Apple goes on to describe its Leather Sleeve for the MacBook Air/Pro as “crafted from high-quality brown.” While a soft microfibre lining “keeps your MacBook Pro protected wherever you take it”. A rather short description that doesn’t dive into a lot in what it has to offer.
Therefore, I thought I would share some of my thoughts on it after using it for several months now. The version I am reviewing is the Saddle Brown Leather Sleeve for the 13-inch MacBook Air/Pro with Touch Bar and TouchID.
Leather Sleeve
Right from the beginning, I was impressed with both the colour and leather of the sleeve. It has a smooth, soft feel, one in which mirrors the same feel that Apple uses in its leather iPhone cases. However, I feel as a higher-quality appearance. I also love the colour and how Apple have even colour-matched the stitching, microfibre lining, and seal around the edges. It also doesn’t reek of that cheap leather smell I so often experience with other products.
Design
The design of the sleeve is simple, elegant, and has moulded into the shape of my MacBook Pro over time. Apple has essentially stitched two fairly thick sheets of leather around three sides with an open section for the MacBook Pro to slide into. They’ve also sealed off the very edges of the sleeve.
On the front, Apple has embossed an ever-so-slight Apple logo in the centre which doesn’t end up overpowering the design. Being at the centre it means it is in the same location in which the logo on the MacBook Pro will end up. While at the back, Apple has pushed out the leather at four points where the rubber feet of the MacBook will end up.
Internally, Apple has added a microfibre lining to one side. This protects the MacBook Pro slightly, but more so creates some friction. This is important because there are no zippers or tabs on the open side – it is left open. But, Apple has extended the leather out slightly to create a bit of a lip. I’m a fan of this decision though. I’ve always found zippers to easily run right along the MacBook potentially scratching the device. The stitching around the sides and base does make the edges quite tough and does not melt into my hand as other sleeves do. I find it does make it a little uncomfortable in the hands but also gives a sturdy feel.
I did initially have some concerns with the open section. Would my MacBook slip and fall out? That worry quickly diminished though because I’ve found it does actually take a bit of force and pull to slide it in and out. In fact, I held the sleeve upside down over my bed to test it out and found my MacBook Pro didn’t move the slightest.
Protection
In terms of protection, the sleeve easily provides protection from general scratches when stored. Particularly when I place it inside my backpack. It does, however, hide it completely inside which means no access to the USB-C ports for charging. I’m not so sure if I’d want to be charging it while wrapped up in leather anyway and feel this is an intentional design choice. Also, cutouts in the leather for the ports – yuck!
Final Thoughts and Pricing
Overall it is a very nice sleeve, I particularly love how it has moulded into the shape of my MacBook Pro over time. I also feel it will age well and be long-lasting. It isn’t cheap though, but it doesn’t look or feel cheap. If your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro is a long-term investment I’d defiantly consider investing in one of these.
In Australia, the Leather Sleeve for 13-inch MacBook Air/Pro is priced at A$
