Apple may drop leather straps for the Watch Series 9

Late last month, there were rumours that Apple was planning to drop leather cases from its iPhone 15 lineup. They would be replaced by cases with a simulated woven material called FineWoven. And now Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple may also abandon leather straps for smart watches.

Here's What We Know

So, the Apple Watch Series 9, which debuts next week, likely won't get leather straps. And that casts doubt on Apple's future partnership with luxury brand Hermès, which has previously produced premium straps for the gadgets.

To confirm this information, last month Apple started offering its employees leather accessories and leather straps for Apple Watch made by Hermès. And with a good discount - up to 90%. For example, a Hermès strap with a retail price of $850, employees can buy for only $85. Most likely, this is how the company clears out its inventory.

The fabric-based leather alternative will have a smaller carbon footprint than a case made from traditional cow leather. And as we already know, Apple cares about the environment and is trying to switch to sustainable materials.

Source: Macrumors, @markgurman