Hermès has removed all mentions of Apple Watch and its compatible bands from its website. This move hints at a potential shift away from leather materials in Apple Watch bands and raises questions about the future of their partnership. 

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 07: An Apple Watch Hermes is seen during a launch event on September 7, 2016 in San Francisco, California.

Removing Apple Watch in Hermès

Six days after a prediction that Apple might shift away from leather in its Apple Watch bands, Hermès has made a significant move by removing all Apple Watch-related items from its website, 9to5Mac reported.

Hermès, a longstanding partner of Apple Watch, has taken a bold step by removing all references to the wearable and its compatible bands from its website.

This development raises questions about the Apple Watch's transition away from leather materials. Furthermore, it raises the possibility of a significant shift in the luxury design house's partnership with Apple, signaling a departure from their traditional collaborations.

Apple's website continues hosting the Hermès landing page, where a limited number of Apple Watch Hermès models are still in stock and can be purchased. Apple also offers its employees substantial discounts of up to 90% on the remaining Apple Watch Hermès models.

As Hermès removes all Apple Watch-related content from its website, the question arises: Could this signify the end of the partnership between Hermès and Apple? 

While Hermès has primarily offered luxurious leather bands for the Apple Watch, they have also introduced the "Casaque Single Tour" with woven nylon.

One possibility is that Hermès may have considered creating non-leather options, but Apple's decision to move away from leather could have been a decisive factor for the luxury brand.

Conversely, it's plausible that Hermès has removed all Apple Watch content from its site in anticipation of a refreshed leather-free lineup. This could include a range of new luxury watch bands and new Apple Watch Hermès models, aligning with the launch of Series 9.

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Apple Removing Leather Bands

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported about Apple's plans to shift away from leather for its Apple Watch bands and iPhone 15 cases. These are among the intriguing developments revealed ahead of Apple's upcoming iPhone and Apple Watch event on September 12.

"I am expecting Apple to begin moving away from leather on its Apple Watch bands as well, but unclear how this impacts the Hermes partnership (I would assume it does not)," Gurman wrote on X.

Gurman also said: "I'm told that Apple last month started offering employees its Hermes leather accessories (and leather link bands) at up to 90% off."

The Apple insider reported that the discounts offered to Apple employees are notably substantial. For instance, a Hermès band, typically priced at approximately $850, is now available to Apple employees for just $85, according to Gurman.

While such significant discounts to employees often indicate a product line clearance or discontinuation, it appears unlikely that Apple would entirely sever its ties with a premium brand like Hermès, given its history of complementary collaborations.

Related Article: Apple's September Event: iPhone 15, Apple Watch Series 9, and More Unveilings to Watch For