Apple’s new case material for the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro, called “FineWoven,” has faced criticism from some customers. In response, popular teardown site iFixit decided to examine the FineWoven case under a digital microscope to provide a closer look.
Using magnifications of 52x and 490x, iFixit confirmed that the FineWoven fabric consists of tightly woven fibers, each measuring around six microns thick—significantly smaller than a strand of hair. These fibers are grouped together to form threads that are approximately 150 microns thick. iFixit noted that the microtwill material used in the FineWoven case is comparable to that found in high-end jackets from brands like Patagonia and Arc’teryx.
When scratched, the FineWoven fabric does not break, but it does reflect light irregularly, leaving a visible mark. Additionally, the softness of the material allows for indentations from items placed in pockets alongside the case.
Furthermore, the FineWoven case stains when exposed to substances like hot sauce and oil, although it is resistant to coffee. iFixit’s testing revealed that the stains caused by certain foods and liquids were difficult to remove, suggesting that FineWoven case owners may encounter persistent discoloration.
To examine its construction, iFixit decided to cut open the case. The FineWoven fabric is present on the exterior, with a gray foam layer inside. Beyond the foam layer, there is a rigid plastic sheet, the MagSafe hardware, additional white foam padding, another rigid plastic sheet, and an inner layer of FineWoven fabric. All of these layers are thin, and the FineWoven fabric itself measures approximately 0.17mm.
Notably, the sides of the FineWoven case feature a resin-like material coating on the FineWoven fabric, creating a hard, non-porous surface.
iFixit offered a suggestion for FineWoven case owners, recommending the use of a Durable Water Repellent spray to increase the case’s resistance to staining and liquids.
With this detailed analysis from iFixit, Apple may need to address the concerns raised by customers regarding the FineWoven case’s susceptibility to staining and its potential for visible marks caused by scratches. Additionally, Apple could explore potential solutions to make the FineWoven case more durable and resistant to wear over time.