Apple split up its Apple Watch and iPhone 15 reveals today with a lengthy detour into its sustainability efforts, which included one consumer-focused reveal: it will no longer use leather in any new Apple product, including watch bands, MagSafe wallets, and iPhone cases.
In its place is FineWoven, a "durable microtwill" made out of 68% post-consumer recycled materials that has a much lower carbon footprint than leather. Apple touted its "suedelike feel" and showed off the material with a new lineup of Apple Watch bands that cost $99 for a magnetic strap or $149 for a buckle version. The material is also coming to MagSafe cases and wallets, as well as AirTag key rings.
"Leather is a popular material for accessories, but it has a significant carbon footprint, especially at Apple's scale," Lisa Jackson, Apple's VP of environment, policy, and social initiatives, said at today's Wonderlust iPhone 15 event. Swapping leather for FineWoven, she says, puts Apple on track toward its goal of making every Apple product carbon neutral by 2030.
Jackson also tipped "more environmentally friendly" versions of its watch bands from Hermès and Nike. The Nike Sport Band ($49) now has 32% or more recycled fluoroelastomer, and features flakes made from excess bands for a "randomized pattern." The Nike Sport Loop ($49) will repurpose yarn from previous seasons.