Over the years, Apple has included a SIM-eject tool with iPhone and iPad models with a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) tray. Early Apple SIM eject tools were more substantially designed than this version and were made from an alloy named Liquidmetal.
This version of the SIM eject tool shipped with an iPhone SE (2017). While a previous version of the tool was solid, this SIM eject tool is essentially a bent wire. It is unknown as to whether this tool is made from Liquidmetal.
Interestingly, Apple’s official Support web pages refer to the “official” SIM-eject tool, but picture a bent paper clip in their how-to diagrams for removing SIM cards.
According to Apple’s website, “The Smart Keyboard is a full‑size keyboard made for iPad. It delivers a comfortable typing experience wherever you are and converts into a slim, durable front cover when you’re on the go.”
This keyboard uses Apple’s proprietary Smart connector so the keyboard does not require its own power. “Just attach the full-size Smart Keyboard to your iPad and start typing — no charging or pairing required. And when you’re finished, it folds up to become a slim, lightweight cover.”
The iPad Smart Keyboard is Apple’s first case-integrated keyboard for the base-model iPad. It is compatible with iPad (Generation 7 and 8), iPad Air (Generation 3), and iPad Pro 10.5‑inch.
The iPhone 5c Case was a unique design by Apple to protect the colorful and popular iPhone 5c. The case was made of silicone with a microfiber interior. It added a slight “lip” to the front of the case to protect the screen from contacting a surface when placed flat. This is a yellow example of the case unopened in the original packaging.
The case was available in the same colors as the iPhone 5c and also black: pink, yellow, blue, green, and white. Perhaps becuase the phones were made of polycarbonate, the case colors were somewhat more muted than the phone colors. The unique design of these cases includes a 5 x 7 grid of holes in the back of the case, allowing the iPhone color to show through. With five iPhone 5c colors and six cases, Apple noted that 30 color combinations were available; however, since most people only own and use one iPhone at a time, the number of combinations was likely only six for most users.
Many reviewers noted that the hole pattern in the case obscured the “iPhone” product name and changed it to read “hon.”
The iPhone 11 Pro Max Clear Case is made for the iPhone 11 Pro Max and was touted as “Thin, light, and easy to grip.” According to Apple’s website:
“Made from a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and flexible TPU materials, the iPhone 11 Clear Case provides a solid, comfortable feel. The back is designed to be sturdy, while the sides are made from a softer, more flexible material that fits right over the buttons for an improved grip. And when it’s time to wirelessly charge, just leave the case on and set your iPhone on your Qi-certified charger. On the surface, a scratch-resistant coating has been applied to both the interior and exterior. And all materials and coatings are optimized to prevent yellowing over time.”
This is the case I used with my personal Midnight Green iPhone 11 Pro Max so I could fully enjoy the color of the iPhone while getting adequate protection. Although I seldom subject my personal iPhone to extreme conditions, I did have an unfortunate accident that tested this case while on an outdoor walk. The iPhone slipped out of my pocket on a steep, muddy hill, and the case protected well as it slid down a muddy and rocky hill. The case was scratched, but the iPhone remained completely unscathed.
The Braided Solo Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2020 along with the Apple Watch Series 6. The packaging describes this product as a “Textile Fitted Band.” According to Apple’s website:
“Each Braided Solo Loop features a unique, stretchable design that’s ultracomfortable and easy to slip on and off your wrist. Made from 100 percent recycled materials, the 16,000 polyester yarn filaments in each band are interwoven with thin silicone threads using advanced braiding machinery then laser cut to an exact length. The 300D construction offers a soft, textured feel and is both sweat-resistant and water-resistant.”
This band is (PRODUCT)RED, and was also available at release in Inverness Green, Charcoal, Pink Punch, and Atlantic Blue. It was available in 40mm and 44mm widths, and was among the first Apple Watch band to be sold in specific wrist sizes. The 40mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9 and the 44mm Braided 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.
Like all Apple (PRODUCT)RED products, part of the purchase price goes to charitable causes. During the COVID-19 crisis, Apple’s website adds, “When you buy the (PRODUCT)RED Braided Solo Loop, we will now send a contribution to the Global Fund to fight COVID-19. Your support can make all the difference.”
I have found this band to be Apple’s most comfortable so far. In my experience, the design allowed the Apple Watch Series 6 sensors to retain constant and consistent skin contact, allowing accurate blood oxygen and heart rate measurements to be maintained.
This example includes photos of the product packaging and installation instructions in the interior packaging.
The Apple Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2020 along with the Apple Watch Series 6. According to Apple’s website:
“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. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”
Like all Apple (PRODUCT)RED products, part of the purchase price goes to charitable causes. During the COVID-19 crisis, Apple’s website added, “When you buy the (PRODUCT)RED Braided Solo Loop, we will now send a contribution to the Global Fund to fight COVID-19. Your support can make all the difference.”
This band shipped with a (PRODUCT)RED Series 6 Apple Watch.
Although Apple has released several Pride Edition bands, this design is the first multicolor fluoroelastomer band. According to Apple’s website:
“The Pride Edition Sport Band is assembled by hand from individual strips of colored fluoroelastomer. The strips are then machine die-cut and compression molded together. This process results in subtle variations in the wavy rainbow design, making each band artfully unique. Durable and strong, yet surprisingly soft, the band drapes elegantly across your wrist and feels comfortable next to your skin. An innovative pin-and-tuck closure ensures a clean fit.”
The packaging states: “Apple is proud to support LGBTQ advocacy organizations working to bring about positive change.” Apple’s website goes on to specify the LGBTQ organizations they support through the sale of this band: Encircle, Gender Spectrum, GLSEN, PFLAG, SMYAL, The National Center for Transgender Equality, The Trevor Project in the U.S., and ILGA World internationally.
This Nike Sport Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2018. The packaging describes this product as “Hook and Loop Closure Reflective Thread Detail.”
The Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop band has been available in several color combinations, including Bright Crimson/Black, Pearl Pink, Smokey Mauve, Midnight Fog, Celestial Teal, Olive Flak, Cargo Khaki, Black/Pure Platinum, Black, Summit White, Desert Sand/Volt, Pink Blast/True Berry, Royal Pulse/Lava Glow, Summit White, and Black.
Apple describes the Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop band:
“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Nike Sport Loop is designed for fitness, with select colors matched to the new line of Nike running shoes. It features a nylon weave with reflective thread designed to shimmer when light strikes it. A hook-and-loop fastener makes for quick and easy adjustment, and dense loops on the skin side provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”
This example includes photos of the packaging and box opening. The interior packaging shows installation instructions.
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.”
This band is Black, and was also available at release in Pink Citrus, Deep Navy, Cypress Green, Ginger, White, and (PRODUCT)RED. It was available in 40mm and 44mm widths, and was among the first Apple Watch bands to be sold in specific wrist sizes. The 40mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9 and the 44mm 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 the Apple Watch Series 6 sensors to retain constant and consistent skin contact, allowing accurate blood oxygen and heart rate measurements to be maintained.
The Braided Solo Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2020 along with the Apple Watch Series 6. The packaging describes this product as a “Textile Fitted Band.” According to Apple’s website:
“Each Braided Solo Loop features a unique, stretchable design that’s ultracomfortable and easy to slip on and off your wrist. Made from 100 percent recycled materials, the 16,000 polyester yarn filaments in each band are interwoven with thin silicone threads using advanced braiding machinery then laser cut to an exact length. The 300D construction offers a soft, textured feel and is both sweat-resistant and water-resistant.”
This band is Atlantic Blue, and was also available at release in Inverness Green, Charcoal, Pink Punch, and (PRODUCT)RED. It was available in 40mm and 44mm widths, and was among the first Apple Watch band to be sold in specific wrist sizes. The 40mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9 and the 44mm Braided 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.
I have found this band to be Apple’s most comfortable so far. In my experience, the design allowed the Apple Watch Series 6 sensors to retain constant and consistent skin contact, allowing accurate blood oxygen and heart rate measurements to be maintained.
