I took it off and back on and squeezed really tight. Its fitting much better. I think it just needs to wear itself in.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Leather Cases - Patina Proud Photos
- Thread starter JamiLynee
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I took it off and back on and squeezed really tight. Its fitting much better. I think it just needs to wear itself in.
Has really good reviews on their other products. Interesting. Please keep us posted. I know it may be a little while.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I loved my saddle case for my 7, but I thought I'd try something different. So I ordered the blue silicone case when I ordered my Max. Then I came across this thread... so now I'm back on the saddle brown leather, and I'll be returning the silicone case. Thanks. 
I loved my saddle case for my 7, but I thought I'd try something different. So I ordered the blue silicone case when I ordered my Max. Then I came across this thread... so now I'm back on the saddle brown leather, and I'll be returning the silicone case. Thanks.
“Back on the saddle!” Welcome back. I ordered several cases from Apple (why not, with the free shipping both ways, right?) to try them out and settled on the saddle brown leather after flirting with the silicone counterparts. They fit and looked great but I love the metal buttons on the leather cases and of course the way the saddle transforms in color over time. The nail in the coffin for the silicone was that it was harder to get in and out of pockets while wearing jeans. Not terrible, but something that would be slightly annoying several times per day.
Same for me. I wear well-fitting pants (not skinny, but not baggy), and this is the first time I've gone with the larger phone size. The additional friction (literal and figurative) of the silicon was a little annoying.
RE: Leather case aging and "conditioning" to allow faster patina.
I had really never gotten into the brown case; since my 5S (was it 5S? Time passes. Maybe it was my 6+ that had my first Apple leather case.) I had always gotten an Apple leather case, but in black.
Few weeks back, I looked at this thread and started thinking....
Picked up a saddle brown for my XS Max and it really felt slippery and just wasn't as dark as my liking. So, a little experimentation. First, I cleaned the case completely with fingernail polish remover. I felt the acetone in the remover would take off the clear finish Apple applies to the cases new, and after a few cleanings, the case felt much tackier and easier to grip.
Next, I used Lexol leather cleaner. If you are not aware of Lexol, it's top notch. I've used it on car seats for decades now, and super easy to use.
After this, I used Lexol leather conditioner. Unlike other conditioners, this will dry and not leave a sticky residue.
Once it dried completely, I stuck it back on the phone and started using it. After almost a week, the change is very noticeable on the case. It is darkening nicely on the edges and corners.
I had really never gotten into the brown case; since my 5S (was it 5S? Time passes. Maybe it was my 6+ that had my first Apple leather case.) I had always gotten an Apple leather case, but in black.
Few weeks back, I looked at this thread and started thinking....
Picked up a saddle brown for my XS Max and it really felt slippery and just wasn't as dark as my liking. So, a little experimentation. First, I cleaned the case completely with fingernail polish remover. I felt the acetone in the remover would take off the clear finish Apple applies to the cases new, and after a few cleanings, the case felt much tackier and easier to grip.
Next, I used Lexol leather cleaner. If you are not aware of Lexol, it's top notch. I've used it on car seats for decades now, and super easy to use.
After this, I used Lexol leather conditioner. Unlike other conditioners, this will dry and not leave a sticky residue.
Once it dried completely, I stuck it back on the phone and started using it. After almost a week, the change is very noticeable on the case. It is darkening nicely on the edges and corners.
I ordered a few too. Out of the Saddle brown, Forrest Green and Black the Forrest Green was the best out of the 3. The leather felt and smelt better. It also has a kind of rough texture to it, making it more grippy. I also ordered the Black and Forrest Green Folio. Ended up sending the Green back. Isn't it funny how each case is different? Last years Saddle Brown was my favourite on my X but this years seems too smooth?...
How old is that? Looks way older than possible. I hope the forest green ages better than that.
That is what I was afraid of when I returned it. Does anyone have any other photos of the patina on the cape cod blue case?
That was from my iPhone 7 Plus. That’s about 1.5 years of sliding it in and out of my pocket.
Here is my Saddle Brown case for my new Xs. The case is brand new but I applied four vigorous treatments of Leather Honey to it.
I think it turned out pretty good. The Leather Honey darkened it quite a bit.
I think it turned out pretty good. The Leather Honey darkened it quite a bit.
Attachments
Looks beautiful! Can you please share your "Treatment" process. Much appreciated!
I just applied the Leather Honey in a circular motion with a fair amount of pressure to work it into the Leather. I would let it dry for a couple hours, wipe it with a dry cloth, and then repeat the process. I did this four times and then let it sit overnight.
Sorry, but that's not normal wear and tear. That case has either been abused or you never wash your hands...there's nothing normal about those pics.
When it’s new I feel it’s very slippery and light colored- so I just tried rub a thin layer of Brooks saddle proofide once and use as normal. Until now I feel it’s still a bit slippery.
Anyone have any forest green pictures after a few weeks use? I get mine today, I'm a little worried it'll wear poorly but I guess I'll find out.
That’s my Mujjo tan case after about 10 months. Mostly just patina on the edges. The back darkened a bit but not much.
Show me normal patina on a Taupe case then
. Any apple cases in a light color age horribly. Look at the examples provided by those with the electric blue cases. I have had at least 7 apple leather cases in different colors. The light ones are the worst, saddle brown is the best, and anything dark ends up looking black.