Apple's iPhone 16 Launch is Approaching: Calls for Leather Accessories Return Grow Louder

Apple's iPhone 16 Launch is Approaching: Calls for Leather Accessories Return Grow Louder

Apple's iPhone 16 Launch is Approaching: Calls for Leather Accessories Return Grow Louder

With just under a week left before Apple's "It'sGlowtime" event, last-minute details are being finalized for the company's iPhone 16 launch plans. While we have a decent understanding of user expectations for the iPhone 16 series, the accessories have become a point of focus. Last year, Apple replaced its leather accessories with a synthetic material called "FineWoven," but the response from the market has been less than ideal due to its lack of durability and susceptibility to stains. Currently, there is a limited supply of these accessories.

Mark Gurman, in his latest PowerOn newsletter, pointed out that the inventory levels of both iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands have hit record lows. This could indicate two things: the company might be seeking a permanent replacement for FineWoven faux leather accessories, either with a different material or altogether; or it's planning to offer more colors for both bands and cases for Apple Watch and iPhone separately.

Apple's move to switch from leather to FineWoven was an attempt to reduce its carbon footprint and protect the environment. However, the leather alternative has not been warmly received, with many users complaining about excessive wear and tear within a short period of use. While we arent sure if the company will scrap its previous plans and return leather as its preferred material for accessories after all these years, the market response should urge Apple to reconsider.

If the company isn't planning to introduce genuine leather cases, were not sure what the market reaction will be given the companys initial environmental plans. While the possibility of the company returning to leather for accessories is slim, it may be brewing a new material to eliminate the negative feedback across its entire product line. Given that Apple generates a significant portion of its profits from accessories, it should make sure to improve the materials based on user preferences.

In addition to the accessories, we can expect upgrades to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, both of which will see expansions in their chassis and front-facing features. Besides this, we also anticipate a few clever upgrades to the internal workings of the iPad mini 7. We can confidently speculate that it will likely sport either the A17 Pro chip from the iPhone 15 Pro or a new A18 Pro chip that will be used in the iPhone 16 Pro models.