Category: Accessory

Posted on

AirPods Pro (Generation 2, 2022)

Apple announced the Generation 2 version of AirPods Pro on September 7, 2022. Apple described these AirPods as the “most advanced AirPods ever” and reported the product highlights in a press release:

“With the power of the new H2 chip, AirPods Pro unlock breakthrough audio performance — including major upgrades to Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode — while also offering a unique way to experience Spatial Audio that’s even more immersive. Now, customers can enjoy Touch control for media playback and volume adjustments directly from the stem, along with longer battery life, a brand-new charging case, and an additional ear tip size for a better fit.”

The H2 chip in the AirPods Pro Generation 2 provided better noise cancellation as the original AirPods Pro and cancelled “up to twice as much noise over the previous generation.” Apple also improved the bass and engineered a “crystal-clear sound across a wider range of frequencies.” To improve the fit of this version of AirPods Pro, Apple included a new extra-small ear tip as a custom size option.

Apple also included a variety of Adaptive Audio features in the AirPods Pro Generation 2. The adaptive features worked by “automatically prioritizing sounds that need your attention as you move through the world. By seamlessly blending pro‑level Active Noise Cancellation with Transparency mode when you need it, Adaptive Audio magically delivers the right mix of sound for any environment.” Other features included:

  • Voice Isolation—Improved the quality of phone calls in loud or windy conditions using advanced computational audio.
  • Personalized Volume—Used machine learning to understand listening preferences in different environments, and automatically adapted sound over time.
  • Conversation Awareness—Automatically lowered the volume of what’s playing when speaking with someone nearby.

Three personalized listening technologies included Personalized Spatial Audio, Dynamic head tracking, and Adaptive EQ. The MagSafe Charging Case that shipped with the AirPods Pro Generation 2 allowed charging with USB‑C, an Apple Watch charger, or a MagSafe charger. The case also included Apple’s U1 chip to allow Find My with Precision Finding. Finally, the new case included a structure for a lanyard loop.

Sources: Apple (Newsroom, Product)

Posted on

iPod Universal Dock (2005)

Apple released this first version of the Universal Dock on October 12, 2005, along with the iPod Generation 5 that could display Photos and Video. In a press release, Apple described the Universal Dock as an “optional accessory” for the iPod:

“Optional accessories designed for the new iPod include: Universal Dock for $39 (US), giving users easy access to a USB port for syncing, IR support to work with the Apple Remote and a variable line out and S-video connections for integration within the living room.”

The 2005 iPod Universal Dock included the S-Video port and an infrared sensor for an Apple Remote (sold separately). Unlike earlier iPod Docks designed for specific models, the Universal Dock used Dock Adapters to support a wider range of iPod models with 30-pin dock connectors.

This iPod Universal Dock included adapters for 5 iPod designs sold at the time. Each adapter was numbered and matched to particular iPod devices:

  • 3—iPod mini (4GB, 6GB)
  • 4—iPod (20GB) and U2 Special Edition
  • 5—iPod (40GB)
  • 6—iPod with color display (20GB, 30GB) and U2 Special Edition
  • 7—iPod with color display (40GB, 60GB)

This iPod Universal Dock could also accept other adapters listed on the packaging. Other supported iPod devices included:

  • iPod (10GB, 15GB, 20GB)
  • iPod (30GB, 40GB)
  • iPod nano (2GB, 4GB)
  • iPod with color display (30GB)
  • iPod with color display (60GB)

An updated iPod Universal Dock was released in 2007 (it included a white Apple Remote, but omitted S-Video), and a 2010 version included new Dock adapters and the updated aluminum Apple Remote. This product line was eventually replaced by the iPhone Lightning Dock when Apple switched from the 30-pin connector to the Lightning port for charging and sound output.

Sources: Apple newsroom, Apple Wiki

Posted on

Apple Magic Trackpad 2 (2015)

Apple’s Magic Trackpad 2 was originally available in white and black. The device product number was A1535. Apple described the Magic Trackpad 2:

“Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, and it includes the full range of Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch technology. Sensors underneath the trackpad surface detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing more functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content. It features a large edge-to-edge glass surface area, making scrolling and swiping through your favorite content more productive and comfortable than ever.”

This version of the Magic Trackpad used a Lightning port for charging. Apple’s manual described some of the Magic Trackpad 2:

  • Click: Press anywhere on the trackpad.
  • Force click: Press firmly until you feel a deeper click.
  • Secondary click (right-click): Click with two fingers to open shortcut menus.
  • Two-finger scroll: Slide two fingers up and down to scroll.
  • Pinch to zoom: Pinch your thumb and finger open or closed to zoom in or out of photos and webpages.
  • Swipe to navigate: Swipe left or right with two fingers to flip through webpages, documents, and more—like turning a page in a book.
  • Open Launchpad: Quickly open apps in Launchpad. Pinch closed with four or five fingers, then click an app to open it.
  • Swipe between apps: To switch from one full-screen app to another, swipe left or right with three or four fingers.

The Magic Trackpad 2 was 0.43 inch tall, 6.30 inches wide, 4.52 inches deep, and weighed 0.51 pound.

Apple (technical specifications, manual)

Posted on

Apple Watch Sport Loop (Ultramarine, 46 mm, Fall 2024)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band was woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. These bands were available for the 42 mm and 46 mm Apple Watch models (2024), and were offered in sizes to fit 130–200 mm wrists (38, 40, 41, 42 mm) and 145–220 mm wrists (42, 44, 46, 49 mm).

Beginning with the Apple Watch 10 iteration, the 42 mm description became arguably more confusing, as the larger model of the original Apple Watch (Series 0 and 1) was described as “42 mm,” and now the smaller model of the current Apple Watch (Series 10) is described as “42 mm.”

Beginning in Fall 2024, Apple began offering bands in the monotone colors—a design concept first available nearly 10 years ago with the original Apple Watch. This “Ultramarine” color is a shade of blue with a hint of violet. The connector and closure plastics also matched the Ultramarine color of the band (as opposed to using contrasting colors for the plastics).

Apple also began describing this band as “Carbon Neutral” and including a description of the environmental benefits along with the general product description:

“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 weave is made with 82% recycled yarns, some of which contain material from discarded fishing nets. This band is carbon neutral. The Sport Loop contains 45% recycled content by weight, 100% of manufacturing electricity is covered by clean energy, and 50% or more of all carbon neutral Apple Watch products are shipped without airplanes.”

Sources: Apple, Bandbreite app

Posted on

Nike Sport Loop (Just Do It, Sequoia/Pure Platinum, 45 mm, Fall 2022)

This 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.

This band uses 2 colors. The primary color is Sequoia, a shade of olive green, and an accent color “Pure Platinum,” Nike’s description of light metallic gray. The “Pure Platinum” accent is woven with the Sequoia color to create a light version of Sequoia that is used for the part of the band that features Nike’s tagline, “JUST DO IT” that is woven on the adjustable hook-and-loop closure of the Sport Loop.

Apple described this Nike Sport Loop band:

“Breathable and lightweight, the Nike Sport Loop is designed for fitness. The iconic Nike ‘Just Do It’ logo is woven right into the soft nylon using an innovative technique. 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.”

Source: Apple, Bandbreite

Posted on

iPhone 16 Pro Silicone Case with MagSafe (ultramarine, 2024)

The iPhone 16 Pro Silicone Case was “Designed by Apple to complement iPhone 16 Pro, the Silicone Case with MagSafe is a delightful way to protect your iPhone. Made with a 55 percent recycled silicone material, the case has a silky, soft-touch finish on the exterior that feels great in your hand. And on the inside, there’s a soft microfiber lining for even more protection.”

The case also included MagSafe magnets that extended the functionality of MagSafe built into the iPhone through the case. Apple described the functionality:

“With built-in magnets that align perfectly with iPhone 16 Pro, this case offers a magical attach experience and faster wireless charging, every time. When it’s time to charge, just leave the case on your iPhone and snap on your MagSafe charger, or set it on your Qi2 or Qi-certified charger.”

Apple named the color of this case “Ultramarine,” one of my favorite colors released by Apple so far. The color is a shade of blue with a hint of violet. Other Fall 2024 Apple accessories in Ultramarine include an iPhone 16 Silicone Case with MagSafe, a Sport Loop for Apple Watch, and a Solo Loop for Apple Watch.

Source: Apple

Posted on

Keychain (leather and chrome, c. 2020)

This keychain is rectangular and made of leather and chrome with a chrome key ring. A black leather strip forms a loop where the key ring is attached, and the strip is secured by two highly polished chrome slabs.

One of the chrome slabs has a centered Apple logo that is etched into the metal, giving the logo a frosted look. The black leather loop is stitched in black thread.

The condition of this keychain is slightly used with a few scratches. The body of the keychain is 0.75 inches tall and 2 inches wide. The keychain loop adds an additional 0.75 inch to the length.

Posted on

Apple Pencil Tips (2016)

This product provides four extra tips for your Apple Pencil that can be replaced if your Apple Pencil tip becomes worn or damaged. These replacement tips are compatible with Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (Generation 2), Apple Pencil (USB-C), and Apple Pencil (Generation 1).

The tips are easily replaced by twisting on and off the Apple Pencil.

Sources: Apple

Posted on

Apple Watch Sport Loop Demo (PRODUCT(RED), 44 mm, Spring 2021)

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

This band is primarily bright red with two different color edges. One edge is gray/brown and the other is pink. The plastic connectors are bright red, and the plastic closure is gray/brown.

Apple described the Apple Watch Sport Loop band:

“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.”

This Apple Watch band is red and part of Apple’s (PRODUCT)RED line of products. In 2021–2022, Apple changed the (PRODUCT)RED statement to include the support of COVID-19:

“Every (PRODUCT)RED purchase contributes equally to the fight to end AIDS and its impact from COVID-19.” Additional information specified that “A portion of the proceeds from every (PRODUCT)RED purchase goes to the Global Fund to fight AIDS with (RED). From now until December 31, 2022, half of those proceeds will go to the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the fight to end AIDS.”

This band’s packaging is marked “Demo,” meaning that it was meant to be used as an Apple Store demonstration band for potential customers to see and try in person. However, the box was unopened and the band was never used as a Demo.

Source: Apple, Bandbreite

Posted on

Apple Watch Leather Link (41mm, M/L, Ink, 2022)

The Apple Watch Leather Link was an Apple Watch band released in 2020. The design is similar to Apple’s previous Leather Loop design, but while the Leather Loop included a metal “eye” that looped back on itself, the Leather Link is secured solely by magnets.

Apple described the Leather Link:

“The Leather Link features handcrafted Roux Granada leather made in France. The strap elegantly wraps around the wrist and magically attaches with flexible moulded magnets that gently flex to help maintain a secure, comfortable fit throughout the day.”

In their press release, Apple mentioned: “The first-of-its-kind Leather Link wraps elegantly around the wrist, effortlessly attaching on the other side with flexible molded magnets.”

The Leather Link came in sizes including 41mm in S/M (130–160mm wrists) and M/L (140–180mm wrists), and 45mm in S/M (140–180mm wrists) and M/L (165–205mm wrists).

This example is Ink, a shade of blue-black, for the 41 mm Apple Watch, and fit wrists in the M/L size range.

Source: Apple