We recently saw rumors regarding Apple's plans to replace leather cases with fabric cases for the upcoming iPhone 15 series. Now, a new rumor is circulating that the tech giant might also change things up when it comes to the Apple Watch Series 9 bands.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on X thatApple could abandon leather for Apple Watch straps. This news follows leaks regarding the iPhone 15 leather-free case. In a later update, Gurman mentioned that Apple employees could get deep discounts on Hermès bands as Apple gets rid of its stock of leather.

“I'm told that Apple last month began offering its Hermès leather accessories (and leather bracelets) to employees at discounts of up to 90%.», notes Gurman, who sees this as Apple's desire to sell off its last stocks.

Update on that assumption: I'm told that Apple last month started offering employees its Hermes leather accessories (and leather link bands) at up to 90% off. Clearly some inventory clearing going on. The internal deal continues but everything is out of stock. https://t.co/fBrLlTY9kC

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 5, 2023

Although Apple employee discounts typically signal the liquidation or discontinuation of a product line, it's unclear whether Apple will completely sever its ties with a high-end brand like Hermès. Fortunately, we'll have a clearer idea of ​​the situation soon, since the Apple Wonderlust event will take place in a week.

Previously, another rumor suggested that Apple would replace the leather straps of the Apple Watch Series 9 with a new fabric strap and magnetic buckle.

The theme: environment

The shift from leather to fabric led Gurman to predict that The themes of environment and sustainable development will play a more important role than usual during the event on September 12during which the bitten apple giant will not only unveil the iPhone 15 series and the Watch Series 9, but also a brand new Watch Ultra.

Apple's choice to divest from leather could be driven by environmental concerns, given that leather production has a particularly high carbon footprint. The company is committed to being more environmentally friendly, and so ditching leather accessories is in line with its values.

However, if this choice indeed involves abandoning leather straps and cases altogether, it could disappoint many customers who appreciate the superior quality of leather, especially those who love Hermès.