Apple wants accessory manufacturers to stop using leaks to design their wares

According to a person with personal knowledge about the matter, last year Apple started asking manufacturers of iPhone cases to stop using leaks to help them design their products. Companies that refused to sign, or failed to live up to the agreement, were told that they could "lose future business opportunities that Apple and/or its affiliates may present to you."

What has Apple steamed is that before Apple has unveiled a new model, case manufacturers often are forced to make cases based on speculation of what this new model might look like. Apple's concern is that by producing these cases too early, it raises the public's awareness that a new model is coming, harming sales of the current one.

While the agreement prevents accessory manufacturers from using specs to produce Apple accessories "from any source other than Apple," it also bans them from reading any website or newspaper that discusses upcoming Apple products, including the New York Times. Companies that refused to sign the agreement were told that their products would be dropped from the Apple Store. Some signed the contract, but still had their product removed anyway.

According to those in the know, 60% to 70% of  third party cases have been dropped from retail Apple Stores. These sources say that this was one of the changes being made by Apple in order to make room for the upcoming Apple Watch, which is penciled in for an April launch. Apple is reportedly planning on turning a section of each Apple Store into a display area for the high end Apple Watch which means adding a glass display case, a large safe (with the MagSafe charger inside) and additional security.

source: 9to5Mac