iPhone 12/Pro/Pro Max Leather case patina not developing compared to previous leather cases

The case is absolutely cheaply produced, the patina looks more black and not as expected. Apple really profited by being deceptive with these new IPhone 12 Pro Max saddle brown cases. May someone really take this further….

Yes to remove the protective coating and speed up the ageing process. To be honest gives a better distressed look rather that seeing paint peeling off from the sides. Oh Do you think they care? Even if I was lucky enough to get replacement it will be the same piece of crap cheep painted on leather- No thank you.

I’ve had the black 12 mini case for about two months and this thing is really low quality. I bought it because of the rave reviews on the previous models. This case isn’t even soft, after wearing it down a bit, I don’t even want to look at it or touch it like I would good worn leather. The plastic-like edges are even worse. This is like Jordan brand leather. I’m going to look into other brands. Luckily the black one was $24 on sale instead of $60.00. It feels like it’s worth about $10.00. Apple should address this.

I agree!!!! My last iPhone was an 8 and the case is the most beautiful, mahogany reddish brown. I used my new iPhone 12 saddle case awhile and it was aging so icky, and after reading here I didn’t like where my case was heading. Figured I’d just jump in and age it on my own, and if I ruined it I’ll buy somethings else instead anyways because these 12 saddle cases appear to age horribly on their own. What I did is not for the faint of heart, but it worked for me (the case is not reddish brown and gorgeous like my 8 case…..but rather it’s just “dark brown” it will do under the circumstances since these new cases are so disappointing ……I used sandpaper, then used lacquer thinner on a q-tip and slowly took off all the ugly tan dye that was used. It took awhile but I got it off, then let the leather rest, sanded it again and then applied some dark brown leather dye to try to get close to the reddish/mahogany colour I loved so much with the older apple saddle cases…..then finally I used a high quality leather oil for fine saddlery on top to further darken & condition. It was a LOT of work after paying huge money for as case that *should* age & develop patina naturally as they used to……I am very unhappy with this case compared to my other one, I’ve just about considered using my old iPhone 8 again because I LOVE how my case aged so beautifully compared to this 12 phone that I should be so excited to have…….

Has anyone noticed if the new leather 13 cases have been upgraded in quality back to the original support coach leather or are they the same poor garbage painted brown leather that peels and fades off as opposed to creating a nice rich Coach Leather Patina - see below photos. Absolute garbage quality ! like finish as the older leather (iPhone X) cases did

APPLE, we’re waiting! One month and still no reply! Soooooo frustrating. The WORLD’S LARGEST $2 trillion plus company by market cap and you’ve got no one to address this simple complaint?

Yup, I’m finding the same as well for me. Ive had the red iPhone 12 mini case for about a month with no signs of any patina. I’ve tried leaving it out in the sun for multiple days and still nothing. Taking a closer look, I can see the leather does seem genuine as I can see striations on my case.

Not really a direct comparison, but I have a wallet made of Red Japanese tochigi veg tan that got darker as I left it out in the sun. Ultimately, developing a nice dark patina after two years of wear.

Im guessing only time will tell. The case doesn’t feel as “waxy” as the first day so maybe I’ve worn through whatever “protective layer” they’ve used.

I’ve had my iPhone 12 leather case since they put it live on the store. I got the poppy leather color and still no patina after a nearly two months. Only thing I see is that the corners are starting to lose its finish and by that I don’t mean patina.

I agree, this leather feels nothing like previous versions. It actually feels a bit more durable but somewhat artificial. I bought the Saddle Brown version so it would soften and patina. I was disappointed when it arrived because the color, well... looks like baby food. A bit orange. A bit brown. The edges are a tad darker as I use it but minimal to say the least. I may invest in a Bullstrap.

I’m noticing the exact same thing. I’ve had a saddle brown leather case for my 12 Pro for about a month and a half and have seen no patina whatsoever. I even, as I’ve done on previous saddle brown cases, wiped it down with fingernail polish remover which takes off the protective coating that Apple (in the past anyway) puts on them. After that protective coating was removed, the leather would start to patina quickly. In the past, when taking off that protective coating, which must have been the same color as the case, there would always be lots of color on the rag from the coating. When I wiped down my 12 Pro saddle brown case, there was no color at all on the rag that I used. What that means, I have no idea, but the case does seem different and I hope that it will start to patina soon.

Hi,

I've used the apple saddle brown leather case for the past how many years on my last few iPhones, 7/8/X and now on my 12 pro, I agree with you, the feel is very different to the previous models, lather doesn't feel as good and the patina is nowhere to be seen after more than a month.

I have to say I'm very disappointed that they have changed the quality and made out its for the better, the reason i payed £60 for a case is the beautiful patina and top quality, shame i wont get either with this case.

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Hello Applewibe. Please don’t misunderstand my post about the saddle brown patina “issue”. I have both the black and saddle brown leather cases for my 12 Pro and I love them both. The cases fit perfectly, the MagSafe is great, the metallic buttons are very responsive and “clicky”, after a few days the cases start to become very grippy and they are as thin as they could be. I highly recommend them.

Good idea JustinP24. I did a little searching online and read that some people think that for the latest version of the the leather cases, Apple put on them a much thicker “protective coating” which, just like you did with sandpaper, must be removed in order for the real leather to be exposed. Keep us posted please. Thank you.

looks nice, how does it feel? i’ve had a go with some 600 grit sandpaper to remove some of this finish and i think i’m going to leave it and let it darken naturally.

maybe they have changed it to minimise wear from the magsafe accessories?