Hands on: Apple's new FineWoven iPhone 15 cases
Ahead of the iPhone 15 launch, we nabbed all of Apple's new FineWoven cases. These are Apple's new eco-friendly alternatives to its popular leather cases, and we're going hands on.
Apple FineWoven cases
The new cases are available in five new colors. None are particularly vibrant, sticking with the dark, muted earth tones to compliment the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
We also took a look at the new MagSafe wallet that was updated too.
Apple's new FineWoven case colors are Cypress, black, Mulberry, Pacific Blue, and taupe.
Apple FineWoven cases
Apple has continued its environmental push, dropping leather from all of its products and even in Apple Stores. FineWoven is Apple's replacement and is now found in its cases, AirTag covers, MagSafe wallets, and Apple Watch bands.
The new FineWoven cases stacked
In many ways, FineWoven is similar to the leather cases it supplants. The back has a depressed Apple logo in the center, because they of course need Apple branding.
Aluminum buttons on the FineWoven cases
The buttons are still aluminum and have been anodized to match the color of the cases. Since we looked at the iPhone 15 Pro Max cases, they sport the Action Button on the side.
Apple knows button feel is important so the buttons, including the Action Button, free float and make direct contact with the buttons they cover.
Interior of the FineWoven cases
The interior microfiber has been replaced by more FineWoven material, providing an updated soft material to butt up against your phone.
FineWoven case in Pacific Blue
We're a bit torn on the FineWoven material. It is very soft, almost satin-like, but seems to hold dust easily. The sides of the case also feel plastic-like, though they still have some texture to them.
Leather versus FineWoven cases
The sides are one of the bigger differences. The leather cases had leather wrap all round the edges and to the inside, while the new ones have a distinct separation from the back to the sides.
In our limited testing, the new cases do seem to be more water resistant though. They do soak up water, but seem to dry without any damage.
FineWoven MagSafe wallet
To couple with the new cases, Apple has updated versions of its MagSafe wallets. Like with the cases, there are no longer any leather options.
It's available in the same five colors as the above FineWoven cases and we picked one up in Pacific Blue.
Leather MagSafe Wallet versus FineWoven wallet
Unsurprisingly, the new wallet feels just like the case. A slight, velvet-like texture with a hole on the back to help remove the stored cards.
One nice addition is that this new texture makes the attraction feel stronger. Leather on leather would slide more easily.
This should prevent the wallet from inadvertently coming off the phone when in your pocket.
Otherwise, it is the same case we've had for the last year, including limited Find My support.
Available now
Apple's new FineWoven cases and the updated MagSafe wallets are available to order now for $59.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
1. Lint: get some lint from your laundry dryer filter and spread it on the case. Does it wipe off easily?
2. Scratches: scratch with fingernail and regular house keys. Does it show? Can you buff them out easily just by massaging them with your finger? How does it look after a week of use in your pocket?
3a. Water: Show what happens if you spill some water when the case is flat and when angled.
3b. Water: Dunk the case half way into a glass of water and let it sit (1 minute?).
3c. Water: Is the interior material likely to retain moisture?
4. Internal storage: Inside my cases I like to keep an "emergency" $20 bill and two $1 bills (for a vending machine). They are each folded in half. How much can you store inside the case and still have the phone fit OK and not be likely to pop out of the case? Could you carry a driver's license and/or credit card? Does a certain thickness prevent MagSafe from locking or reduce charging speed? (Also, does a plastic card with a magnetic stripe get harmed if you store it inside the case and use MagSafe?)
#1 Leather is a by-product of the food industry. I doubt that any more cows were needed to make the cases.
#2 A recent study showed that leather watch straps hold significantly fewer germs. I imagine that same goes for the cases.
#3 Leather ages well, forms a patina and stays clean well.
#4 Leather is water resistant.
As for the subject of this article... not sure what I'll get when I order the Pro Max(*). I might just get something from another manufacturer, as I prefer real leather to plastic fabrics no matter how they try to brand it. Also, microplastic pollution is a big threat and this results in more of that.
(*) unfortunately, the best camera isn't also available on the Pro - the size of the Pro Max is a negative.
I've since landed on the Caudabe Sheath and think it's pretty great. One of the nicer polymer cases I've tried, and has the grippiness of the Apple leather cases that I liked, without the rapid wear you get with leather. May be what I go with on my next iPhone as well.