Leak: Apple's FineWoven becomes "TechWoven", lanyard is called "Crossbody Strap"
Apple revives its unpopular vegan leather – but this time in a different way. That's what a leaker claims, along with packaging shots of the iPhone 17 cases.
Apple's fine fabric, aka FineWoven, has long since had its day. Is "TechWoven" coming?
(Image: Sebastian Trepesch/Mac & i)
Following initial reports that Apple is working on a successor to its controversial and even ridiculed iPhone cases made from FineWoven ("fine fabric"), more information is now emerging. On Wednesday, the leaker Majin Bu, who is apparently based in Asia, published another article in which he mentions the name of the FineWoven successor and shares images of the packaging of the first Apple cases made from the material. These look quite real – However, it will only become clear in a few weeks' time when Apple presents the iPhone 17 & Co.
From "Fine" to "Tech"
Majin Bu now claims that Apple is switching from FineWoven to "TechWoven". The term is supposed to stand for a more robust, albeit less supple, plastic material with which the new cases are covered. They would have a new design, "improved durability" and a sustainable approach –. The latter two elements are particularly important, as FineWoven pieces regularly disintegrate after a surprisingly short time. TechWoven is now supposed to be a "technical fabric" that looks minimalist, but at the same time is supposed to help against scratches and knocks in everyday life. Majin Bu is showing a total of five different versions of the "TechWoven" cases with rather subdued colors: Green, gray/black, orange-red to brown, purple and blue.
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They are labeled on the cases as "iPhone 17 Pro Max TechWoven Case" with MagSafe. The construction corresponds to Apple's typical design. The back of the iPhone is covered and protected, but the display and rear camera area are only protected by a lip. The material is said to be "non-slip", meaning it does not slip out of the hand easily. However, it looks quite rough on the packaging. As usual, there is an Apple logo on the back. The cases are all made in Thailand.
No return to leather
Interesting: There are two holes on the underside next to the notches for audio and USB-C on both sides. These are apparently intended for use with a lanyard. At least on the leaked cases, this is called a "crossbody strap" and is likely to be offered by Apple (or a supplier such as Incase) for an additional charge.
Apple earns a lot of money with accessories such as cases (FineWoven for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, for example, cost EUR 69) –, so it is important to position the devices well on the market. The company did not succeed with FineWoven – Whether it will work with TechWoven remains to be seen. Apple had removed the once very popular leather cases from its range for environmental reasons, and a return seems out of the question.
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