Apple's "Wonderlust" Event: iPhone 15 and Eco-Friendly Accessories

Politics, News Sept. 10, 2023, 11:19 p.m.

Apples "Wonderlust" event, set to reveal iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, hints at phasing out silicone accessories for eco-friendly alternatives, including "FineWoven" cases and new Apple Watch bands.

Apple's "Wonderlust" event, just under 48 hours away, is generating excitement as the tech giant prepares to unveil its highly anticipated iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. A recent last-minute rumor has surfaced, suggesting that Apple is not only bidding farewell to its leather cases but may also gradually phase out its silicone accessories.

According to an anonymous source cited by MacRumors, this transition away from silicone is not expected to happen abruptly. Instead, Apple plans to implement it gradually, with existing models not receiving refreshed color options. The motivation behind this shift, similar to the move away from leather, is rooted in environmental and sustainability concerns. Apple is looking to replace silicone accessories with more eco-friendly, next-generation materials.

Apple's product lineup includes a diverse range of accessories crafted from silicone rubber and fluoroelastomer materials. These encompass iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, AirTag accessories, and more. The transition away from these materials is anticipated to be a more significant undertaking compared to the shift from leather. Silicone rubber and fluoroelastomer are key components in some of the most popular and affordable Apple Watch bands, which is why the change is expected to be gradual.

With the launch of the iPhone 15 series, Apple is expected to introduce premium iPhone cases made from a new material known as "FineWoven." These cases have been described as utilizing an "imitation leather" material, with some supply chain sources even referring to them as "Magsafe environmental protection cloth leather cases."

Rumors have also surfaced about a new Apple Watch band style for this year. According to the source, this band will feature a magnetic clasp design and will be crafted from the same woven material used in the FineWoven iPhone cases. The new band is reportedly set to be priced at $99, matching the cost of the Braided Solo Loop and coming in $50 cheaper than Apple's Modern Buckle band.

The highly-anticipated iPhone 15 Apple event is scheduled to commence at 10 a.m. PT on Tuesday, September 12. For comprehensive coverage of all the announcements, stay tuned to 9to5Mac. To learn more about what Apple has in store for its "Wonderlust" event, consult our comprehensive guide. Additionally, you can find detailed information about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro in our dedicated guides.

As Apple continues to innovate and prioritize sustainability, these changes in materials and accessories mark another step towards a greener future for the tech giant.