Is Apple Ditching Silicone Accessories? Big Changes Coming For iPhone Cases, Apple Watch Bands And More

Apple Inc. AAPL is reportedly considering to discontinue silicone-based accessories for its iPhone lineup as part of an eco-friendly initiative to transition to more environmentally sustainable materials.

What Happened: Rumors have picked up regarding Apple’s intention to replace leather accessories with “FineWoven” versions, starting with products designed for the upcoming iPhone 15 generation. 

Now, it appears the tech giant’s sustainability efforts are not limited to leather. Apple plans to phase out silicone across its product range, reported MacRumors, citing tech leaker “Kosutami.” 

See Also: Here’s Everything Apple Plans To Show At Its ‘Wonderlust’ Event On Tuesday

This transition is expected to be gradual, with no specific timeline mentioned. 

Instead of an abrupt shift, Apple may simply cease restocking silicone-based accessories as they sell out, replacing them with more eco-conscious options. 

This change would impact various products, including iPhone cases, Apple Watch Sport Bands, Solo Loops, and AirTag Loops, among others.

By pursuing these changes, Apple aims to align its accessory lineup with the company’s broader sustainability goals. Just last week, the Tim Cook-led company publicly supported a bill in California necessitating large corporations to report their yearly greenhouse gas emissions.

Why It’s Important: Apple’s reported decision in favor of eco-friendly materials for its iPhone cases and Watch bands has also sparked questions about the potential ramifications for its coveted partnership with luxury fashion brand Hermes. 

Users have started noticing that Hermes has completely Apple Watch from its website, and the same is true for Cupertino. 

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