Apple is reportedly planning to replace its leather cases with a new "woven" fabric case for the iPhone 15 series, similar to the fabric cases previously used by Google Pixel phones.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is expected to have new sensors, including a fourth-generation optical heart rate sensor and a U2 ultra wideband chip for improved Find My capabilities, along with a potential shift in manufacturing using 3D printing and discontinuation of certain watch bands.
Apple is rumored to be discontinuing its silicone and fluoroelastomer accessories and replacing them with more eco-friendly materials like "FineWoven," as part of its transition to using more environmentally friendly materials.
Apple's long-time partner, Hermès, has removed all mentions of Apple Watch and compatible bands from its website, raising questions about the future of their partnership as Apple moves away from leather for its watch bands and cases.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a rugged smartwatch with a faster processor, improved health sensors, and a new U2 chip for GPS tracking, featuring a new on-device version of Siri and enhanced sustainability with increased recycled content and carbon neutrality.
Apple introduced its Series 9 Watch, which is its first carbon neutral product, by using clean electricity and recycled materials, reducing its carbon footprint by 78%.
Apple has announced that three of its Apple Watch models will come in carbon-neutral versions, featuring a new green logo on their boxes, by using renewable energy in factories and reducing plane trips for transportation.
Apple announced that it will no longer use leather in its new cases and bands for its products, instead transitioning to a micro-twill textile made from recycled materials, as part of its efforts to create carbon-neutral and sustainable tech products.
Apple has switched from leather to FineWoven 'microtwill' for its premium cases and bands, but there are concerns about how well FineWoven will hold up and its potential interaction with MagSafe, as it may leave imprints on the material.
Apple has introduced a new textile called "FineWoven," made of 68 percent post-consumer content, to replace leather accessories and promote environmental sustainability.
The Apple Watch has transitioned from a luxury fashion accessory to a highly popular health and fitness tracker, leading the global smartwatch market with 22% of shipments in Q2 2023.
Despite claims of being more environmentally friendly, Apple's new "FineWoven" range of iPhone cases and accessories made with a microtwill fabric have received negative feedback from customers, who criticize the quality and feel of the products.
Apple's new FineWoven iPhone cases and accessories, pitched as a premium, sustainable replacement for leather, are criticized for being of poor quality and lacking durability.
Apple has added all first-generation Apple Watch models to its obsolete products list, meaning they are no longer eligible for repairs or service.
Apple is rumored to be bringing microLED display technology to the Apple Watch Ultra, with the display expected to launch in either 2025 or 2026, and plans to eventually incorporate the technology into other products such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs to reduce reliance on Samsung.
Apple's first generation Watch, including the Hermes and 18-karat gold Watch Edition models, has officially become obsolete, leading to debates about planned obsolescence.
Apple has listed its first-generation Apple Watch as "obsolete," meaning repairs and services are no longer available, leaving owners of the 18-karat gold version, which cost $10,000 to $17,000, with no options for fixing it.
Apple has declared the Series 0 Apple Watches and the solid gold Apple Watch Edition obsolete, meaning they are no longer eligible for repairs and no more parts will be created for them.
