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 in Fall 2024, Apple began offering bands in monotone colors—a design concept first available nearly 10 years prior with the original Apple Watch. This “Ink” color was a shade of black with a hint of dark blue. The connector and closure plastics also matched the ink color of the band.
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.”
Among the 12 press releases of the “base” Apple Watch models (original Apple Watch through the Series 11), 7 of the 12 have mentioned health and/or fitness features in the headline (or subhead). The Apple Watch Series 11 press release leads with “groundbreaking health insights” and specified hypertension notifications and sleep score as its primary new features along with battery improvements and a more scratch-resistant display.
Stan Ng, Apple’s vice president of Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing, said in the press release that “Apple Watch is the world’s most popular watch, using advanced sensing capabilities to empower millions of people around the world to better understand their health simply by wearing it, while also serving as a fitness coach, message center, mobile wallet, and beautiful timepiece.” He added that the “Apple Watch Series 11 is an indispensable companion that supports users’ health, fitness, safety, and connectivity throughout the day and night.”
The durability of the screen is described in more detail, noting that it is “Made from a unique Ion-X (ion-exchanged strengthened) glass…treated with a breakthrough Apple-designed ceramic coating that bonds to the glass at an atomic level through a physical vapor deposition process, significantly hardening the surface.”
The Apple Watch Series 11 was released with watchOS 26, using the Liquid Glass design also available on all Apple devices as of late 2025. Some of the new features added:
2 new watch faces (Flow and Exactograph)
A new one-handed wrist flick gesture to easily dismiss notifications
Live Translation in Messages with Apple Intelligence
A Watch version of the Notes app (finally!!)
The Aluminum case options for Apple Watch Series 11 were available in Rose Gold, Silver, Jet Black, and a new Space Gray option. Titanium case options included Gold, Natural, and Slate.
The 46 mm model measured 46mm x 39 mm and was 9.7 mm thick. The aluminum/GPS model weighed 37.8 grams.
The screen was 416 x 496 pixels at 326 pixels per inch with an always‑On Retina display with wide‑angle OLEDs. It could display up to 2000 nits peak brightness down to 1 nit minimum brightness.
The Series 11 had an impressive list of sensors:
Electrical heart sensor
Third‑generation optical heart sensor
Blood oxygen sensor
Temperature sensor
Compass
Always‑on altimeter
High‑g accelerometer
High dynamic range gyroscope
Ambient light sensor
Depth gauge to 6 meters
Water temperature sensor
Connectivity options included support for 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks with Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; GPS systems including L1, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou. It used a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip.
This example is in the Aluminum Space Gray option in the 46 mm size. It shipped with a black M/L Sport Band.
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, 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 Blue Cloud color is pale blue/light gray. The connector and closure plastics also matched the pale blue/light gray 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.”
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 (2025), 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, 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 Neon Yellow color is bright yellow. The connector and closure plastics also matched the bright yellow 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.”
The Apple Watch Sport Loop band was woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. These bands were available for the 41mm and 45mm Apple Watch models, and were offered in sizes to fit 130–200mm wrists (41mm) and 145–220mm wrists (45mm).
This Winter Blue band is a slate blue color with slightly darker slate blue edges. The connectors are darker shade of blue, and the closure plastic is a contrasting shade of purple.
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.”
The Apple Watch Sport Loop band was woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. These bands were available for the 41mm and 45mm Apple Watch models, and were offered in sizes to fit 130–200mm wrists (41mm) and 145–220mm wrists (45mm).
This Light Pink band is a pale shade of pink and has slightly darker pink edges. The connectors are a matching light pink color with a contrasting dark pink closure plastic.
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.”
Beginning in 2020 Apple began offering Apple Watch band designs that were specifically sized to wrists. These bands included the Apple Watch Solo Loop and the Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop. These Apple Watch bands were available in sizes 1–12.
In order to allow individuals to determine their Apple Watch Band size, Apple provided three methods:
Printable Tool (online PDF)
Everyday items (using a “tailor’s measuring tape” or a narrow strip of paper)
Sizing Tool (in-store paper tool)
The first 2 options were available online. After measuring your wrist, Apple provided an online converter that allowed users to enter their wrist size to a maximum of 10 15/16 inch (although the Solo Loop only fit wrists to a maximum of 8 2/16 inches).
This third Sizing Tool option was available to Apple Store Customers. The tool includes the directions on the outer package, instructing individuals using diagrams to open the package, peel back an adhesive dot, wrap the tool around the wrist, and determine the band size based upon the location of arrows printed on the Sizing Tool.
This example is unopened and was obtained at the Deer Park (IL) Apple Store in December 2025.
The Apple Watch Series 5 looked similar to the Series 4, but had an “Always-On” Retina display “that never sleeps,” a faster processor, and more storage. The GPS model required an iPhone tether to use the phone features (higher-end models had built-in wireless cellular). This watch added international emergency calling that allowed calling “emergency services directly from Apple Watch in over 150 countries, even without iPhone nearby.”
Like all previous Apple Watch models, the Apple Watch Series 5 uses a Digital Crown and a touch display. The screen is OLED at 368×448 with haptic feedback and a Force Touch display. New health and fitness features with Series 5 included Cycle Tracking, the Noise app and Activity Trends.
Previous Apple Watch models used screens that went black to conserve power. The Always-On screen in the Series 5 was made possible by the OLED display and other hardware and software. According to Apple:
“Each watch face has been carefully optimized for the new display and to preserve battery life, the screen intelligently dims when a user’s wrist is down and returns to full brightness with a raise or a tap. Several advanced technologies work together to deliver this new feature, including the industry’s only low-temperature polysilicon and oxide display (LTPO), ultra-low power display driver, efficient power management integrated circuit and new ambient light sensor.”
Three different stainless steel options were available: gold, silver, and space black—all three available on the previous model. The Series 5 introduced the “Apple Watch Studio,” both on the Apple website and on the Apple Store app. The Apple Watch Studio allowed the opportunity for buyers to select a “preferred case and band combination to create a look that is uniquely their own.”
New materials were also offered with the Series 5, including natural titanium and space black titanium. Aluminum cases in silver, gold, and space gray were offered in “100 percent recycled 7000 series aluminum.”
This unopened Apple Watch Series 5 is Space Black Stainless Steel in the 40 mm (a rare inclusion in my collection of mostly large-size Apple Watch models). This example includes a matching Space Black Milanese Loop.
The Apple Watch Alpine Loop band design was released along with the Apple Watch Ultra on September 7, 2022. The Apple Watch Ultra “brings a new bold design and a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure.”
In the original press release, Apple described the Alpine Loop as one of its “New Bands Designed for the Great Outdoors.” Apple adds:
“With explorers in mind, the Alpine Loop band features two integrated layers made from one continuous weaving process that eliminates the need for stitching. The top loops, interspersed with high-strength yarn, provide adjustability and a secure attachment for the titanium G-hook fastener.”
Apple’s product page described the Alpine Loop:
“The rugged Alpine Loop is made from two textile layers woven together into one continuous piece without stitching. High-strength yarns reinforce the top loops, and the corrosion-resistant titanium G-hook slides easily into the loops for secure fit.”
This Alpine Loop is described as light blue, but the color more closely resembles slate blue in my opinion. With the announcement of the black Apple Watch Ultra 2 in September 2024, Apple began offering Alpine Loop bands with black titanium connector hardware to match the black titanium finish of the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2. A press release explained:
“To complement the new black finish, the popular Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band have all been updated to offer a black hardware option in addition to natural titanium. Both black and natural finishes of Apple Watch Ultra 2 are made from 95 percent recycled titanium, and are carbon neutral with any Titanium Milanese Loop, Trail Loop, or Alpine Loop.”
The connectors and the “G-hook” closure are made of the same color titanium as the silver Apple Watch Ultra. Although splitting hairs, a more apt name for the hook would be a “g-hook” since it matches the shape of a lowercase—not uppercase—“g.”
All Apple Watch Ultra models fit the single-size 49mm case. The Alpine Loop is made primarily of polyester.
The Apple Watch Trail Loop was released along with the Apple Watch Ultra on September 7, 2022. Apple reported that the Apple Watch Ultra “brings a new bold design and a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure.”
In the original press release, Apple described the Trail Loop as one of its “New Bands Designed for the Great Outdoors.” Apple added:
“Designed specifically for endurance athletes and runners, the Trail Loop band is the thinnest Apple Watch band to date. The lightweight woven textile is both soft and flexible, allowing it to cinch to the optimal fit, and the convenient tab is designed for quick and easy adjustment.”
Apple’s product page described the Trail Loop:
“The thin, lightweight Trail Loop is made from a nylon weave creating a soft band with increased elasticity for a comfortable fit. The band is infinitely adjustable with a convenient pull tab for quick adjustments on the go.”
This Trail Loop is Blue. The band is primarily dark blue with a dark blue pull-tab. A distinctive triple-stitch pattern in white thread separates the blue and bright bue edges. With the announcement of the black Apple Watch Ultra 2 in September 2024, Apple began offering Trail Loop bands with black titanium connector hardware to match the black titanium finish of the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2. A press release explained:
“To complement the new black finish, the popular Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band have all been updated to offer a black hardware option in addition to natural titanium. Both black and natural finishes of Apple Watch Ultra 2 are made from 95 percent recycled titanium, and are carbon neutral with any Titanium Milanese Loop, Trail Loop, or Alpine Loop.”
All Apple Watch Ultra models fit the single-size 49mm case. The Trail Loop is made primarily of nylon.
Please note that this item was ordered on Amazon and arrived in a 4-pack. It was packaged in a brown cardboard shipping container (likely directory from the factory) with a white, unclosed box inside that held four identical Trail Loop bands.
