Apple plans to discontinue all silicone accessories

Apple may reportedly plan to discontinue production of silicone rubber and fluoroelastomer accessories and replace them with a new generation of accessories made from greener materials MacRumors. The move is expected to include accessories such as a silicone iPhone case with MagSafe, fitness band, Solo Loop and AirTag. The rumor comes from an Apple device hoarder and leaker known as “Kosutami,” who has previously shared information about various prototypes like the iPhone 15’s braided USB-C cable, MagSafe chargers in different color options, and AirPods and more.

Many expect Apple to discontinue leather iPhone cases after the launch of the iPhone 15 series and replace them with accessories made from a premium material marketed as “FineWoven.” The discontinuation of silicone accessories is expected to be inevitable, but will instead occur through a more gradual transition where existing models are not updated with new color options. For example, the Sport Band may not be updated with new colors after the launch of the Apple Watch Series 9 and will be available until current devices run out of stock. Apple is expected to launch new accessory designs, such as the FineWoven Apple Watch Band with Magnetic Buckle, to replace its existing products.

Apple’s discontinuation of all leather and silicone accessories is believed to be part of a shift to more sustainable materials. Although Apple’s silicone rubber accessories have a lower carbon footprint than their leather counterparts, they are not made from recycled materials. Materials such as fluoroelastomers are also difficult to recycle due to their heat-resistant properties and strong cross-linked structure.

“FineWoven” is expected to be the first next-generation material used by Apple and will soon replace leather, but it could also replace some silicone accessories at some point. It is likely that other new, more environmentally friendly materials will be used in other accessories in the future. Source