Apple’s biggest iPhone failure may get a new name, but can it get any good?
Apple may have a new type of premium material for the iPhone 17 cases and an intriguing new accessory.
Only a year after discontinuing the disastrous FineWoven cases, Apple may be readying to release its improved replacement. A new leak shows images that may reveal the name of the new material for the cases and the name of a new first-party accessory for the iPhone 17.
Leaker Majin Bu has shared a few images of alleged product packaging clones of the new TechWoven Case. The same leaker had also shared a photo of the case itself, which showed a textile material with a rougher texture.
Just like the FineWoven cases, the TechWoven ones may be a premium alternative to the leather cases, which Apple stopped selling a few years ago. The change was part of the company’s ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030.
TechWoven may be a new material made from recycled plastics, probably from repurposed plastic bottles. Based on the newly leaked photos, the case may be offered in at least five distinct colors:
Similar to some of the previously leaked cases, the TechWoven ones appear to have cutouts for a lanyard. However, that’s the first time we’re seeing a Crossbody Strap mentioned on the packaging.
On the back of the packaging, there’s a note saying “Compatible with Crossbody Strap,” suggesting that Apple may sell a first-party accessory. Based on the name, that could be a first-party accessory to wear around the torso, though it might also serve as a wrist or neck lanyard.
Introducing its own lanyard system makes sense for Apple, considering the success of other companies. Peak Design has a whole ecosystem of accessories around the Everyday Case, including its own anchor link system. Samsung has some interesting first-party offerings, like the Standing Grip Case for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Like its name suggests, the case has a sliding part that can serve as a grip or kickstand.
I certainly hope Apple has learned its lessons from the FineWoven fiasco and introduces a high-quality first-party case that’s worth the price. However, I wouldn’t be bothered too much if that’s not the case, as multiple other companies already offer great accessories, including lanyards and grips.
Just like the FineWoven cases, the TechWoven ones may be a premium alternative to the leather cases, which Apple stopped selling a few years ago. The change was part of the company’s ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030.
TechWoven may be a new material made from recycled plastics, probably from repurposed plastic bottles. Based on the newly leaked photos, the case may be offered in at least five distinct colors:
- Black
- Brown
- Blue
- Green
- Purple
Similar to some of the previously leaked cases, the TechWoven ones appear to have cutouts for a lanyard. However, that’s the first time we’re seeing a Crossbody Strap mentioned on the packaging.
On the back of the packaging, there’s a note saying “Compatible with Crossbody Strap,” suggesting that Apple may sell a first-party accessory. Based on the name, that could be a first-party accessory to wear around the torso, though it might also serve as a wrist or neck lanyard.
What type of accessories do you prefer?
I only buy first-party accessories
7.41%
I only buy third-party accessories
37.04%
I have both first-party and third-party ones
37.04%
I don’t buy any accessories
18.52%
Introducing its own lanyard system makes sense for Apple, considering the success of other companies. Peak Design has a whole ecosystem of accessories around the Everyday Case, including its own anchor link system. Samsung has some interesting first-party offerings, like the Standing Grip Case for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Like its name suggests, the case has a sliding part that can serve as a grip or kickstand.
I certainly hope Apple has learned its lessons from the FineWoven fiasco and introduces a high-quality first-party case that’s worth the price. However, I wouldn’t be bothered too much if that’s not the case, as multiple other companies already offer great accessories, including lanyards and grips.
Readers’ Favorites
Latest News
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: