Apple May Be Planning to Discontinue All of Its Silicone Accessories

[MacRumors]

Apple may be planning to discontinue its silicone rubber and fluoroelastomer accessories, replacing them with ones made of more eco-friendly next-generation materials, MacRumors has been told.

The move is expected to include accessories such as the iPhone Silicone Case with MagSafe, Sport Band, Solo Loop, and AirTag Loop. The rumor comes from Apple device collector and leaker known as "Kosutami," who has previously shared information about the iPhone 15's braided USB-C cable, various prototypes such as the MagSafe chargers and AirPods in different color options, and more.

Apple is widely expected to discontinue its leather iPhone cases following the introduction of the iPhone 15 lineup, replacing them accessories made with a premium material marketed as "FineWoven." The discontinuation of silicone accessories is not expected to be imminent, instead taking place via a more gradual transition whereby existing models are not refreshed with new color options. For example, Sport Band may not be refreshed with new color options following the launch of the Apple Watch Series 9, being available until supplies of the current units run out. Apple is expected to release new accessory designs, such as a "FineWoven" Apple Watch band with a magnetic buckle, to replace its outgoing products.

The discontinuation of all leather and silicone Apple accessories is believed to be part of a wider move to transition to more environmentally friendly materials. While Apple's silicone rubber accessories have a lower carbon footprint than their leather counterparts, they are not made with any recycled materials. Materials like fluoroelastomer are also difficult to recycle due to their heat-resistant properties and strong, crosslinked structure.

"FineWoven" is expected to be the first next-generation material used by Apple, replacing leather in the immediate term, but it could also displace some silicone accessories at some point. There will likely also be other new, more eco-friendly materials introduced on other accessories in the future.

Article Link: Apple May Be Planning to Discontinue All of Its Silicone Accessories

 

[abatabia]

Silicone cases are the only cases I ever get for my iPhones. They are comfortable and last a long time. Here’s hoping whatever they replace it with is as durable and the same price!

 

[Urban Splash]

‘Next generation’. It’s a case ffs. Can’t wait to hear the nonsense they described the new ones. Oh, by the way, ‘next generation’ means ‘price increase’

 

[klasma]

The end of Apple Silicone.

 

[Urban Splash]

Big price increase

 

[Morod]

Gotta be time to switch to a flip phone.

 

[klasma]

Oh, by the way, ‘next generation’ means ‘price increase’

Sometimes it means to baldly go where no one has gone before.

 

[easy4lif]

Well this sucks!

 

[Gengar]

Honestly they should, they’re just plastic with a thin silicone layer that rubs/peels off too easily. They’re not worth $50. AT&T often has them on sale for $10, that’s about all they’re really worth.

The leather cases will be missed though (even though their quality slipped over the years too).

 

[contacos]

Bye chipping overpriced crap

 

[himanshumodi]

This product was never worth the asking price. Felt nice and comfy - for the first 2 weeks. And then the horror of watching your £50 case dis-integrate, tiny flake at a time...

 

[Lioness~]

No problem, I recently bought a leather case to my Mini.
Plan to have them as long as possible, and of course I have no idea how long that is.
Probably until the 'flipper' comes.

 

[dmr727]

Silicone cases are the only cases I ever get for my iPhones. They are comfortable and last a long time. Here’s hoping whatever they replace it with is as durable and the same price!

Love the way they feel in my hand, but they don't slide in and out of a pocket as well as I'd like. But yep, hope they replace it with something at least as nice!

 

[Flamingdeathbolts]

Silicone parts are made for toys

 

[zinacef]

Good because their quality has somewhat declined recently. Time to head to Nomad for me.

 

[RoadWarrior56]

More “Enviornmentally Friendly” usually means worse quality and more expensive, both at the same time.

 

[now i see it]

Since planet earth is literally drowning in micro-plastic pollution and there’s no end in sight — this is a good move

 

[Urban Splash]

These fine woven covers are so advanced, you might think it’s alien technology. We’ve created something unique and modern, while reducing our carbon footprint. £100 please.

 

[jz0309]

never cared for Silcone cases, but, sport bands - not sure why. bands have been compatible since the launch of AW in 2015, a lot of people have been using them ever since. phone case, yes, they get dumped with every new phone ...

 

[jmgregory1]

The best case Apple has ever produced, that is both recyclable and compostable, is the box the iPhones come in. They’re protective, good looking and can even hold additional items like the charging cable and a sticker. When they release them in an even thinner form factor, they’ll be able to charge us all $49 more if we want the iPhone box/case…

 

[nistromo]

Gee soon there'll be no new Mac smell - replaced with the California friendly scent of sadness

 

[Mr. Dee]

When I upgrade I’m going third party. Cheaper and potentially better quality.

 

[LightProtector]

Silicone cases are the only cases I ever get for my iPhones. They are comfortable and last a long time. Here’s hoping whatever they replace it with is as durable and the same price!

Disagree. Mine always chipped and would get ripped. They definitely did not last a long time.

 

[LightProtector]

Good because their quality has somewhat declined recently. Time to head to Nomad for me.

They have better leather cases anyways

 

[scheinderrob]

tim cook, chief grifter