Since Apple has been in the business of making its own cases for the iPhone, the group has been making hefty profits with the division year after year: elegant design paired with comparatively high prices make this possible. With the release of the iPhone 15 in September, there will now be a change here: The group is said to be saying goodbye to the manufacture of leather cases. This is reported by various leakers with contacts in Apple’s supply chain in Asia – even including the first pictures.
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Fabric a bit like suede
Instead of products like the “iPhone 14 Pro leather case with MagSafe” that Apple offers in various colors for 69 euros, there will only be vegan leather in the future – or a woven replacement product that is remotely reminiscent of suede. According to the first corresponding rumours from mid-Augustwhich said that Apple is not planning any new leather cases for the iPhone 15 this year, are now showing the first alternative products.
There are pictures of it on the Chinese short message service Weibo as well as on X. A total of five rather dark tones from blue to gray and green to violet can be seen. The texture is different than before, it is said. X leaker MajinBU writes, Apple is now making the cases from “imitation leather”. The term “leather cover made of environmentally friendly cloth” circulates in the supply chain.
Vegans no longer need silicone
It was actually quite surprising for Apple that the group, which has paid close attention to its ecological image for years, continues to sell leather products. This eliminated the rapidly growing target group of vegans and vegetarians, who had to switch to the (cheaper) silicone cases or buy products from other suppliers. The standard cases are pretty simple: they include protection for the back of the iPhone plus a “lip” on the front that helps protect the display in the event of a drop accident. On the back there is also a recess with a protective edge for the camera unit. Apple used to sell (even more expensive) folio cases, but these were discontinued with the iPhone 12.
In addition to the new cases, Apple is also said to be planning new braided USB-C cables for the iPhone 15 series, all of which should also match the color of the respective model. At the moment, the rumor mill expects Apple to hold this year’s iPhone keynote on September 12th.
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(bsc)