Apple wants to stop production of all its silicon accessories
Apple wants to stop production of all its silicon accessories: According to MacRumors, Apple plans to phase out its silicon and fluoroelastomer accessories. This company is trying to replace these products with accessories that are made of environmentally friendly materials.
We’re less than 48 hours away from Apple’s Wonderlust event, where Apple will unveil the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. Now, a new rumor suggests that in addition to retiring its leather cases this year, Apple may also be phasing out its silicon accessories.
The move is expected to include products such as iPhone silicone cases, sports bands, Solo rings, and Airtag rings. This rumor has been published by the Apple product aggregator known as “Kusutami,” who previously shared information about the iPhone 15 USB-C cable, prototypes of MagSafe chargers, and AirPods in different color options.
After the introduction of the iPhone 15 series, Apple is expected to stop making leather cases and replace its accessories with premium materials called “FineWoven”. Chances are, we won’t see silicone accessories removed anytime soon. In fact, it’s not going to happen as fast as the removal of leather accessories. Instead, this change will happen gradually, and existing models will not be replicated with new color options.
For example, the Sport Band may not be updated with new color options after launching the Apple Watch Series 9. This device will be available while stocks last. Apple is expected to introduce new accessory designs, such as the FineWoven Apple Watch band with a magnetic buckle, to replace its outgoing products.
Apple’s effort to protect the environment
Apple’s discontinuation of all leather and silicone accessories is believed to be part of a wider move to switch to more environmentally friendly materials. While Apple’s silicone 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-resistant properties and strong, cross-linked structure.
FineWoven is expected to be the first material used in Apple’s next-generation products, replacing leather in the future, but it could also cover some silicone accessories. In the future, other new and environmentally friendly materials will probably be introduced.
In addition, there are rumors about a new style of Apple Watch band this year. The source suggests that the strap will feature a magnetic clasp design and will be made of the same woven material as the FineWoven cases for the iPhone 15.
The new strap will reportedly match the price of the Braided Solo Loop at $99. At $50, it will be cheaper than Apple’s modern Buckle.
So in the end Apple wants to stop production of all its silicon accessories, and it’s something good, we guess!
