Remember Apple’s FineWoven cases? If you don’t, let’s refresh your memory. It was a material Apple introduced during the iPhone 15 event in 2023, offered on Apple iPhone cases as an eco-friendly alternative to leather. Apple had good intentions with FineWoven, but the material wasn’t durable enough for daily use, with reports about how easily FineWoven frayed, scratched, and wore out, sometimes in a matter of weeks. The company ultimately and quietly discontinued FineWoven iPhone cases.
Apple hasn’t given up on the idea, however. According to leaker Majin Bu, Apple is going to introduce TechWoven, another attempt at a leather alternative. Bu reports that the new TechWoven cases, which will be introduced for the iPhone 17 in September, will “revolutionize” the phone accessory market. Bu also said that the TechWoven cases offer a “refreshed design, enhanced durability, and a sustainable approach” that will set “the new standard.”
Apple will offer the TechWoven cases in black, blue, brown, green, and purple. The cases will have two holes for lanyards (Bu does not say if a lanyard is included) and work with MagSafe. Bu also does not say if TechWoven cases will be offered for the iPhone 16 or 16e–when Apple introduces new iPhones in September, the previous Pro models are discontinued, while the previous standard models (in this case, the iPhone 16) remain at a slightly lower price. Bu’s pictures of the TechWoven cases seem to indicate that Apple will release them only for the new iPhone 17 lineup.
“With TechWoven, Apple moves on from the FineWoven disappointment,” said Bu. “If its promises of durability, elegance, and sustainability hold true, these cases could win over users.” That’s a high hurdle to overcome; FineWoven was bad in so many ways. It’s considered one of the worst products Apple has made. TechWoven not only has to overcome FineWoven’s legacy, but it has to prove that it isn’t just equal to, but superior to leather as a case material.
Apple is expected to introduce the TechWoven cases along with the iPhone 17 at a yet-to-be announced event in September. Learn more about the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, including the new iPhone 17 Air.
Author: Roman Loyola, Senior Editor, Macworld
Roman is a Macworld Senior Editor with over 30 years of experience covering the tech industry, focusing on the Mac and other products in the Apple ecosystem. He is also the host of the Macworld Podcast. His career started at MacUser, where he received Apple certification as a repair technician (when Apple did that kind of thing). He's also worked for MacAddict, MacLife, and TechTV.