achieving complete carbon neutrality by 2030. FineWoven, the new entrant in Apple’s material roster, is an eco-conscious choice, composed of 80% recycled post-consumer material. This new material will not only be available in three color options for the general consumer but will also be featured in four exclusive Hermes bands.
This move signifies a shift in the luxury segment as well, with Hermes bands transitioning from leather to FineWoven, underlining Apple’s commitment to sustainability without compromising on style and luxury.