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Apple is committed to achieving carbon neutrality for all its products by 2030, and as part of this initiative, the tech giant is planning to discontinue silicone rubber and fluoroelastomer accessories in favor of more sustainable materials. The move follows Apple’s previous decision to discontinue leather accessories. Rubber Cap
According to leaks from Apple device collector Kosutami, the company is actively working on replacing its silicone accessories with “more eco-friendly next-generation materials.” These accessories, such as the iPhone Silicone Case with MagSafe and Sport Band, will likely be phased out. While silicone rubber accessories have a lower carbon footprint compared to leather, they do not incorporate any recycled materials and can be challenging to recycle due to their heat-resistant properties.
Apple is expected to introduce a new material called “FineWoven” for its premium iPhone cases with the upcoming release of the iPhone 15. FineWoven is described as an “imitation leather” material and is anticipated to be Apple’s initial step in adopting next-generation materials. It may eventually replace leather and some silicone accessories. The company is also exploring eco-friendly materials for other accessories.
Notably, the shift to FineWoven will extend beyond iPhone cases and include the new generation of Apple Watch Series. Apple is likely to move away from leather for its Apple Watch bands as well. The new Watch series band will be made from the same FineWoven material as the iPhone 15 cases, featuring a magnetic clasp design and priced at $99, making it $50 cheaper than Apple’s Modern Buckle band.
Apple will likely provide more details about the FineWoven material and its sustainable initiatives during the upcoming “Wonderlust” event, set to take place on September 12. The event will showcase the new iPhone Series, new Watch Series, and more.
Sources: – Kosutami (leaked information) – MacRumors (https://www.macrumors.com/2023/09/11/apple-to-replace-silicone-accessories/) – Mark Gurman, Bloomberg (Twitter handle: @markgurman) – Divya Bhati, edited article on September 11, 2023
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