The iPhone 15 seems set to revive the Google Pixel fabric cases; What Buyers Should Know

Apple is apparently preparing to remove the leather cases on the iPhone 15 series and instead use a new “woven” fabric case like 9to5Mac report. It’s the type of case that Google Pixel users are pretty familiar with, so here are a few things to keep in mind as Apple prepares to revive cases that Google should never have gotten rid of.

Woven covers are an absolute delight

Our sister site 9to5Mac reports that Apple is set to apply a new “textured texture” to its first cases to replace iconic leather designs. This is said to be a move for “environment and sustainability”, implying that these new “FineWoven” cases can be made from recycled or eco-friendly materials.

Really, it sounds a lot like what Google has done with fabric covers on some of their Pixel phones.

For every Pixel from the Pixel 2 to the Pixel 5, Google has released cases with fabric finishes, with cases released in the following years certainly woven. These boxes are made from nylon fabric that is largely crafted from recycled plastic obtained from plastic bottles. For example, the Pixel 4a’s case is made from more than 70% recycled materials with two plastic bottles making enough material for five cases.

Cloth cover will get dirty but very easy to clean

Durability can be seen as an issue with textile smartphone cases, but really, that’s not the point. Between the Pixel 3, Pixel 4, and Pixel 5, most of what I’ve used have been official Google fabric cases, and I’ve never had the fabric frayed or even had problems dropping the phone. A well-finished canvas box really won’t hurt here.

The only place it will fail, is just getting dirty.

The fabric cases that Google sells for Pixel phones are notoriously dirty. This is especially true with lighter tones, such as the gray/orange “Sorta Smoky” case for the Pixel 4. Over time, I noticed that the case picked up a lot of small stains and overall looks less clean over time.

However, the good news is that Google’s cases are extremely easy to clean. A little dish soap mixed with water and dabbed on a paper towel makes it easy to clean the fabric in seconds, which is what Google recommends. Some users also report success simply soaking the box in soapy water or even throwing it in the washing machine along with a bunch of clothes.

The Apple case, from the outside, will look different from the Google case. Woven fabrics appear to be smaller, which can result in less dusty cases or may even be easier to clean. However, it seems reasonable to expect that Apple will have similar recommendations to Google when it comes to cleaning.

Hey Google, is it possible to bring your own case?

Google really has done something unique when it comes to fabric cases for Pixel phones, because that’s something no one else has done. Apple and Samsung have largely stuck to silicone and leather, and the options outside are no different.

When Google removed these cases, they were met with resistance, especially when the replacement was a disaster. Google’s new official cases are boring pieces of plastic that, while quite protective, are also horribly aging. In an official Pixel 6 case long-term review, our Kyle Bradshaw highlighted how his case has turned a disgusting yellow color and has also warped over time.

In general, with yellowing, bubbling and cracking, the official Google cases for the Pixel 6 series are not capable of long-term use. In its official description, Google claims that the case “highlights the design of the phone while protecting it”, which is not true in my experience.

Google has improved in subsequent generations, but it would be great if Google admitted it was wrong and took the lead on Apple. The foundation is there, and Google has proven that their fabric cases are great not only in terms of look and feel, but also in terms of being an eco-friendly option. We just need them back.

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