Apple Collection

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iPhone Crossbody Strap (Black, 2025)

The iPhone Crossbody Strap was a new accessory in 2025 among a couple brand new additions released along with the iPhone 17 family of iPhones. Apple noted in the iPhone 17 Pro press release:

“The new Crossbody Strap can be paired with the TechWoven Case and Silicone Case, giving users a hands-free way to wear iPhone. Crafted from 100 percent recycled yarn, the smooth strap drapes comfortably, with embedded flexible magnets and stainless steel sliding mechanisms to easily adjust the length and keep both straps securely aligned.”

Impressively, the Crossbody Strap was available in 10 colors(!), including black, light gray, blue, light blue, purple, sienna, green, neon yellow, tan, and orange. This example is black. To my eye, this color lends a certain Star Trek: The Original Series tricorder vibe when paired with a black TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case, but I digress.

Apple’s product page offered more details and reported it was “Beautifully crafted from 100 percent recycled PET yarns, the smooth, narrow woven straps drape comfortably across the body.” Further, “Embedded flexible magnets with stainless steel sliding mechanisms allow you to effortlessly adjust the length for the perfect fit, while keeping both straps securely and neatly aligned.”

While some reviewers initially viewed the Crossbody Strap with “bemusement,” others, such as Jess Weatherbed at Verge noted:

“Pockets have been a longstanding issue with women’s clothing in particular—fashion designers started shrinking or removing them entirely in the late 1940s because they interfered with the form-fitting silhouettes popularized by Christian Dior’s ‘New Look.’ Bags and purses became the de facto replacement, but phones have since evolved to replace most of the stuff we carry. You can use an iPhone to make payments, check your makeup, read a book, and even unlock doors. You don’t need to carry a bag, but most still need to carry that phone.”

At its release, the iPhone Crossbody Strap was compatible with seven different iPhone cases:

  • iPhone Air Bumper
  • iPhone Air Case with MagSafe
  • Silicone Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17)
  • TechWoven Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max)
  • Silicone Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max)

Apple lists that the maximum strap length is 81.9 inches (2080 mm), and may be shortened to a minimum strap length of 42.5 inches (1080 mm).

This black Crossbody Strap is photographed along with Apple’s purple TechWoven Case for the iPhone 17 Pro.

Sources: Apple (newsroom, product page), 9to5Mac, The Verge

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iPhone Crossbody Strap (Light Blue, 2025)

The iPhone Crossbody Strap was a new accessory in 2025 among a couple brand new additions released along with the iPhone 17 family of iPhones. Apple noted in the iPhone 17 Pro press release:

“The new Crossbody Strap can be paired with the TechWoven Case and Silicone Case, giving users a hands-free way to wear iPhone. Crafted from 100 percent recycled yarn, the smooth strap drapes comfortably, with embedded flexible magnets and stainless steel sliding mechanisms to easily adjust the length and keep both straps securely aligned.”

Impressively, the Crossbody Strap was available in 10 colors(!), including black, light gray, blue, light blue, purple, sienna, green, neon yellow, tan, and orange. This example is light blue.

Apple’s product page offered more details and reported it was “Beautifully crafted from 100 percent recycled PET yarns, the smooth, narrow woven straps drape comfortably across the body.” Further, “Embedded flexible magnets with stainless steel sliding mechanisms allow you to effortlessly adjust the length for the perfect fit, while keeping both straps securely and neatly aligned.”

While some reviewers initially viewed the Crossbody Strap with “bemusement,” others, such as Jess Weatherbed at Verge noted:

“Pockets have been a longstanding issue with women’s clothing in particular—fashion designers started shrinking or removing them entirely in the late 1940s because they interfered with the form-fitting silhouettes popularized by Christian Dior’s ‘New Look.’ Bags and purses became the de facto replacement, but phones have since evolved to replace most of the stuff we carry. You can use an iPhone to make payments, check your makeup, read a book, and even unlock doors. You don’t need to carry a bag, but most still need to carry that phone.”

At its release, the iPhone Crossbody Strap was compatible with seven different iPhone cases:

  • iPhone Air Bumper
  • iPhone Air Case with MagSafe
  • Silicone Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17)
  • TechWoven Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max)
  • Silicone Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max)

Apple lists that the maximum strap length is 81.9 inches (2080 mm), and may be shortened to a minimum strap length of 42.5 inches (1080 mm).

Sources: Apple (newsroom, product page), 9to5Mac, The Verge

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Beats iPhone 17 Pro Case with MagSafe & Camera Control (Granite Gray, 2025)

This is a somewhat rare example in my collection of a Beats accessory. Beats has been owned by Apple since 2014 as “a leading audio brand founded in 2006 by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine” that primarily sells “premium consumer headphones, earphones, and speakers,” and now—for some reason—iPhone cases that have nothing to do with audio.

Because Beats is owned by Apple, it is no surprise that the cases feature Apple-specific features such as MagSafe and Camera Control (although third-party accessories also include these features).

Somewhat unusually, the Apple and Beats websites describe this product differently. Apple followed a format closer to its other case products with descriptions such as:

“The strong polycarbonate back is complemented by flexible sidewalls to optimize shock absorption, while making the case thin and light. The outer matte finish reduces signs of scratches, smudges, and fingerprints, and the inner microfiber lining gently reduces surface scratches and abrasion.”

Apple also noted that “undergone thousands of hours of testing throughout the design and manufacturing process,” a statement similar to the durability statement on Apple-branded cases.

Apple listed highlights as:

  • Durable double-shot design
  • Strong hardshell back
  • Shock-absorbing sidewalls
  • Soft microfiber lining
  • Matte finish
  • Compatible with MagSafe and Camera Control

On the other hand, the Beats website described the case primarily through videos, pictures, and short text snippets. For example, the text “Scratch & drop protection. Strong hardshell back with shock-absorbing sidewalls,” and a looping 5-second video showing its durability. 11 photos were included on the Beats website, while Apple only featured 6.

This case was offered in four colors: Bedrock Blue, Lime Stone, Pebble Pink, and the color of this example, Granite Gray.

Sources: Beats (About, product page), Apple (product page)

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Beats iPhone 17 Pro Kickstand Case with MagSafe & Camera Control (Granite Gray, 2025)

This is a somewhat rare example in my collection of a Beats accessory. Beats has been owned by Apple since 2014 as “a leading audio brand founded in 2006 by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine” that primarily sells “premium consumer headphones, earphones, and speakers,” and now—for some reason—iPhone cases that have nothing to do with audio.

Because Beats is owned by Apple, it is no surprise that the cases feature Apple-specific features such as MagSafe and Camera Control (although third-party accessories also include these features).

Somewhat unusually, the Apple and Beats websites describe this product differently. Apple followed a format closer to its other case products with descriptions such as:

“Built to protect your iPhone from scratches and drops, this case also features a convenient, removable lanyard that doubles as a kickstand for hands-free landscape viewing. To create the kickstand, an adapter at the end of the lanyard slides open and attaches to a magnetic point on the side of the case.”

Apple also noted that “The Beats iPhone 17 Pro Kickstand Case with MagSafe and Camera Control has undergone thousands of hours of testing throughout the design and manufacturing process,” a statement similar to Apple-branded cases.

Apple described the case: “The strong polycarbonate back, which is complemented by flexible sidewalls to optimize shock absorption, makes the case thin and light. The outer matte finish reduces signs of scratches, smudges, and fingerprints, while the interior microfiber lining gently reduces surface scratches and abrasion.

On the other hand, the Beats website described the case primarily through videos, pictures, and short text snippets. For example, the kickstand featured the text “Quick stand. The removable lanyard easily converts to a kickstand for hands-free landscape viewing,” and included a looping 5-second video showing the kickstand feature. 11 photos were included on the Beats website, while Apple only featured 6.

This case was offered in four colors: Bedrock Blue, Lime Stone, Pebble Pink, and the color of this example, Granite Gray.

Sources: Beats (About, product page), Apple (product page)

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iPhone 17 Pro (Cosmic Orange, 256GB, 2025)

The iPhone 17 Pro was introduced on September 9, 2025, during a pre-recorded Apple event titled “Awe Dropping” that featured an animated/interactive Apple logo on a black background. The Apple logo resembled a thermal image, perhaps hinting that one of the products introduced might feature a new type of cooling system. That idea became a reality with the iPhone 17 Pro’s new “vapor chamber that is laser-welded into a strong, light, and thermally conductive aluminum unibody” was introduced.

Other iPhone 17 Pro features highlighted in the press release included:

  • “Both models feature A19 Pro, the most powerful and efficient chip for iPhone yet, enabling the advanced camera systems, next-level mobile gaming, and Apple Intelligence.”
  • “Three 48MP Fusion cameras — Main, Ultra Wide, and an all-new Telephoto — offer the equivalent of eight lenses, including the longest optical-quality zoom ever on iPhone at 8x, and the innovative 18MP Center Stage front camera takes selfies to the next level.”
  • “Both models feature the Ceramic Shield 2 front cover with 3x better scratch resistance, and for the first time, Ceramic Shield protects the back of iPhone.”

The iPhone 17 Pro (and Pro Max) featured new colors including a silver that uses two “refined” tones with the camera body and ceramic shield, an “elegant” deep blue, and a “bold” cosmic orange.

I found the cosmic orange option difficult to resist because previous Pro-model iPhone devices have not been available in colors that were not dark, desaturated, or otherwise dull.

This event included Apple’s first mention of the “plateau” that houses the camera on the back of the phone—previously informally referred to as the “camera bump.” (The plateau was also mentioned in the introduction of the iPhone Air in this Apple event.) Apple explained the protruding feature on the iPhone 17 Pro: “On the back, the plateau creates additional space for internal components — making room for a larger battery.”

Apple further described the vapor chamber cooling system:

“Deionized water is sealed inside the vapor chamber, which is laser-welded into the aluminum chassis to move heat away from the powerful A19 Pro, allowing it to operate at even higher performance levels. The heat is carried into the forged aluminum unibody, where it is distributed evenly through the system, managing power and surface temperatures to deliver incredible performance while remaining comfortable to hold.”

The display of the iPhone 17 Pro is described as a Super Retina XDR display in 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch sizes. It includes a new protective layer called Ceramic Shield 2 that Apple describes as “tougher than any smartphone glass or glass-ceramic, with…3x better scratch resistance and improved anti-reflection to reduce glare.” The display is an Always-On ProMotion (up to 120Hz) delivering up to 3000 nits of brightness. The same Ceramic Shield technology on the display is also on the back of the device, delivering a stronger finish that allows better conductivity for the MagSafe connector.

In addition to the new A19 Pro chip that is up to 40% more powerful than the previous generation Pro chips, the device contains the N1, “a new Apple-designed wireless networking chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.”

Like many previous iPhone releases, the camera system was touted significantly throughout the release. Apple noted that the iPhone 17 Pro delivers “eight pro lenses in a user’s pocket.”

Back cameras:

  • 3 48MP Fusion cameras for sharper, more detailed images
  • 1 48MP Telephoto camera with a sensor 56% percent larger than the previous generation for brighter/more detailed photos
  • 1 4x 100mm optical zoom lens
  • 1 8x 200mm optical zoom lens

Front camera:
1 Center Stage front camera with “the first square front camera sensor on iPhone, offering a wider field of view and higher resolution — up to 18MP for photos — to capture more detail.”

Apple’s product website for the iPhone 17 Pro featured an impressive set of photos illustrating the various native zoom levels and equating them with their “8 pro lenses” claim:

  • 8x = 200mm
  • 4x = 100mm
  • 2x = 48mm
  • 1.5x = 35mm
  • 1.2x = 28mm
  • 1x = 24mm
  • 0.5x = 13mm
  • Macro

The iPhone 17 Pro video capabilities were also discussed with features such as Dolby Vision HDR, 4K 120 fps, ProRes, and support for ACES. In addition, the iPhone 17 Pro now adds ProRes RAW, Log 2, and genlock—a technique to precisely synchronize video across multiple cameras by industry leader Blackmagic.

The iPhone 17 Pro measures 5.91 x 2.83 inches, and is 0.34 inch thick. It weighs 7.27 ounces.

Sources: Apple (press release, product page)

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iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe (2025)

The verbosely named “iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe” is similar to previous Apple Clear Case designs except for the conspicuous bright white, rounded-rectangle that covers the ceramic shield on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro (the same design is used on the iPhone 17 Pro Max version). The white rectangle on the Clear Case includes a light gray Apple logo. Although the rounded-rectangle design feature is not mentioned in the description of the product (and is nearly impossible to notice on the all-white packaging), it is presumably present to hide the MagSafe magnets that were in the shape of the partial circle/bar outline pattern in previous Clear Case models with MagSafe.

Apple describes the iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe:

“Thin, light, and easy to grip — this Apple-designed case shows off the brilliant colored finish of iPhone 17 Pro while providing extra protection. Crafted with a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and flexible materials, the case fits right over the buttons for easy use.”

Like the previous Clear Case, this one includes a sapphire crystal Camera Control button that “communicates finger movements.” Also like the previous Clear Cases, it is made “with a blend of clear polycarbonate and flexible materials with scratch-resistant coating on the interior and exterior.”

As an Apple Clear Case owner since the iPhone 11, this one has the best button design feel among all previous models. For the first time, the buttons do not require additional force to press, and you can feel a pronounced click. Further, the case exterior has an overall “silkier” feel than the previous versions.

And one final note, I have paired this “Clear” case with a Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro. Presumably, at least some buyers of the Cosmic Orange selected the color to enjoy looking at it. Purchasing a Clear Case, as opposed to a different color that would cover the orange, seems like an intentional choice to allow the Cosmic Orange to be seen. According to my calculations, the white rounded-rectangle covers just under 40% of the Cosmic Orange finish of the iPhone. This design seems somewhat counterproductive to the “Clear” concept.

Sources: Apple (product webpage, press release)

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Apple Watch Solo Loop (Northern Lights, 45 mm, Size 12, Spring 2025)

The Solo Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2020 along with the Apple Watch Series 6. The packaging describes this product as a “Silicone Fitted Band.” According to Apple’s website:

“Made from liquid silicone rubber, the Solo Loop features a unique, stretchable design with no clasps, buckles, or overlapping parts that’s ultracomfortable to wear and easy to slip on and off your wrist. Each band is specially treated with UV to give the band a silky, smooth finish. It’s also swim proof and sweat proof so it can go just about anywhere you want to wear it.”

The color of this band is Northern Lights, a shade of bright green (almost neon). The color was very close to the Sprout Green Solo Loop from Spring 2023, as pictured in the accompanying photos. It was available in 41 mm and 45 mm widths, and was sold in specific wrist sizes. The 41 mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9, and the 45 mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 4–12.

According to Apple’s website, “This band comes in custom sizes because it’s designed for an ultracomfortable fit. An accurate measurement will help you get the size that’s right for you.” The website allowed buyers to download a PDF and cut out a “tool” that wrapped around the wrist to designate the band size needed.

This snug-fitting design allowed Apple Watch sensors to retain constant and consistent skin contact, allowing accurate blood oxygen and heart rate measurements to be maintained.

Source: Apple, Bandbreit (Northern Lights, Sprout Green)

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Unity Rhythm Sport Loop (46mm, Spring 2025)

This Sport Loop is Apple’s fifth design in the Black Unity collection. With this watch band purchase, “Apple is supporting five global organizations that focus on elements of rhythm, creativity, and community through meaningful mentorship of underrepresented artists or musicians.” The five organizations include:

  • The National Museum of African American Music
  • Art Gallery of New South Wales
  • Music Forward Foundation
  • Battersea Arts Centre
  • Ellis Marsalis Center for Music

This was the first Apple Sport Loop to use a lenticular design. Apple described the effect: “Celebrating the unifying power of rhythm, this unique band is woven together to create a beautiful depth effect. In motion, Pan-African colors of red and green shift to reveal a hint of yellow — as if by magic.” In addition, “From the beat of a heart to the flow of creativity, rhythm is a universal element of the human experience.”

This band includes a matching watch face. Apple states, “The band is complemented by the Unity Rhythm watch face, which animates to tell the time when you raise your wrist. Distinctive rhythmic chimes mark every hour and half hour.”

Like all Sport Loop bands, Apple describes the style: “Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Sport Loop features a hook-and-loop fastener for quick and easy adjustment. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape.”

This One Size (Fits Most) band fits 145–220mm wrists.

Sources: Apple (Unity Rhythm), Bandbreite

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Nike Sport Loop (45 mm, Starlight/Pink, Fall 2023)

The Nike Sport Loop band was woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. These bands were available for the 41 mm and 45 mm Apple Watch models, and were offered in sizes to fit 130–200 mm wrists and 145–220 mm wrists. The bands also fit older Apple Watch sizes of 38 mm/42 mm and 40 mm/44 mm.

This Nike Sport Loop used a design that sets it apart from Apple Sport Loop bands. First, the thread pattern was created with several different colors to create a unique design with multiple colors in a randomized pattern. This design replaced the back closure plastic with a strip of embroidered thread in a single color that attached a nylon pull-tab with a Nike logo. A series of reinforced thread in a wave pattern was stitched below the pull-tab. Another thicker embroidered wave pattern was stitched across the top of the band that looped around a plastic connector.

This band used a variety of colors to achieve its unique “space-dye” pattern. It had a background and sides in starlight (light beige). A random pattern of threads was used across the face of the band in shades of yellow and dark pink. The wave patterns and closure threads were starlight (starlight and pink thread was used below the pull tab), and the pull tab was starlight with a coral pink Nike logo. The connector plastics were light pink.

Apple described the Nike Sport Loop band:

“The Nike Sport Loop has been designed to use excess yarn from previous seasons to create a soft, breathable, and lightweight band with a bold pattern. The hook-and-loop fastener and a woven pull tab featuring the Nike Swoosh makes it easy to adjust on the go. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. The Nike Sport Loop contains at least 68% excess yarn from previous seasons, saving over 3 tons of primary yarn.”

Source: Apple (newsroom), Bandbreite

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Magnetic Link (Black, 45 mm, M/L, Fall 2024)

When Apple launched the Apple Watch Series 9, the company also discontinued their use of leather in all their products and introduced a new material they called FineWoven. In a press release, Apple announced:

“Apple is introducing FineWoven, a luxurious and durable microtwill made of 68 percent post-consumer recycled content that has significantly lower carbon emissions compared to leather. FineWoven has a suedelike feel, and is available with the Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle bands.”

The Magnetic Link design closely resembled the previous Leather Link design. Apple described the band:

“The Magnetic Link with FineWoven elegantly wraps around the wrist and magically attaches with molded magnets that gently flex to help maintain security and comfort throughout the day…”

The product specifications indicate that the Magnetic Link is made from “68% post-consumer recycled polyester” and “100% recycled rare earth elements in magnets.” The 41 mm Magnetic Link is offered in a S/M size (130–160 mm) and a M/L size (140–180 mm), while the 45 mm size is offered in S/M (140–180 mm) and M/L (165–205 mm) options.

This Magnetic Link is Black, and fits 45 mm Apple Watch devices.

Sources: Apple (Newsroom, Product), Bandbreite