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What does Apple’s “Goodbye Leather” ad show?
The ad, titled “iPhone | Goodbye Leather | Apple”, shows leather lettering breaking apart. Its message is that Apple is moving away from leather in its own products; it does not announce a ban on leather accessories made by other companies.
The ad became the subject of a BGR report published April 16, 2024. The date matters: the ad reflected Apple’s 2023 product decision, rather than a newly reported change.
Which Apple accessories lost leather?
In September 2023, Apple discontinued its first-party leather accessory line. The affected products included iPhone Leather Cases, Apple Watch leather bands such as Leather Link, MagSafe Wallets, AirTag Leather Loops, and other leather cases, folios, and holders. MacRumors’ summary of the change covers these categories.
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This applied to Apple’s own accessories, not every product compatible with Apple devices. Third-party makers remained independent; Hermès, for example, continued offering its own Apple Watch leather bands, as BGR noted.
Why did Apple make the change?
Apple framed the decision as part of its broader environmental strategy, including a goal of carbon neutrality across its business and supply chain by 2030. That company-wide objective does not, by itself, establish that leather accessories were a major source of Apple’s emissions or prove that every replacement has a lower lifecycle impact. Apple describes its environmental goals at apple.com/environment; background on its supplier renewable-energy work is available in this BGR report.
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What was FineWoven, and why did it draw criticism?
Apple introduced FineWoven as a replacement material for several leather products, including iPhone cases and MagSafe Wallets. At launch, Apple described it as a durable microtwill textile containing 68% post-consumer recycled content. That is a launch-era material specification, not an independent measure of environmental impact. The description and Apple’s positioning were covered by BGR.
Some reviewers and customers criticized FineWoven for visible scratching, staining, difficulty cleaning, and a feel they considered less premium than leather. Critics also questioned whether an iPhone case launched at $59 offered enough durability for its price. Those reports describe complaints and opinions, not the experience of every owner or every item.
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So FineWoven was a material replacement, but not necessarily a one-for-one substitute in feel, aging, or every product design. Leather can develop a patina and has a different tactile character; FineWoven was positioned around recycled content and a textile finish. Apple’s environmental rationale and customers’ satisfaction with wear are separate questions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What can you buy instead?
Apple-compatible leather accessories remain available from third parties and through remaining stock of discontinued Apple products. Check the exact device generation, camera opening, button placement, MagSafe support, and— for Watch bands—case-size family and connector fit before buying. “Leather” can mean full-grain, top-grain, bonded, or synthetic material, so inspect the product’s material description rather than relying on the label alone.
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- For traditional leather feel: Look for a third-party case or band that clearly identifies its leather type and provides model-specific compatibility. Check its return, repair, and warranty terms; Apple may not support or warranty third-party accessories.
- For an Apple Watch: Hermès is one option for leather bands, but its products are separate from Apple’s discontinued Apple-branded leather bands and may differ in price, availability, and warranty.
- For a MagSafe wallet: Confirm both the precise iPhone or case fit and the magnetic attachment details. A leather wallet advertised as MagSafe-compatible may not align or hold like an Apple first-party accessory.
- For animal-free materials or easier cleaning: Compare the actual material, care guidance, protection, and environmental claims. Recycled content, animal-free composition, recyclability, and lower lifecycle emissions are distinct claims.
- For old Apple leather stock: Treat used or long-stored accessories as older products, and inspect condition and fit. Depending on the item, age can affect adhesives, coatings, or connectors.
Apple’s accessories store is the place to check its current first-party lineup. The cited 2024 coverage does not establish which materials or products Apple sells in 2026, so check the live store rather than assuming FineWoven remains available or that it is still the replacement.
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