| 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.

New multicolored Hermès Apple Watch band is $599 of unicorn vomit

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The new Hermes Casaque line of Apple Watch bands is inspired by
The new Hermes Casaque line of Apple Watch bands is inspired by "bold jerseys worn by horse jockeys."
Photo: Apple

Apple introduced a veritable rainbow of new hues for Apple Watch bands Tuesday — including the new Hermès Casaque multicolor bands inspired by “bold jerseys worn by horse jockeys,” Apple said.

The top Casaque band, a double-strapped leather number with four colors in it, costs $599. And that’s with no watch included. But at least you get a borderline-hideous Apple Watch band.

Fortunately, new spring colors are also available for several styles of reasonably priced bands like the Solo Loop and Sport Band.

Apple Watch Series 7 preorders start October 8, official partner says

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California Streaming event: Apple Watch Series 7 packs a bigger, more durable screen.
Prices start at $399.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch Series 7 will finally be available to preorder on October 8, according to one of Cupertino’s official partners. Hermès is telling customers via email that’s the date they’ll be able to secure their new smartwatches.

Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech, who has a decent track record when it comes to Apple rumors, also claims that Apple Watch Series 7 will be available to preorder “as early as next week,” with shipping to begin in mid-October.

There may be a problem with Apple’s pricey Hermès’ AirTag range

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AirTags
Is there a fault with Apple's most expensive AirTags accessories?
Photo: Apple

Apple products have always cost a premium, but they’re also some of the best-made devices and products that you’ll find. Most of the time, at least.

9to5Mac points out that all three of Apple’s Hermès AirTag Key Rings and Luggage Tags are listed as “Currently Unavailable” on Apple’s website, regardless of which option users try to select. It also cites a reader who suggests a quality issue could be to blame.

Magnetic bands could mess with Apple Watch Series 5 compass

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Compass
Compasses and magnets don’t mix.
Photo: Apple

One of the best new features on Apple Watch Series 5 may not work well — or at all — depending on what type of band wear with your watch.

Like all compasses, the Apple Watch Series 5 compass is sensitive to magnetic interference. Cupertino warns customers on its website that some of its bands with magnetic clasps could adversely affect compass readings.

Stay away from these bands if you want your Apple Watch compass to work.

Original Apple Watch gets extended service coverage

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Apple Watch sensors
Has your Apple Watch's sensor panel popped off?
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Apple has extended its service coverage for the first-generation Apple Watch. If you have a unit with a separated sensor panel, you can get it repaired for free by visiting Apple or an authorized service provider within three years of your purchase date.

4 biggest surprises from Apple’s totally unsurprising update

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Will we get more than the iPhone 7 next week?
None of today's announcements were keynote-worthy.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s “surprise” announcement of new products and software wasn’t all that surprising if you’ve been keeping up with the latest rumors.

Today’s updates were practically announced yesterday when the company said its store would be down in the morning for “maintenance.” Despite all the rumors of new iPads and RED iPhones that have been out for weeks, Apple still managed to sneak in a few surprises that were both good and bad.

We’re eagerly awaiting Apple’s rumored April keynote, but here’s the biggest, most surprising news from today’s teaser.