Hands on with the best alternatives to Apple's ill-fated leather case
We went hands-on with your best alternatives for Apple's discontinued leather case for your new iPhone 15.
Leather case alternatives
When Apple launched its latest smartphone, it also announced it would be ending its use of leather. All of Apple's leather accessories got discontinued, from its wallets to its AirTag covers to its iPhone cases.
Many users loved this case style though, so we've rounded up some suitable alternatives in a variety styles.
Why we like Apple's leather case
Environmental factors aside, we loved the design of Apple's leather case. It was just the right blend of protection while retaining the form factor and design of the iPhone.
It wasn't too bulky and Apple had quite a few nice touches. There were great color options, anodized aluminum buttons that were color-matched to the case, and of course, support MagSafe.
When we set out to find cases to recommend, we wanted to find cases that espoused similar properties.
They all had to support MagSafe, feel premium, aren't too bulky, and yes -- many of them were leather.
Some cases aren't available yet as manufacturers scramble to accommodate the new Action Button, but these are the ones we've come up with.
Alto Leather Case
Alto uses Italian, aniline-dyed leather that keeps the natural leather look but can also use more vibrant colors than some of the other cases.
Alto leather cases
They, of course, come in black, green, or brown but we like grey and pink too. They have the qualities of leather but the personality and color you find with other materials.
Like Apple, Alto does a full wrap of the leather, covering the sides and the back. The inside has black microfiber and color-matched anodized metal buttons go down the sides.
On the pro phones, Alto includes a physical Action Button rather than a cutout, making it very easy to press.
Grab Alto's iPhone 15 cases on Amazon starting at $59.95 and there is currently a $10 coupon.
Bullstrap Leather Case
For its leather cases, Bullstrap uses full-grain hand-dyed leather. Our model for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is in Sienna, which is a warm tan color.
Sienna Bullstrap case for iPhone 15 Pro Max
These cases change over time, darkening and developing a patina the more that you use them. Bullstrap backs them with a lifetime warranty.
They're thin cases, fitting to the body of your iPhone perfectly. They have nice, tactile metal buttons, including one for the Action Button.
The bottom is open, which we like because it is more comfortable to hold, but we know some users would prefer more protection for their phone. Just something to take into consideration.
Preorder yours starting at $89 from the Bullstrap website in multiple colors.
Native Union (re)classic Case
If you love Apple's leather cases but want something more eco-friendly, check out the Native Union (re)Classic case. This iPhone case feels premium and fashionable but is crafted from vegetable-based vegan leather.
Native Union (re)Classic Case
This case, available in black, Kraft Tan, or Slate Green, has a textured top with a smooth lower quarter. The top texture provides a nice grip when holding your phone.
It's nice and slim, mimicking Apple's profile but it lacks metal buttons. Instead, the buttons fabric-covered and while they still are easy to press, they aren't as pronounced.
Native Union also offers wristlets and lanyards that can easily attach to the bottom of the case with a removable shim.
Grab this on Amazon for $59.99.
Bellroy Mod Wallet Case
Two Bellroy cases are suitable replacements for Apple's leather case. The first is the standard leather case.
The leather is very soft, probably the most soft of all the leather cases we've tested. It goes around the sides but still has a TPU top and bottom edge for more protection.
Unfortunately, Bellroy didn't include the Action Button on the first round of cases. It does make it a little harder to press, though not impossible.
Bellroy's iPhone 15 Pro Max cases
The Mod case comes with a magnetic wallet. The wallet has an added bar on the bottom, which connects with a slit on the back of the case to help it stay put.
The wallet is great, completely locking your cards in, and holds three cards or two and some backup cash.
They all come in solid colors, including the vivid blue we saw here and black.
The Mod case and wallet is available on Amazon for $95 or you can grab the standard case on Amazon for $55.
Nomad Modern Leather Case
Nomad is well-known around these parts for their excellent iPhone accessories and they didn't change much here for the iPhone 15 series.
Here is their Modern Leather Case in the English Tan Horween leather. With use, it develops a lovely patina based on your lifestyle.
Nomad Modern Leather case in English Tan
It's one of the more protective leather cases while still staying thin. The sides are all TPU, giving you a two-tone look on this brown leather.
Nomad uses anodized metal buttons and includes one to cover the Action Button.
Find it on Nomad's website .
Benks Protective Kevlar Phone Case
This case isn't leather, but it still fulfills many of the requirements that we look for in an Apple leather case alternative.
It's a thin, premium case with metal buttons and an elevated look. Rather than being wrapped in leather, the back woven Dupont Kevlar fibers.
Benks Kevlar case
For as thin as it is, it is very protective and we love the added metal ring that surrounds the camera module. We love the feel of this case and think it embodies a lot of the qualities of Apple's cases.
Pick one up on Benk's website for $39.99.
Moft Snap Case MOVAS
Moft too isn't using leather, but instead, its own MOVAS material that is intended as a leather alternative.
Moft Snap Case with MOVAS
The brand says "MOVAS is a revolutionary, self-developed vegan leather by MOFT. It features a balanced combination of softness, durability, and sustainability that is non-toxic and environment friendly."
These cases feel fantastic and they definitely have a premium feel to them despite being vegan leather. There are metal buttons down the sides and Moft even covered the Action Button.
Like Alto and Native Union above, Moft has a shim you can place in the bottom of the case if you want to use it with a lanyard or wristlet.
Moft has them available for $39.99 in various colors.
You also find them available on Amazon.
Mujjo Full Leather Case
Of all the cases, Mujjo may be the closest to Apple's feel. It is super thin, has quality leather, and has metal buttons down the sides.
Mujjo dark brown leather case
Available in black, dark tan, and Monaco Blue, the Mujjo cases use durable European leather that is tanned in the Netherlands. Mujjo says its tannery is rated gold by the Leather Working Group for its environmental standards.
Mujjo does go one step further than Apple does with its old cases though, opting to put an anodized metal ring around the camera bump for one more bit of elegance.
Grab them on Mujjo's website for $59.
Apple FineWoven cases
Of course, we also had to include Apple's FineWoven cases. We did a full review of Apple's FineWoven cases already, so you check that for our full opinion.
Apple FineWoven cases
These cases are Apple's heir-apparent to its now-discontinued leather cases, joining its silicone ones. They have a microfiber lining, anodized metal buttons, and the new FineWoven material down the back.
We've been using one for the past couple of weeks and while it did hold up better than we expected, it still isn't our favorite.
They're available on Amazon for $59.
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Comments
SANDMARC also makes a nice leather case. If you use their lenses it’s a no brainer.