They will be replaced by accessories made from other materials.
According to MacRumors, Apple plans to stop producing silicone and fluoroelastomer accessories, replacing them with products made from next-generation, more environmentally friendly materials.
Silicone iPhone cases with MagSafe, Sport Band, Solo Loop, and AirTag Loop are mentioned. The rumor comes from Apple device collector and insider Kosutami, who previously shared information about a braided USB-C cable for the iPhone 15, various prototypes such as AirPods in different color options and MagSafe chargers, and more.
Apple is expected to discontinue leather iPhone cases after the iPhone 15 lineup, replacing them with accessories made from a premium material sold as FineWoven.
Apple will abandon not only leather cases, but also all its silicone accessories
The cessation of production of silicone accessories will not be immediate. Instead, there will be a more gradual transition where existing models will not be updated with new color options. Accessories will be on sale until stocks last. Apple is also expected to release new accessory designs, such as the Apple Watch FineWoven magnetic buckle band, to replace its previous products.
Apple’s discontinuation of all leather and silicone accessories is part of a broader shift to more environmentally friendly materials. While Apple’s silicone rubber accessories have a lower carbon footprint than their leather counterparts, they are not made from recycled materials. Materials such as fluoroelastomer are also difficult to recycle due to their heat resistance and robust structure.
FineWoven is expected to be the first of a new generation of material used by Apple that will replace leather shortly, but it could also displace some silicone accessories at some point. Other new, more environmentally friendly materials will likely appear in other accessories in the future.
