- FineWoven iPhone cases were labeled as a ‘commonly returned item’ on Amazon
- This follows previous reports that the covers are sensitive to scratches and more
- Apple claims FineWoven cases will “protect an iPhone for years to come”
Apple’s new FineWoven iPhone cases are a good idea in theory since they’re a recycled alternative to leather, but evidence is mounting that they may not always be a reliable bet for your iPhone 15.
Earlier this week we saw reports from leading tech journalists and others that the FineWoven casing can be very susceptible to scratches and discoloration. And now 9to5Mac has noted that Amazon has placed a warningon the US listing for the product stating that it is a “commonly returned item.”
These labels don’t necessarily mean that every owner has had a problem with their FineWoven iPhone case; in fact, the Amazon reviews are quite mixed. But Amazon also has a “customers usually keep this item” label for better-received products, so this is another black mark on FineWoven’s reputation.
We’ve reached out to Apple to request a response to these reports about the FineWoven cases and will update this article if we hear back. Then Joanna Stern of the Wall Street Journal asked the same questionAn Apple spokesperson said the cases are “designed to the highest standard to protect iPhones” and that the FineWoven case’s durable micro twill “will protect an iPhone for years to come.”
As we discovered from our own experience with the FineWoven case, this microtwill is not as “suede-like” or durable as Apple suggests. We found that “scratches from keys or fingernails are easy to find, immediately visible, and seemingly permanent.” Not ideal for a case that costs $59 / £59 / AU$99.
What are the alternatives?
Our own conclusion about the FineWoven case was that it is “not a total disaster, but a very big one.” This new Amazon label, plus the general consensus in both customer and professional reviews, seems to support this. So where else should you look?
Our guide to the best iPhone 15 cases suggests checking out some of Mujjo’s offerings, like the all-leather case or the shield case (above). While not as ambitious as FineWoven’s leather-replacement material, which Apple says is made from “68% recycled post-consumer material,” they do use European leather that has been rated gold for environmental standards by the Leather Working Group.
We found that Mujjo’s all-leather bag in dark brown developed a “natural patina” as we used it, which contrasts somewhat with our experience with FineWoven. That earlier report from the Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern even concluded that their sample was “turning brown like a rotten banana.”
So while we absolutely applaud the idea behind FineWoven, which was part of Apple’s big push last year to create ‘carbon neutral’ products like the Apple Watch 9, the reality is that the cases need a bit of rethinking before they make it into our products. iPhone 15 case recommendations.