Recent online leaks have added fuel to rumors that Apple is set to phase out leather cases for the iPhone 15 in favor of a more sustainable alternative. Images shared online purportedly show what this leather-like alternative might look like, drawing from vegan materials that offer a different texture and feel compared to conventional leather.
Leakers Majin Bu and DuanRui posted the images on X (the social network formerly known as Twitter), citing information initially sourced from the Chinese microblogging platform, Weibo.
These cases are said to feature a patchwork of two materials specifically designed to be eco-friendly and to have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional cowhide leather. While the exact composition of these materials remains under wraps, the development appears to align with growing sustainability initiatives within the tech industry.
Though the displayed colors in the leaks are not confirmed to be part of Apple’s official palette, the credibility of the rumor has been bolstered by corroborations from three distinct sources. Apple introduced its first series of leather iPhone cases in 2013 for the iPhone 5S, and has consistently offered new colors and minor design updates – such as aluminum buttons and MagSafe features – with each subsequent iPhone release.
The release of the new iPhone 15 cases is likely to coincide with the launch of the iPhone 15 series itself, which is expected to be officially announced in an event slated for September 12.
The use of eco-friendly materials for such cases would represent a significant step towards genuinely sustainable product development, a topic of increasing relevance for consumers and other stakeholders alike.