The reviews are rolling in on Apple’s FineWoven iPhone 15 phone jackets and they’re not pretty.
The new phone jackets are premium-priced, with category phone cases retailing for $59; MagSafe Wallets going for $59; AirTag holders costing $35, and Apple Watch Bands retailing for $99.
The phone covers were touted by Apple as being climate-friendly as they shifted away from the pervasive leather phone cases that have adorned so many smartphone cases over the past decade.
The new FineWoven phone covers are produced with micro twill, a non-animal-based material that features a soft, suede-like smartphone cover vibe. The material is manufactured with 68% recyclable materials that are significantly more environmentally friendly than traditional leather, Apple has reported.
The problem is the reviews seem nearly unanimously negative with influencers and telecom analysts shredding the new iPhone covers.
“Apple’s new FineWoven cases for iPhone 15 are a huge swing and miss,” said Chance Miller, editor-in-chief of 9to5Mac, an Apple technology review platform. “They suck. Apple should remove them from sale and refund everyone who’s already bought one.”
More Retail:
- ‘Too pretty’ Home Depot worker faces backlash after viral mirror post
- A classic kitchenware brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- Who’s running The Gap? With no CEO, retailer hurtles towards crisis
On Mastodon Mac Stories, editor and chief Federico Viticci said he “decided to give FineWoven a fair try.”
“Went out for dinner with friends last night and set my phone on the table. Like I have done HUNDREDS of times since 2008,” he noted. “Woke up this morning with a stain on the FineWoven case.”
“I honestly think this is the worst accessory Apple's ever produced and I may just throw this out now.”
Apple hasn’t officially responded to the rising tide of complaints about the new iPhone case.
Yet Miller says he’s hearing Apple Stores “are having to replace the FineWoven cases on display at least once a day because they become so gross-looking” and that “some Apple Store employees are actively encouraging buyers to opt for silicone cases or third-party cases.”
Given the $59 FineWoven phone case retails for $10 more than the company’s silicon and plastic phone covers for years, the jury is out on when or even if Apple revisits its new iPhone jacket look.
It sure looks like iPhone 15 users hope they do.
Get exclusive access to portfolio managers and their proven investing strategies with Real Money Pro. Get started now.
