The iPhone 15 is bringing Google Pixel canvas cases to life

It looks like Apple is ready to ditch the leather cases in the iPhone 15 series, and replace them with a new “woven” fabric case. 9to5Mac reports. This is the pattern of cases Google Pixel users are all too familiar with, so here are a few things to keep in mind as Apple prepares to revive cases Google never was supposed to eliminate.

Woven cases are an absolute pleasure

sister site 9to5Mac Reports indicate that Apple is ready to adopt a new “woven pattern” for its first party cases to replace the signature leather designs. This is said to be a move for “the environment and sustainability,” which means that these new “FineWoven” cases may be made from recycled or eco-friendly materials.

In fact, it looks pretty similar to what Google has been doing with canvas cases on many of its Pixel phones.

For every Pixel from Pixel 2 to Pixel 5, Google has released cases with a fabric finish, with cases released in later years that most definitely had a woven pattern. The cans were made of nylon fabric that was made in large part from recycled plastic obtained from plastic bottles. For example, the Pixel 4a case is made from over 70% recycled materials, with two plastic bottles making enough material for five cases.

Canvas cases will get dirty, but they are easy to clean

Durability might come to mind as an issue with woven fabric smartphone cases, but it really isn’t. Between the Pixel 3, Pixel 4, and Pixel 5, Google’s official canvas cases were almost everything I used, and I’ve never had a frayed canvas or even problems with my phone dropping. The well-crafted state of the canvas really won’t compromise here.

The only place you will fail is when you get dirty.

The fabric cases that Google sold for Pixel phones were notoriously dirty. This was especially true of light colors, like the “Sorta Smoky” grey/orange case of the Pixel 4. Over time, I noticed that this case picked up a lot of small stains, and generally looked a little less clean over time.

But the good news is that Google Cases were exceptionally easy to clean. A little dish soap mixed with water and covered with a paper towel makes it easy to clean the cloth in moments, which is what Google recommends. Some users have also reported success by simply soaking the can in soapy water, or even placing it in the washing machine with a load of clothes.

Apple’s case will, from the looks of it, look different than Google’s. The texture of the cloth appears smaller, which may result in dirt not being picked up as easily, or it may be easier to clean. However, it seems reasonable to expect Apple to make similar recommendations to Google when it comes to cleaning.

Hey Google, maybe return your own states?

Google did something really unique when they launched canvas cases for Pixel phones, because it’s something no one else has done. Apple and Samsung have largely stuck to silicone and leather, and the options outside of that aren’t all that different either.

And when Google stopped these cases, it was met with opposition, especially since the alternative was a disaster. The new official Google cases are boring bits of plastic that, while perfectly protective, also age terribly. In a long-running review of the official Pixel 6 case, Kyle Bradshaw highlighted how his case had turned a disgusting yellow color and tarnished over time.

Generally, with yellowing, bubbling, and cracking, the official Google case for the Pixel 6 series does not hold up to long-term use. In its official description, Google claimed that the case “highlights the phone’s design while keeping it protected,” which doesn’t seem to be true in my experience.

Google has gotten better in subsequent generations, but it would be nice if Google admitted it was both wrong and right, and took the lead from Apple. The foundation is there, and Google proved that their canvas cases were great not only in terms of look and feel, but also in terms of being an environmentally friendly option. We just need them back.

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