| Cult of Mac

Apple’s new FineWoven material for watch bands and iPhone cases makes leather obsolete

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Apple Watch Series 9 FineWoven band
Apple has a new material for its watch bands and iPhone cases.
Photo: Apple
Wonderlust 2023

To make its products more eco-friendly, Apple introduced a new material it calls “FineWoven” today. This material, which Apple says has a “suedelike” feel, will replace the company’s existing leather accessories for the iPhone and Apple Watch.

The move is another step in Apple’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Enter to win a carbon fiber case and band for Apple Watch [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Lightweight carbon fiber Apple Watch Ultra band and case by Lululook.
The two prizes in this week's package are made of lightweight carbon fiber for all day, everyday comfort.
Photo: Lululook

In this week’s giveaway, one lucky winner will receive a Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band and an Apple Watch Carbon Fiber Case, both from Lululook.

This prize package, worth $150, will protect your Apple Watch or Apple Watch Ultra to the max.

Back in stock and on sale: Magnet keeps this slick silicone Apple Watch band in place

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The comfy, secure band fits most occasions with its sleek look.
The comfy, secure band fits most occasions with its sleek look.
Photo: SwitchEasy

Apple Watch bands come in many materials, with each loved by legions of fans. Classic leather. Steel links. Canvas. Nylon. Ceramic. And, of course, silicone.

A great example of a comfortable, stylish, durable and convenient silicone band — now on sale in the Cult of Mac Store — is the SwitchEasy Skin Silicone Magnetic Apple Watch Band. The magnetic closure keeps it secure on your wrist, while getting it on or off is a snap.

It’s a hot seller, and we’ve now got all four colors back in stock and marked down by 20% to just $23.99.

Rugged new case could be next best thing to Apple Watch Ultra

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The orange button alone suggests Apple Watch Ultra, even though it's not.
The orange button alone suggests Apple Watch Ultra, even though it's not.
Photo: Nomad

Nomad unveiled its new Rugged Case for Apple Watch Wednesday, and it might just satisfy a few folks who wish they had an Ultra rather than a standard model.

The new steel case and included Rugged Band fit Apple Watch Series 4 or newer. And the gear gives you a rugged look and plenty of protection for your wearable at a much lower price than Apple Watch Ultra, of course.

A high-quality, EDC band for your Apple Watch [Reviews] ★★★★☆

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All three Mifa nylon Apple Watch bands together.★★★★☆
The same high-quality velcro Apple Watch band comes in these three variants. (A new green model comes with a different NASA logo.)
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

If you’re looking for a hardy velcro EDC watch band for your Apple Watch, Mifa has you covered. Mifa’s Nylon Sports Leather Apple Watch Band is sturdy, the velcro is strong and the stitched leather is high-quality.

It’s a nice band for daily wear.

It comes in five different styles. The gray-on-black NASA-inspired design is my favorite. Two other designs in brown and black emphasize “EDC-34 Essential Series” with the Mifa name. And two new versions (in green and orange) sport NASA’s classic “meatball” insignia.

Ends soon: Buy any SwitchEasy Apple Watch band, get 50% off bumper case

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SwitchEasy bumper for Apple Watch
Buy two SwitchEasy products and get the cheapest half price.
Photo: Adel Neal/Cult of Mac

SwitchEasy is offering a great deal in the Cult of Mac Store through Friday, August 4 — buy any SwitchEasy Watch Band and get a bumper watch protector at 50% off. Just add both to your cart and the discount will be automatic.

You can pick from an array of cool Apple Watch bands in different styles and made of various materials, from stretchy nylon to stainless steel mesh. See some examples below.

Stay classy with this supple Italian leather Apple Watch band

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The fine gray leather band will develop a patina over years of use.
The fine gray leather band will develop a patina over years of use.
Photo: Olpr. Leather Goods

Leather is absolutely classic for an Apple Watch band. But do you know what’s even better? Horween leather. And Olpr. Leather Goods offers a great one in a gray color that should develop a character-rich patina over time.

Check out the excellent band in the Cult of Mac Store.

Bling out with new ‘metallic leather’ band for Apple Watch

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This one's for the disco.
This one's for the disco.
Photo: Laut

What will the Italians think of next? They’ve produced a leather with such a mirrorlike sheen that it actually looks metallic. And Laut is using it to create quite the statement-making Laut Metallic Leather Apple Watch Band.

Check out the flashy band in three cool colors in the Cult of Mac Store and read more below.