The Apple Watch Sport Loop band is woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. They were available for the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models, and fit 130–200 mm wrists (40 mm) and 145–200mm wrists (44 mm).
The Apple Watch Sport Loop band has been available in several styles. The 2019 designs were comprised of a base color and one or more accent colors. In this Cerulean example, the edges and plastics are light blue, and the inside pattern is comprised of threads in light blue, royal blue, light orange, and white.
Apple describes 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 black t-shirt features an Apple Music logo on the front with an Apple logo and the text-stylized word “MUSIC” (in an unknown, perhaps bespoke, font). The back of the shirt is printed at the top-center with a white Apple logo and the words “1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA” in Apple’s San Francisco font.
The shirt does not have a tag, but is printed with the size 2XL and “Made in China.” The size is stylized in the Apple Myriad font with a rounded-rectangle border, the same design used to indicate the storage size of various iPod and iPhone models. (It seems unusual that Apple has mixed the current San Francisco font on the back and the old Apple Myriad font on the tag of the same product.)
This t-shirt has not been worn. It was purchased from The Company Store, a store on the Apple Campus at 1 Infinite Loop that resembles an Apple Store, but includes Apple logo retail items such as t-shirts and mugs.
This Apple 45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter was designed for the MacBook Air laptops including MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015–2017) and the MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015). It could be used with any Mac laptop with the MagSafe 2 adapter, but may not charge as optimally as power adapters with higher wattages.
Apple describes the power adapter:
“The 45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter features a magnetic DC connector so if someone should trip over it, the cord disconnects harmlessly and your MacBook Air stays put safely. It also helps prevent fraying or weakening of the cables over time. In addition, the magnetic DC helps guide the plug into the system for a quick and secure connection.”
Further, “Designed to be the perfect traveling companion, the adapter has a clever design which allows the DC cable to be wound neatly around itself for easy cable storage.”
This particular 45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter is an Apple OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part. It ships in a cardboard box with black cardboard and clear plastic wraps instead of the white retail box.
This computer backpack is embroidered on the front with the Apple Distinguished Educator logo in metallic silver. The backpack is made by Gemline and the model is the Ryder Computer Backpack.
The Gemline website lists some of the features of this backpack, including a zippered wide mouth opening to large main compartment, a padded laptop compartment that fits up to a 17-inch laptop, a front flap pocket with easy access to multi-function organizer, a side pocket for an iPad (up to 10 inches), and dual mesh water bottle pockets. The interior lining and backpack straps feature a map-patterned lining.
I was honored to receive this backpack as part of the Apple Distinguished Educator program. I am part of the ADE Class of 2007.
The original Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable was available in two versions, a white plastic back and a steel back. The Magnetic Charging Cable that shipped with aluminum Apple Watch models had the white plastic back, and Magnetic Charging Cables included with Stainless Steel and Edition models had the steel back. When purchased separately, the Magnetic Charging Cable used the steel back.
This 1-meter version of the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable has a USB-A plug. A version is also available with a USB-C plug, referred to on Apple’s website as an Apple Watch Magnetic Charger to USB-C Cable. These cables were available in three lengths, 0.3 m, 1 m, and 2 m.
Although not an official “MagSafe” product, Apple refers to MageSafe technology in the description:
“We wanted to make charging your Apple Watch utterly effortless. So we arrived at a solution that combines our MagSafe technology with inductive charging. It’s a completely sealed system free of exposed contacts. And it’s very forgiving, requiring no precise alignment. You simply hold the connector near the back of the watch, where magnets cause it to snap into place automatically.”
This Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable is shown below along with a 42mm Apple Watch Edition Series 2 (white ceramic case).
AirPods with Charging Case are the second generation wireless headphone product by Apple.
According to Apple:
“The new AirPods deliver the wireless headphone experience, reimagined. Just pull them out of the charging case and they’re ready to use with your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac. After a simple one-tap setup, AirPods work like magic. They’re automatically on and always connected. AirPods can even sense when they’re in your ears and pause when you take them out. To adjust the volume, change the song, make a call, or even get directions, simply say ‘Hey Siri’ and make your request. You have the freedom to wear one or both AirPods, and you can play or skip forward with a double-tap when listening to music or podcasts.”
Since the first version of AirPods, Apple touted an easy setup experience. For all intents and purposes, the setup has been truly simple, perhaps “magical” as Apple has claimed, from the start. The initial pairing process begins simply by placing a new set of AirPods in proximity to an iPhone or iPad. The pairing process takes just a single tap on the device.
The design of the original AirPods and AirPods Generation 2 is identical on the outside for both the AirPods and the charging case. Internally, original AirPods use a W1 chip and AirPods Generation 2 use the H1 chip that adds the hands-free “Hey Siri” feature and better battery life.
The name, “AirPods with Charging Case,” differentiates this product from the “AirPods with Wireless Charging Case.” AirPods with Charging Case offered charging only with a Lightning connector cable. For an additional $40 at the time of purchase, the AirPods Wireless Charging Case allowed a user to “set the case down on a Qi-compatible charging mat and let it charge. The LED indicator on the front of the case lets you know that your AirPods are charging.” To purchase the Wireless Charging Case for AirPods separately cost $79.
When purchased online, Generation 2 AirPods also offered free case engraving. “Engrave an emoji, name, initials, phone number, or date. Only at Apple.”
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 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.
AirPods Pro with Wireless Charging Case were released in 2019 as a follow up to the immensely popular AirPods with Apple promising “Magic like you’ve never heard.” AirPods Pro add a number of features in addition to standard AirPods, most notably Active Noise Cancellation and a custom fit using three included sets of rubber “ear tips.” Connectivity is through Bluetooth 5.0.
Like standard AirPods, AirPods Pro easily connect to iPhone or Apple Watch using a simple connection interface that begins automatically when AirPods Pro are unboxed and in proximity to a device.
AirPods Pro are powered by an Apple-designed H1 chip. They use a force sensor on the stem and/or Siri to allow direct control of many functions. They also allow Audio Sharing between two sets of AirPods.
The AirPods Pro case allows both storage and charging. The case connects to a Lightning port or can use a wireless Qi-certified charger.
Audio technology includes: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive EQ, vent system for pressure equalization, custom high-excursion Apple driver, and custom high dynamic range amplifier.
Sensors include: dual beamforming microphones, inward-facing microphone, dual optical sensors, motion-detecting accelerometer, speech-detecting accelerometer, and a Force sensor.
Controls include: Press once to play, pause, or answer a phone call. Press twice to skip forward. Press three times to skip back. Press and hold to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. Say “Hey Siri” to do things like play a song, make a call, or get directions.
The Apple Watch Sport Loop band is woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. They are available for the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models, and are offered in Regular size to fit 130–190 mm wrists.
The Apple Watch Sport Loop band has been available in several styles, including (PRODUCT)RED (two versions), Spicy Orange, Nectarine, Electric Pink, Hibiscus, Hot Pink, Pink Sand, Flash Light, Flash, Marine Green, Tahoe Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Midnight Blue, Indigo, Dark Olive, Storm Gray, Black, and Seashell. Close inspection of original styles reveal that designs are comprised of a base color and one or more accent colors; for example, Indigo uses a dark blue base color with accent threads in white, red, and purple. Newer styles use a two-tone design with one or more accent colors—Pomegranate, Khaki, Alaskan Blue, Camel, Midnight Blue. This Anchor Gray Sport Loop has a two-tone gray design.
Apple describes 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.”
