Apple has quietly introduced a new version of its Polishing Cloth for $9, cutting the price by more than half from the original $19 accessory that became an unlikely internet meme after its 2021 debut.
There is no obvious technical difference between the two versions. Apple still describes the cloth as using a soft, nonabrasive material suitable for cleaning its displays, including products with nano-texture glass. The company has not detailed any changes to the materials, construction or cleaning performance.
That leaves price as the biggest update. The original Polishing Cloth attracted plenty of attention for costing $19, although that did not stop it from selling out shortly after launch. It became one of those distinctly Apple accessories where the conversation around the price was arguably bigger than the product itself.
At $9, the proposition is considerably less unusual. Generic microfiber cloths remain cheaper, but owners of expensive nano-texture displays may appreciate an official option specifically intended for Apple’s hardware.
The timing is also amusing. Apple introduced the cheaper cloth alongside much more significant Mac mini and Mac Studio announcements, yet its famously expensive piece of fabric has once again found a way into the conversation.
