Apple's journey with FineWoven, its leather alternative material, may have come to an abrupt end. According to a new rumor shared by accessory curator Kosutami on X (formerly Twitter), Apple has permanently shut down the FineWoven production lines. This move could signal the discontinuation of the material, which faced mixed reviews since its debut.
Initially launched during the iPhone 15 event, FineWoven was heavily marketed as a durable and aesthetically pleasing leather substitute. However, the material quickly fell out of favor, failing to live up to its initial promise in terms of durability and stain resistance, especially on iPhone cases. Users reported that while the material looked appealing when new, it did not withstand wear and tear as expected.
Interestingly, the FineWoven material seemed to perform better in applications with less exposure to damage, such as on Apple Watch bands. These items have reportedly shown better durability, suggesting that the material's effectiveness may vary with different product designs and uses.
Despite this setback, Apple is unlikely to abandon its search for sustainable and high-performing alternatives to leather. The company has recently reasserted its commitment to removing leather from its entire product line, indicating ongoing efforts to explore and innovate in material science.
The cessation of the FineWoven line, if confirmed, will prompt Apple to reassess and possibly redirect its focus toward developing new materials that meet both aesthetic and durability standards without compromising on sustainability.
