It all started when a few drops of water from the stingray exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences fell on my iPhone 15 Pro Max’s FineWoven case. I quickly wiped it off, but later noticed a small stain on the case. Now, a week later, the stain is still visible. Could it be from the FineWoven case’s magnetic field used for charging on the MagSafe charger?
Apple introduced the FineWoven cases as an eco-friendly alternative to leather cases. They are made with 68% recycled content, reducing their carbon footprint. However, the $60 FineWoven case hasn’t lived up to expectations. Many users have reported issues with the case, including marks and stains.
A YouTube video by MobileReviewsEh demonstrated how the FineWoven case collects and stores accessories. Another video by Dave2D showed the case expanding when subjected to pressure. And Allison Johnson of The Verge also experienced similar issues after just one week of use.
In my case, it wasn’t just water that caused problems. I accidentally dropped my phone on an avocado toast, leaving a black stain on the FineWoven case. Despite following Apple’s cleaning instructions, the stain remains. It seems that the FineWoven material may not be as durable as other phone materials, like Apple’s leather cases.
Apple’s support page suggests cleaning the FineWoven case with soapy water, but even after cleaning, the marks from the MagSafe magnets are still visible. Even a separate FineWoven case I used briefly showed small dots, possibly from contact with my keys.
While it’s commendable that Apple is making durable products, the FineWoven case’s performance raises concerns. The price, durability, and the tendency to accumulate stains and scuffs don’t make it a worthwhile investment. Apple offers other non-leather cases, such as silicone and plastic MagSafe options, which may be more stable. Additionally, there are affordable third-party cases available for the iPhone 15.
If you prefer, you can embrace the natural design of the iPhone 15 Pro Max without a case. Some users, including my colleague Lisa Eadicicco, have chosen to go caseless and have had positive experiences.
