In September 2023, Apple made a significant eco-friendly shift during its Wonderlust event by introducing the FineWoven material to replace leather in its products. This move earned Apple the PETA Company of the Year award, but not everyone is thrilled with how FineWoven is holding up over time.

Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern recently shared her dissatisfaction with the aging process of FineWoven cases. After just five months of use, her iPhone 15 Pro Max’s FineWoven case showed signs of wear and tear – peeling edges, scratches, and discoloration resembling a rotten banana.

Many users seem to be experiencing similar issues with the FineWoven material. Despite Apple’s claims that it is an elegant and durable textile made from 68% post-consumer recycled content, Stern argues that there is nothing fine about this case.

Online reviews echo Stern’s concerns, with customers reporting peeling edges, scratches, and a tendency to attract dirt. Some have even gone as far as to say it is the worst product Apple has ever made. Cleaning recommendations provided by Apple may help somewhat, but the overall quality of the FineWoven case seems to be lacking.

For more insights on this not-so-fine FineWoven case, check out Joanna Stern’s newsletter for additional details.