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I have a Waterfield Designs faux leather sleeve I use when I need to put my phone in my backpack. $30. Made in the USA. Still looks new after 2 years of daily use. Even if I liked the design of this, the little clock slot makes me think the screen would get scratched in my bag. And my history with Waterfield is that the case will look nice long after my phone is obsolete.
 
I like it, and it would work well for those occasions when I’m going out without my bag or keys. Just an ID and my phone, and I’m good to go. The strap especially helps, if my outfit doesn’t have pockets.

I don’t use cases, so this would be perfect.

But $130 is too steep for that occasional use case, especially nowadays when I’m not going any-damn-where.
 
It would be nice to see it in person...

I notice that there is a cutout for the speaker and a window cutout for the time.
How do you answer an incoming call? If you have to take it out of the sleeve to answer the call, then what’s the purpose of the cutout for the speaker?
 
It will definitely protect your phone...until you drop it while removing the sleeve.
Exactly. And as you are trying to cram it in and out it is much more likely to end up on the ground.

This however is somewhat good for certain people that shove their phone into a loose bag of random items (like a purse or duffle bag) to protect it from major screen damage.
 


Apple today began selling the Leather Sleeve for the new iPhone 12 models, with the accessory having first been announced alongside the updated iPhones in October.

apple-leather-sleeve.jpg

Priced at $129, the Leather Sleeve is not a case and is designed to be removed when the iPhone is in use. It features a cutout at the front that displays the time, and it comes with a matching leather strap. According to Apple, it is made from "specially tanned and finished European leather" that's soft to the touch and develops a patina over time.

The sleeve is designed to fit tightly around the iPhone, protecting it from scratches and drops. The inside has a pocket for a credit card or ID, and charging is possible through the sleeve with Apple's MagSafe Charger. Apple warns that as with Leather Cases, the Leather Sleeve is subject to "slight imprints" when used with MagSafe accessories.

Apple sells the Leather Sleeve in Baltic Blue, Pink Citrus, Saddle Brown, and (PRODUCT)RED. It is available for all four of the iPhone 12 models, and orders placed today will deliver starting in mid-December.

Article Link: Leather Sleeve for iPhone 12 Models Now Available From Apple
Why did they release this but not a smart battery case?? I hope they release one for the 12 Pro Max soon!
 
So... the display stays on (just the pixels needed to display the time) and displays the time when in the sleeve? If so, why can’t Apple enable that functionality without buying a sleeve?
 
So... the display stays on (just the pixels needed to display the time) and displays the time when in the sleeve? If so, why can’t Apple enable that functionality without buying a sleeve?
No. Sadly for $130, it’s not that cool.
several reviewer‘s were asked that question, and the answer was, nope. You have to tap the screen to get the time to show up, and even then, the entire screen lights up. It’s not put in any type of special time only mode, it’s literally just your normal lock screen.
 
No. Sadly for $130, it’s not that cool.
several reviewer‘s were asked that question, and the answer was, nope. You have to tap the screen to get the time to show up, and even then, the entire screen lights up. It’s not put in any type of special time only mode, it’s literally just your normal lock screen.
Thanks, nice informative link. Well what the?? Why on earth would an OLED light up the whole screen to display the time through a small window. Plus, tapping to see the time is pretty lame IMO.

The only cool thing I noticed is the color of the background and font seemed to change based on the case color. That’s a nice touch, but seems they could have done better.
 
I can see how it serves a purpose for people who don’t spend every waking moment staring at their phone. A phone like it was used in the early 00s, a tool to be utilised when needed, rather than a constant distraction and time suck.

Not for me mind, and the price is insane.

Although we should be grateful it doesn’t need a charger, available for purchase separately :)
 
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Yeah no thanks. I do not see the logic in this at all.

I’ve never used a case on my phone because I like to enjoy its design as it was intended.

Meanwhile, I’m increasingly replacing my iPhone with an LTE Apple Watch which I use to check the time, view notifications, play music and interact with Siri. So my iPhone stays in my pocket for longer periods of time. Something like this makes sense since I’m not constantly pulling out my phone every 2 minutes.

I’m not particularly impressed with how it looks but I do see the point of a sleeve.
 
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