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No creaking here- tight all around. I did have to exchange my original case because the power button was loose. Maybe you can try another one on in-store and see if it’s any better?

I took it off and back on and squeezed really tight. Its fitting much better. I think it just needs to wear itself in.
 
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I just ordered this sleeve off Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H9G4J1C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I emailed the seller to see if it would fit the iPhone with a leather case on it. He replied within a few minutes that if I purchased the case and emailed him with my order number and requested it, he would make the sleeve big enough to fit with the leather case. It comes from Germany so it won't be here for a few weeks, but I keeping my fingers crossed!

Has really good reviews on their other products. Interesting. Please keep us posted. I know it may be a little while.
 
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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. :p
 
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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. :p

“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.
 
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.
 
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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.
 
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Love the Cape Cod blue.. But it doesn't look very good after a while
 

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“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.
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?...
 
I’ve just picked a midnight blue leather case for my X

I really like the black tinge it develops over time - does anyone have any tips for speeding up the patina without using oils etc?
 
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.
 

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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.

Looks beautiful! Can you please share your "Treatment" process. Much appreciated!
 
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.
 
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Upgraded from a x in a saddle brown case to a gold xs max in of course a saddle brown case. By far my absolute case and color!
 
I had the Taupe on my iPhone 8+ for about 5-7 months. And this is how it turned out.
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.
 
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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.
 
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.

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.
 
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