Apple ditches vegan iPhone cases after backlash

Apple FineWoven cases and bands, £99 to £149

Apple has reportedly suspended production of vegan products. The phone cases began selling less than a year ago.

The tech giant has reportedly stopped making FineWoven cases and watch bands following complaints that the £59 cases are easily scratched and worn out.

Apple introduced the material, “micro-twill” made from recycled textiles and other fibers, last September when it announced it would no longer make leather accessories as part of its environmental policy.

The company has committed to making its supply chain to be completely carbon neutral by 2030.

When the company introduced FineWoven watch cases and bands, ranging from £99 to £149, Apple said they looked “sophisticated”. and “a significantly smaller carbon footprint than leather.”

However, there have been complaints about accessories that they deteriorate after a few days of use: the fabric leaves scratches and scuffs, and the cases attract dust and lint. Others have complained that the cases are slippery compared to their leather predecessors.

According to their Amazon listing, the cases are frequently returned.

Apple was reported to have suspended production of the FineWoven cases through an anonymous account on Twitter, which is widely known for leaking details about the company's supply chain.

An account known as Kosutami previously revealed the company's plan to introduce cases made from recycled fabric before Apple announces them in September. It said the company would find an alternative material.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

Last week, the company released a new ad promoting its move away from leather, which did not mention FineWoven cases. Last month the company announced new colors for its cheaper silicone cases and watch bands, but did not update its FineWoven range.

The production suspension could mean the company will continue to sell cases before announcing an alternative at an upcoming event . such as the annual release of the iPhone in September.

Apple has made a number of product changes in recent years in an attempt to meet its environmental goals, including using recycled materials in its phones, reducing packaging, and no longer including headphones and cables for charging.