In addition to new MacBook Pro models and AirPods 3, Apple has also introduced new accessories. But one candidate stands out in particular: Apple's polishing cloth - or as I affectionately call it, iLappen. Now it has been subjected to a teardown.
The news that Apple is now selling a polishing cloth for 25 euros hit like a bomb. Admittedly, the price is high for some people. But is the iLappen worth the money? Actually, the guys at iFixit are currently busy dismantling the new MacBook Pro devices. But they couldn't resist and had to take a closer look at the iLappen. To be precise, they subjected Apple's polishing cloth to a somewhat funny teardown. describes iFixit the product:
The material feels the same as the lining of an iPad Smart Cover, which has a thin layer of microfiber on the inside. Both feel like synthetic leather, with a hint of fuzziness, similar to Alcantara.
Anything but repair-friendly
For those who don't have it yet: The polishing cloth is actually made of two cloths glued together. This is why it appears thicker than other polishing cloths.
Under the microscope, the premium quality of Apple's polishing cloth becomes clear. On the left, you see a completely normal cleaning cloth. Boring. And on the right? Tiny fibers woven together in such a way that they are not just a tool for cleaning, but a beautiful object that is worth cleaning itself. In the midst of the beauty, a thin line traces the shape of the basic fruit of humanity: an apple.
In a particularly funny conclusion, iFixit gave the polishing cloth a 0 out of 10 for repairability:
The new Apple polishing cloth gets a 0 out of 10 on our repair scale because it distracted us from a very important MacBook Pro teardown and wouldn't put back together after we cut it up with scissors.
The iLappen will not disappoint you
But seriously, is it worth buying? Let's put it this way. Absolute Apple fans will definitely snap it up. The delivery times at least prove that - if you order today, you'll have to wait until the end of January - crazy. Of course, I bought one too, just to try it out for fun. The truth is, I'll definitely have to reorder. I like it, the displays are easy to wipe down and, well, it's from Apple. Anyone who decides to buy the iLappen will certainly not be disappointed. You should also bear in mind that there are much more expensive polishing cloths, so 25 euros isn't necessarily excessive.
There is a catch...
But yes, there is a catch. Apple has failed to integrate "Find my". For this reason, we have to resort to an AirTag.
But hey, in addition to Apple devices, other displays can also be cleaned without an adapter – cool, right? (Image: iFixit)
