Alongside the release of Apple’s new iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9 lineups the Cupertino firm dropped its leather accessories and began selling “FineWoven” range of more environmentally friendly iPhone cases and accessories. Now that these iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands are in the hands of customers, the reviews can be termed as less than glowing.
While Apple says the new “Finewoven” accessories are made from a durable and elegant microtwill that offers a soft, suedelike feel. The material is made from 68% post-consumer recycled content.
FineWoven iPhone cases are priced at $59, MagSafe Wallets at $59, AirTag holders at $35, and Apple Watch bands at $99.
As reported by MacRumors, members commenting in its forums are less than pleased with the quality of the items. “After holding it in person”, said poster inducecurrent, “it feels more like a $10 cheapo case from Amazon rather than Apple-quality, especially at this price point.”
“Received and returned,” said another forum member. “Felt cheap almost like cardboard.” EvanEiga replied: “The case itself is nice IMO, but I’m not sure if the premium cost is worth it. Leather cases felt so much nicer. I am all for mother nature but when it comes to bang for the buck, FineWoven case is just subpar.”
Comments on the social network formerly known as Twitter (X) aren’t showing any love for the new cases.
Positive customer reactions are just as hard to find on Twitter (X). “I’ve been using Apple’s cases for my phones since the iPhone 7,” said X user @eggbutspam, “but I’ve never returned a case so fast like I did with the FineWoven case I preordered last Friday. FineWoven looks like absolute trash.”
One Reddit user said, “It’s basically like a polyester pillowcase sandwiched in a plastic shell. I don’t hate it, but $60 is kind of insulting.”
“Same here,” replied another Redditor. “The material looks and feels pretty nice, although it’s 0% like leather or suede and definitely not worth $60.”
Tech websites aren’t providing any love for the news FineWoven cases either. The Verge‘s Alison Johnson had this to say:
When I popped the MagSafe wallet out of its box, I could clearly see some places where it was already showing wear along the edges. Little bits of lint immediately caught on the fabric, too. And then there’s the fingernail test.
…When you scratch FineWoven, the results are seemingly permanent. When we first inspected the cases after picking them up at Apple Park, Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel picked one up and ran his fingernails across it five times — and that was all it took to leave a trail of indelible scuffs on the fabric. The scratches are still there a week later, no matter how many times I’ve tried “buffing” it out by rubbing my finger over it.
As the new iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9 begin being delivered to customers on Friday we will likely see many more reviews of Apple’s Finwoven cases, and it will be interesting to see if the bad reviews continue to roll in, or if early adopters are just a bit pickier than other users.
