Apple is rumored to provide woven-style, eco-friendly cases for its upcoming iPhone 15 lineup, said to use vegan materials instead of leather.
Assuming it’s true, the move will tie into Apple’s commitment to preserving the environment and leaving the world a better place. For years now Apple has been selling high-quality cases for iPhones, iPads and Macs made from Italian leather.
Apple said to ditch leather cases for iPhones in favor of vegan alternatives
Leaker Majin Bui shared photos of eco-friendly cases on social media, noting those aren’t made by Apple but are said to be based on the company’s rumored non-leather cases for the upcoming iPhone 15 lineup. Both leakers claim the cases use a patchwork of two vegan materials with a different texture and style than leather.
Earlier, three separate sources claimed that Apple won’t be releasing leather cases for the iPhone this year. For the iPhone 14 and earlier, Apple offers leather cases in a range of colors and styles made from specially tanned and finished supple leather.
There’s just one problem with genuine leather: animals are killed and skinned (sometimes alive) on an industrial scale so that people could inspire their inner snob with fashionable Gucci purses, wallets and accessories.
Killing animals for leather is unethical
Leather has qualities that make it an excellent material for clothing, protective sleeves and similar. For starters, it has an interesting texture that feels great to touch. True leather ages gracefully, developing a patina over time as it’s exposed to the elements like rain, heat, etc., providing a personality to the product.
But leather is not eco-friendly. Disregarding synthetically-made faux leather, genuine leather is made from animal skin and cowhide. Instead of killing animals to wear their skin, people are increasingly turning to eco-friendly vegan leather options.
By dropping natural leather and picking an animal-free option, Apple will be doing its part in stopping animal abuse and helping save their lives. We’ll soon know whether real leather is out and vegan stuff is in regarding iPhone cases—Apple is rumored to hold its iPhone + Apple Watch event on September 12.