Instead of leather, Apple is expected to launch a new line of Fine Woven Apple Watch straps made of man-made materials, and these images are said to be our first look at what the official straps will look like. The images, provided by prototype device collector and leaker Kosutami, purportedly show an official Apple watch band, which is described as lightweight, thin, and smooth.
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Apple Online Store (China)
The strap is said to be made from recycled nylon and polyester with a twill weave pattern. Apple may have chosen these materials to be environmentally friendly while reducing its carbon footprint by using fabric-leather alternatives.
According to Kosutami, the strap will also feature a splash-resistant coating, although the strap itself is not fully waterproof. Apple has six color options for the FineWoven straps, but only three of them were announced at a special event today. As of press time, the exact color is still unknown.
Kosutami also clarified that the FineWoven straps will be made by the same manufacturer that produces the Apple Watch Ultra straps, with the materials allegedly coming from Japan.
There have been rumors that Apple will eliminate leather from its various iPhone protective cases. Similar to the rumored FIneWoven Apple Watch strap, Apple is also rumored to be planning to launch an iPhone protective case made of artificial leather material and bear the same "FineWoven" name.
The information about the iPhone cases comes from leaker DuanRui on the Chinese social media platform.
Kosutami previously revealed that Apple plans to discontinue all silicone accessories, and now claims that Apple intends to replace most leather accessories with more environmentally friendly materials.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently said that Apple last month began offering Hermès leather accessories to employees at discounts of up to 90% in an attempt to clear out remaining inventory. He also added that he expects Apple to no longer use leather for Apple Watch straps in addition to phone cases.
Learn more about Apple's "Wonderlust" launch event in a few hours.