Apple threatens to ban iPhone, iPad accessory makers who design cases based on leaks

Apple seems to be tightening security surrounding future iPhone and iPad models which are unfortunately susceptible to leaks, thanks to third-party accessory makers.  9to5Mac had learned just before the launch of the iPhone 6, that Apple demanded a number of leading accessory makers sign agreements barring them from leaking information about future Apple devices.

In addition to the fact that the device itself is leaked, the release of such information also hits Apple’s businesses that are dependent on the new devices, such as accessories or phone covers, because third party accessory makers create for the new iPhone models based on the leaks.

In an attempt to curb these leaks, Apple has used their Apple Store vendor agreement to ban accessory partners from seeking, obtaining, or relying upon advance specifications for future Apple products. The company has recently removed between 60-70% of third-party cases from its retail stores as well.

An agreement banning leaks, may work out well for Apple, but leaves accessory makers in a soup, and also consumers who may want an alternative case to the phone as soon as it is released. If such third party companies have to wait for the phone to be released before they actually start the process of manufacturing their accessories, it could take months before new covers are available on the market. So consumers just have to wait.

Just a few months before Apple launches their devices, accessory designers manufacture cases often based on rumors posted online, which has been proven to be either partially inaccurate to substantially correct. The report pointed out that regardless of their validity, however, both the rumors and early cases lead to discussions of future Apple products. Apple executives have suggested that this impacts prior-model revenues before the new devices are even announced.

Accessory makers who go against this agreement, have been told that their products will be banned from Apple’s stores. However, a few who have signed the agreement have still had their products dropped from the stores. Yet they say that they believe they still remain contractually bound by its terms.

As Apple’s next big launch will be the Watch, the company wants to keep close guards and wants no leaks whatsoever.  All efforts have been made to keep their device under the sheets till it’s official launch. The company has already started training their employees about the watch too. The device is expected to go on sale by March .